Avonte Herring, a 13-year-old Black male, was fatally shot the afternoon of November 25, 2025, near the Dollar General at Woodward Avenue and Manchester Parkway in Highland Park, Michigan. He was struck at about 3:45 p.m. during a burst of gunfire that also sent stray rounds into nearby businesses and passing vehicles, turning an ordinary weekday afternoon into a chaotic scene.

Neighbors remembered Avonte as a familiar, positive presence who looked out for younger children and sometimes gave small amounts of money to neighborhood kids. Family members were described as devastated and struggling to sleep after learning of his death; his mother conveyed that the family is heartbroken and praying for justice. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive and say details about what led up to the shooting are still being pieced together. Highland Park Police Chief James McMahon said investigators believe the shooter is also a very young teenager and the case has been turned over to the Michigan State Police. No arrests or suspects have been publicly named.

If anyone saw the shooting or has information about who was involved, please contact Highland Park police, the state tip line at 855-MICH-TIP, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.