Detroit family fight over mother’s death ends in 5 shot, 2 critical [VIDEO]

Detroit Family Meltdown Turns Violent: 5 Shot After Brothers Fight Over Mother’s Death

A devastating scene unfolded Saturday afternoon in Detroit after a family dispute between two middle-aged brothers escalated into a shootout, leaving five family members shot and hospitalized. The violent encounter occurred just hours after the family’s matriarch passed away from a long illness, according to Detroit police.

The tragic incident took place in the 14500 block of Sussex Street, in a typically quiet neighborhood. Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald of the Detroit Police Department called the altercation “one of the crazier ones I’ve heard in 31 years.”

When a key member of a family dies, there’s normally some kind of craziness that ensues.

What We Know So Far:

• Two brothers, aged 57 and 53, got into a heated argument outside the family home after their mother died earlier that day.
• A gun reportedly fell out of one brother’s waistband during the fight; the other brother picked it up and opened fire.
• Three female relatives were also injured during the crossfire.
• At least two people have been arrested.
• Five individuals in total were shot — two in critical condition, three in serious condition.
• A nearby house was also hit by gunfire.

Above is a brief rundown of the facts. However, there’s much more to this story. This situation has an entire community shaken.

Chaos Erupts Following Mother’s Death

According to Fitzgerald, tensions had already been high due to the family grieving their mother, who had passed away earlier that morning following a long-term illness. However, those emotions turned violent around 4 p.m. when the two brothers began arguing in front of their home.

The disagreement may have involved disagreements over medical paperwork or hospital release procedures, though police are still verifying details. The verbal dispute turned physical, and soon, bullets were flying.

“We don’t even know exactly what they were fighting over. Some say paperwork, others say property,” said Fitzgerald. “But it doesn’t matter. This should never have happened.”

These actions resulted in other family members’ lives being in danger. That’s an overall terrible situation for a family already going through a loss. But moments like those are when tensions are most high.

Gun Falls, Bullets Fly

Police say a gun fell from the waistband of one of the brothers during their struggle. That’s when the other brother picked it up and began firing.

“The younger brother was shot in the chest, the older in the shoulder,” Fitzgerald confirmed. “Then others started shooting to defend the one who got shot.”

The chaotic exchange resulted in three women being hit as well, including the 51-year-old wife of one of the brothers, a 38-year-old niece, and a 22-year-old female relative. They were all transported to a local hospital and are listed in temporary serious condition.

Even more shocking — when police officers arrived at the home, the violence was ongoing.

“They were still fighting on the lawn,” Fitzgerald said. “One family member even struck another with a broom.”

Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing

As of Sunday morning, two people have been arrested — including the suspected shooter and another woman taken into custody at the scene. Police have not yet confirmed the extent of charges but anticipate charges ranging from felony assault to attempted murder.

One of the shooters is reportedly still in the hospital and will be taken into custody upon release. Officers are also investigating whether additional family members fired weapons during the incident.

“We’re still sorting out who shot who,” Fitzgerald said. “Everyone involved shares the same last name. It’s a nightmare to piece together.”

Bullets Struck Nearby Homes

Authorities confirmed that at least one neighboring home was struck by a stray bullet during the gunfight. Fortunately, no residents were injured. However, officers expressed concern about just how far-reaching the gunfire could have spread.

Inside the house, an elderly man recovering from a recent stroke was present during the shooting. Thankfully, he was unharmed, but officials say the outcome could have been even worse.

“This could’ve turned deadly for everyone,” Fitzgerald added. “One bullet in the wrong direction and we’re talking about a whole different situation.”

Grown Adults, Childish Behavior

Perhaps the most jarring aspect of the shooting is that all involved were mature adults.

“The brothers are 57 and 53 years old,” Fitzgerald said. “The youngest shooting victim is 22. These aren’t kids. They knew better.”

Neighbors and community leaders alike were stunned by the shooting, especially given the ages of those involved and the fact that it unfolded in broad daylight — with children outside playing just feet away.

It’s human nature for emotions to go into overdrive when a loved one passes away. However, it’s a different discussion when emotions run high enough to make people act this way. Not only is it sad because it’s brothers fighting, but it’s also sad that other family members were involved. In addition, even the neighbors were placed in harm’s way.

Public Reaction and Community Response

Local residents have expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the incident. Several called for more resources for conflict resolution and mental health awareness, especially in high-stress situations like the death of a loved one.

“This is supposed to be a time to come together as a family,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “Not to tear each other apart.”

Detroit police echoed those sentiments in their plea for nonviolent conflict resolution.

“Leave the location if emotions are high,” Fitzgerald said. “You can’t solve grief with a gun.”

What Happens Next?

Police are continuing to investigate, gathering more eyewitness statements, reviewing ballistics evidence, and awaiting medical updates from the five victims. Additional charges may be filed pending those developments.

Meanwhile, the neighborhood remains shaken, and the entire city is once again left grappling with the tragic consequences of unchecked anger and gun violence. None of this helps the stigma against the city of Detroit.

As this story develops, authorities urge anyone with further information to come forward. For now, a family meant to be mourning together finds itself deeply wounded — both physically and emotionally.

This story will be updated as more details become available.