Joseph Lawrence Jo Jo Ivory Jr., 16, was shot and killed in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 1, 2023, the city’s first homicide of the year. He was found in a stolen car that had crashed near Hall Street and Division Avenue during New Year’s celebrations. Investigators initially considered whether celebratory gunfire played a role, since multiple firearms were reportedly discharged in the area, but the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide from a single gunshot wound.

Family members publicly urged witnesses to come forward; his father said Joseph had been involved with a gang but was trying to turn his life around after the birth of his own son.

If anyone saw activity near Hall Street and Division Avenue around midnight on January 1, 2023, or has information about the crash and shooting, please share what you know with investigators.