Demarius Porter, 21, was fatally shot in Benton Harbor in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Officers responding to reports of gunfire initially canvassed the 600 block of Columbus Avenue and found Porter gravely injured; investigators later determined the shooting occurred in the 700 block of Lavette Street. He was treated at the scene, taken by ambulance to Corewell Health in St. Joseph, and died there; an autopsy at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine confirmed fatal gunshot wounds.

The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is leading an active investigation assisted by multiple agencies, including the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, ATF, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Benton Charter Township Police, St. Joseph Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been announced; authorities say they do not believe there is an ongoing threat and have increased visible patrols.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.