A 15-year-old remains in police custody after allegedly killing a woman and injuring another when he opened fire outside of a liquor store Friday on the city's east side.
Meanwhile, the victims' family is asking for prayers, not only for the women shot by the teen, but for the alleged gunman himself.
The victim who was killed has been identified by family members as 57-year-old Faith Williams. Her sister, who spoke during a press conference Monday at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters, said Williams was shot in the head.
The other victim was Williams' niece. Police Chief Todd Bettison said she remained hospitalized as of Monday.
"Thank you for surrounding the family with so much love and compassion and support," said Williams' sister, who did not provide her name and was not made available for interviews. "And we also ask that you pray for the young man who did this because we never know what's on people's mind and, although it's tragic, if God forgives us, who are we not to forgive?"
Authorities said the shooting took place around 11:15 p.m. Friday at a liquor store in the 15500 block of East Warren.
Footage that has been widely circulated online appears to show a shirtless suspect approaching the women and opening fire as they entered the establishment, without apparent provocation.
The 15-year-old remains in police custody, Bettison said. He declined to discuss a possible motive.
" … There are many different rumors circulating as to why a heinous act like this would be committed," Bettison said. "We may not ever know why he did what he did."
A warrant has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and charges are expected by the end of the week, police said.
Bettison said the teen had no known prior criminal history or involvement in the juvenile court system. But, the chief added, "someone knew" that the teen was dangerous.
"Along the way, there probably was an opportunity to intervene, to prevent, before the tragic situation happened," Bettison said. "… We need that information, and don't be afraid to ask for help."
Bettison said the Warren Avenue shooting took place during "a busy and challenging" several days in which the city experienced an "uptick in violence."
On Thursday, police found the bodies of a 14-year-old boy his 40-year-old mother after they were called to the 15500 block of Stoepel. Bettison said the victims appear to have died in a murder-suicide.
Police returned to the home on Friday, after speaking with family members who said the woman's husband had not been seen or heard from in years.
There, officers found skeletal remains in the basement. Bettison did not confirm whether the remains may have been those of the missing man but said "our investigation reveals that the victims may be all related, family members." All three appear to have died from gunshot wounds.
Police are awaiting an autopsy report from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office.
Bettison urged Detroiters to reach out to authorities if someone in their family is missing.
"Check on your loved ones," he said.
Just hours before gunfire erupted outside the liquor store on Warren, three adults and a 10-year-old boy were injured in a drive-by shooting about a mile away, in the 3700 block of Haverhill Street.
The child, his 40-year-old mother, a man around age 40 and another man in his 20s all were struck when an unknown vehicle pulled up and someone started shooting, authorities have said. Each of the victims is expected to survive, though the mother, who was shot in the head, was still in critical condition as of Monday, Bettison said.
Police have not released details about possible suspects in the incident and are asking the public for tips. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or Detroit Police Department at (313) 596-2260.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Suspect, 15, in custody after fatal shooting at Detroit liquor store