Brandon Van Riper, 26, was fatally shot on September 24, 2022, inside the Sterling Estates mobile home park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He lived in the mobile home with his two younger brothers and had become their legal guardian after their mother died in 2012 and their father in 2021. Family described him as hardworking and giving; he worked multiple jobs to support the household.

On the evening of the shooting, Brandon and his 17-year-old brother were in a back bedroom when a single gunshot was heard. Police found Brandon deceased and the firearm in the home had been discharged. The 17-year-old was taken into custody as the primary suspect and the investigation was referred to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether charges would be filed and whether the brother would be charged as an adult or juvenile. Family members called the shooting a horrible accident and said there was no malicious intent.

A GoFundMe was set up by friends to cover memorial costs and possibly legal expenses for the younger brother; Brandon’s body was requested for donation to Wayne State University for research. Does anyone have information about the events that evening or the subsequent prosecutorial decision?