An argument in a Redford Township home on December 13, 2019, ended with two women shot dead, including 18-year-old Lysa Blake. Lysa was visiting the Mercedes Street home where 49-year-old Dania Phillips lived. According to accounts, a man described as a close family friend and a stepfather figure became involved in a violent altercation with Phillips.

Lysa and Phillips’ 16-year-old daughter heard the disturbance from the basement and ran upstairs. Lysa tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation; she was fatally shot in the home. Phillips ran outside and was pursued and shot by the same man. Phillips’ teenage daughter and a 4-year-old grandson were present and witnessed the shootings.

The suspect fled but was located the next day at a bar on Detroit’s east side. When officers served a search warrant the man opened fire; police returned fire and the suspect was killed. No officers were injured. Family members said they were devastated that someone regarded as family could carry out this violence.