Crime
Jeremiah Griffin and Savanah Rubio Killed in Grand Rapids School Shooting Following Dispute Over Soccer Game
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A tragic shooting at an elementary school in Grand Rapids has left a 14-year-old boy and an adult woman dead, following what police say began as a dispute over a soccer game.
According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 6:37 p.m. to Southwest Elementary School, located near Oakland Avenue SW and Rumsey Street, after reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers found 14-year-old Jeremiah Griffin and Savanah Rubio, a woman in her 30s, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
First responders attempted life-saving measures on the teen, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rubio was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg stated that the incident began when a group of children were playing soccer at the school grounds.
The suspect, identified as an 18-year-old man, reportedly approached and asked to join the game but was turned away.
According to investigators, the rejection led to a verbal altercation, which quickly escalated.
Police say the suspect then produced a firearm and shot the teenage victim. When Rubio intervened in defense of the boy, she was also shot.
Authorities believe Rubio may have been related to the teen, though that connection has not yet been officially confirmed.
The suspect fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was later located by officers at a nearby residence and taken into custody without further incident.
Police confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators noted that multiple juveniles witnessed the shooting, making the incident particularly traumatic for the community.
Due to the shooting occurring on school property, classes were canceled at both Southwest Elementary School and Southwest Middle High School the following day. Grand Rapids Public Schools announced that crisis response teams and counseling services would be made available to students, staff, and families.
Superintendent Leadriane Roby emphasized that the incident occurred after school hours and was not connected to any official school activities, but acknowledged the profound emotional impact on the school community.
The Grand Rapids Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the confrontation and the relationship between the victims.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as the case remains active.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.