Laronte Phillips was 18 and about to graduate from Ypsilanti Community School when he was shot and killed on the evening of March 4, 2022. Phillips, who had plans to join the military and was involved in sports while exploring entrepreneurship and music, was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds near Outer Lane and William Street in Ypsilanti Township. Medical responders attempted life-saving measures but he died at the scene.

Washtenaw County deputies investigated the shooting and arrested two teenagers in the days that followed. One arrest came the day after the shooting and the second was also made shortly thereafter. Both suspects were charged in connection with the homicide. Any readers who knew Laronte or who have information about the shooting are asked to come forward.