Crime
14-year-old Darean Marty killed after shooting at Michigan State Fair in Novi
A tragic shooting incident occurred near the Michigan State Fair in Novi, Michigan on Saturday evening, August 31, 2024. A 14-year-old Darean Marty was fatally wounded, and another 14-year-old boy was injured in the incident.
At approximately 9:56 p.m., police officers stationed at the fair heard gunshots coming from a nearby parking lot. The initial report of an active shooter prompted a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies. However, upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that the situation was less dire.
Two 14-year-old boys had been shot. Both were immediately transported to a hospital, where one of the boys sadly succumbed to his injuries. The other boy is currently in stable condition.
According to police, the two victims had traveled to the fair with friends, taking Ubers from Detroit to Farmington Hills and then from Farmington Hills to the fairgrounds. The shooting took place in the parking lot, and there were no reports of gunfire inside the fair itself.
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed at the Michigan State Fair after 6 p.m. Investigators believe that the shooting was the result of an ongoing argument between the victims. The incident is believed to be isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
A suspect has not been identified, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Novi Police Department at 248-348-7100.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.