At a house on Edmore Street on Detroit, Michigan’s east side, a baby shower turned deadly when an argument between two women escalated into a fatal shooting.
The suspect, a woman in her 40s, shot another woman in her 50s after a confrontation revolving around one of the victim’s sons.
The victim, later identified as Phebe Williams, was attending her niece’s baby shower when the incident occurred. Williams and the suspect, who was a longtime friend of hers, had been engaged in a heated dispute. The friend, not originally on the guest list, had shown up and began the altercation over allegations she had made against one of Williams’ sons.
These accusations weren’t new; the suspect had previously visited a local police station days before the baby shower, asserting that Williams’ son had committed a crime. Amid the argument at the baby shower, the situation intensified when Williams allegedly struck the suspect.
In the presence of everyone, the suspect retaliated by drawing a firearm and shooting Williams. After the fatal confrontation, the shooter made her way to the Detroit police 9th Precinct, seemingly to turn herself in.
The aftermath of the shooting saw another violent episode. As the suspect arrived at the police precinct, Williams’ son, determined to confront her, pursued and struck her with his vehicle. Both the son and the suspect were taken into custody, and the suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Relatives and attendees were left in shock, struggling to come to terms with the abrupt violence that marred what should have been a joyous occasion.
To help with the unexpected funeral costs, Williams’ family established a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser describes Williams as a loving individual who “was loved by everyone,” highlighting her kindness and the joy she brought to those around her. Williams is survived by two sons and three grandchildren.
