On the morning of Saturday, July 15, 2023, 36-year-old Rovel Woldemicael was found lying in the roadway near the intersection of Ionia Avenue SW and Canton Street SW in Grand Rapids after gunshot injuries. Officers first responded to a call about 3 a.m.; he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities have ruled the death a homicide and referred the case to the Major Case Team.

Rovel, born February 4, 1987, in Grand Rapids to parents who emigrated from Eritrea, was known to family as Robe or Rov. He was a father of four and remembered by relatives as charismatic, carefree, confident and generous. In the days after the shooting police identified him as the victim but released few details about the circumstances.

The investigation remains ongoing and, as of late 2025, no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. If anyone knew Rovel, witnessed activity around Ionia Avenue SW and Hall Street SW on July 15, 2023, or has information that could help, please come forward.