Crime
Victims Killed in Muskegon Shooting Identified as Josh Fondren Jr and Cori May
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Police are actively searching for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that left two people dead and three others injured, including a young child, inside a Muskegon home on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the two victims who died as 25-year-old Joshua Fondren Jr. and 22-year-old Cori Marie May Watts, according to the Muskegon Police Department.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. inside a residence near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and McLaren Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Fondren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cori May and two additional 25-year-old men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
May later succumbed to her injuries, while the two men remained in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
A 4-year-old child was also injured during the incident.
Police said the child’s injuries were minor, and the child was expected to be released from the hospital.
Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Kozal stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, and officials do not believe there is an immediate threat to the broader public.
In response to the recent surge of violence, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson issued a statement late Saturday night addressing the tragic impact on the community.
“Our community has been shaken by tragedies this week, with the apparent murder of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stewart in his home in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street on Monday, and then Saturday’s mass shooting in a home in the 600 block of Jackson Avenue,” Johnson said.
The mayor urged residents with any information to come forward and also called for unity during this difficult time.
“Meanwhile, let’s hold the victims, their families, our neighbors, and all the first responders and medical professionals in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts,” Johnson said. “May our community come together in care for one another, as we navigate these traumatic events, and in pursuit of justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact:
- Muskegon Police Department: 231-724-6750
- Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-722-7463
The investigation remains underway.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.