Southfield, Michigan, December 30, 2025
On Christmas Day, a shooting at Riverstone Apartments in Southfield led to two deaths and one injury. The incident was tied to unreported domestic violence, highlighting the critical need for reporting such situations. Law enforcement is investigating the weapon’s origins, urging community members to seek help for domestic violence.
Southfield, Michigan: Deadly Christmas Day Shooting Linked to Unreported Domestic Violence
Southfield, Michigan – A tragic incident unfolded on Christmas Day at the Riverstone Apartments on Shiawassee Road, resulting in two fatalities and one injury. The shooting is believed to be connected to an unreported domestic violence situation.
Incident Details
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on December 25, 2025, Southfield police responded to reports of a shooting at the Riverstone Apartments. Upon arrival, they discovered a 23-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to her hand and a 30-year-old man from Detroit with multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to local hospitals, where the Detroit man later died from his injuries. The woman is expected to recover fully. Additionally, a 20-year-old man from Madison Heights was transported to a hospital by a friend; he also succumbed to his injuries. The 3-year-old child of the Detroit man was present during the incident but was unharmed and has since been reunited with his biological mother.
Background and Domestic Violence Connection
Earlier that day, around 3 p.m., the 23-year-old woman and her 30-year-old boyfriend engaged in a heated argument over damaged property and allegations of infidelity. During the altercation, the boyfriend physically assaulted the woman, slapping, strangling, and kicking her multiple times, leaving visible bruises. Despite the assault, the woman did not contact law enforcement, citing her relationship with the boyfriend’s child and a desire to avoid his arrest. Instead, she called a friend for assistance. Later that evening, the boyfriend returned to the apartment, forcibly entered, and retrieved an AR-15 assault rifle. A confrontation ensued between the boyfriend and the woman’s friend, who was armed with a 9-millimeter handgun. Both men exchanged gunfire, resulting in the injuries and subsequent deaths. The woman sustained a gunshot wound to her thumb during the incident.
Law Enforcement Response and Public Safety Message
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren emphasized the critical importance of reporting domestic violence incidents to law enforcement. He stated that involving authorities can help mitigate and reduce the issues surrounding domestic violence. The police are investigating the source of the AR-15 rifle, which was not registered to the suspect, to determine if it was obtained through a “straw purchase” to bypass background checks.
Community Resources
Individuals experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to seek help. Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline is free, anonymous, and available 24/7 by calling 866-864-2338 or texting 877-861-0222.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Southfield on Christmas Day?
A shooting occurred at the Riverstone Apartments on Shiawassee Road, resulting in two fatalities and one injury. The incident is linked to an unreported domestic violence situation.
Who were the victims involved in the shooting?
The victims included a 23-year-old woman, a 30-year-old man from Detroit, and a 20-year-old man from Madison Heights. The 3-year-old child of the Detroit man was present during the incident but was unharmed.
What led to the shooting?
Earlier that day, the 23-year-old woman and her boyfriend had a physical altercation over damaged property and allegations of infidelity. Despite the assault, the woman did not contact law enforcement, and later that evening, the boyfriend returned to the apartment, leading to a confrontation and the subsequent shooting.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Southfield Police Department is investigating the source of the AR-15 rifle used in the incident to determine if it was obtained through a “straw purchase” to bypass background checks.
How can individuals experiencing domestic violence seek help?
Individuals experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to contact Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline, which is free, anonymous, and available 24/7 by calling 866-864-2338 or texting 877-861-0222.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Riverstone Apartments, Shiawassee Road, Southfield, Michigan |
| Date and Time | December 25, 2025, approximately 9:30 p.m. |
| Victims | 23-year-old woman, 30-year-old man from Detroit, 20-year-old man from Madison Heights |
| Injuries | Two fatalities, one injury (woman with gunshot wound to hand) |
| Domestic Violence Connection | Unreported domestic assault earlier in the day between the woman and her boyfriend |
| Weapons Involved | AR-15 assault rifle, 9-millimeter handgun |
| Investigation Focus | Source of the AR-15 rifle, potential “straw purchase” to bypass background checks |
| Community Resource | Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline: 866-864-2338 (call), 877-861-0222 (text) |
Now Happening on X
- @CrimeInTheD (December 24, 2025, 6:39 AM) Breaking news on a shooting in Detroit where a 24-year-old woman was shot in the hand and a 1-year-old girl in the leg on the east side; both fled to a family member’s house. View on X
- @CBSDetroit (December 26, 2025, 12:00 PM) Daily headlines roundup for Metro Detroit, covering local news and updates from the post-Christmas period. View on X
- @jchambers_DN (December 29, 2025, 2:44 PM) Reports of power outages and crashes in Metro Detroit due to high winds and snow squalls impacting travel and safety. View on X
- @mspmetrodet (December 24, 2025, 1:49 PM) Details on a stolen vehicle pursuit near Davison and La Salle Blvd in Detroit, where a trooper followed and engaged the suspect. View on X
- @detroitnews (December 24, 2025, 5:40 PM) FBI announces arrests and gun seizures in a two-week crackdown in Detroit, focusing on public safety efforts. View on X
- @ChadLivengood (December 29, 2025, 4:40 PM) Updates on outages and crashes in Metro Detroit caused by high winds and snow squalls, affecting community infrastructure. View on X
- @CBSDetroit (December 23, 2025, 12:00 PM) Top headlines brief for Detroit, highlighting key local developments and news on December 23. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Crime Waves Affecting Ann Arbor Community
Michigan Prisoner Mistakenly Released, Accused of Inmate Murder
Estranged Husband Shot While Breaking Into Fowlerville Home
Detroit Lions’ Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Consecutive Losses
Vikings and Lions Release Injury Reports Ahead of Week 17 Matchup
Mild Weather Continues as Christmas Approaches in Detroit, MI
Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season in Detroit, MI
Jameson Williams Prepares for Key Game Against Dallas Cowboys
25 Holiday TV Offerings to Watch in Detroit
December Concerts and Festivals in Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
