A Michigan woman is said to have fatally shot her longtime friend after they got into an argument during a baby shower on October 15. Per WXYZ, the fatal incident occurred at a home on Edmore Street.
Family members of the victim, Phebe Williams, told the news outlet that the deceased 53-year-old woman’s longtime friend attended the baby shower despite not being invited.
“She’s a friend of the family. They’d been friends since they was kids,” Williams’ niece, Shavonda Carter, said. “I don’t understand why would she even pull a gun out.”
Relatives also said the argument between Williams and her longtime friend stemmed from the shooter accusing the deceased woman’s son of committing a crime. Williams’ son was also at the event, and the shooter is said to have reported the case to Detroit Police on October 13.
Williams is said to have hit her longtime friend when they were arguing. It was also reported that someone probably spat on her. The woman then took out a gun and fatally shot Williams.
“Y’all could have just fought. You didn’t have to pull a gun,” said Carter. “There’s kids in the house. It’s a lot of people in the house so why would you pull out a gun?”
In the wake of the incident, the unidentified woman left the residence and contacted Detroit Police to report the shooting. She also made her way to DPD’s 9th precinct on Gratiot Avenue. But when she got to the police station, it appeared Williams’ son had followed her. The deceased woman’s son is said to have plowed his vehicle into her after she came out of her car, WXYZ reported.
Both Williams’ son and the shooter were arrested, and the woman was also taken to the hospital to receive medical care for her injuries. But relatives of the shooter claim she acted in self-defense.
“As Chief White has indicated so many times, the senseless gun violence has to stop,” Detroit Police Captain Donna McCord said.
“Even licensed gun, CPL holders, which our shooter was, a licensed CPL holder, they have to be responsible with their weapons,” McCord added. “If something happens and you need police assistance, please call us. Let us deal with the situation. Don’t take the matter into your own hands. If you can get away, get away. Call 911. Let us come in and handle the situation.”
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the fatal incident.
