On the evening of July 14, 2000, 21-year-old Detroit Police Officer Shynelle Marie Mason was off-duty with several female friends near the Mobil Mart at Fenkell and Schaefer Streets when an encounter with three men turned into an argument. Officer Mason identified herself as a police officer during the confrontation; a man later identified as 21-year-old Jason Pinson drew a handgun and fired one shot that struck her in the side, piercing her heart. She was transported toward Sinai-Grace Hospital but died en route.

Pinson fled the scene but was identified and arrested the next morning. Investigators said the shooting was retaliation for a prior arrest of Pinson for carrying a concealed weapon. Authorities charged Pinson with open murder, assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and committing a felony with a firearm. Three others — Darryl Dirrell, 21, Armelda Noel, 36, and Darryl Patton, 19 — were arraigned on accessory after the fact charges for allegedly helping to hide evidence and harboring Pinson; a 17-year-old was also taken into custody in Kentucky for questioning.

Officer Mason had served two years with the Detroit Police Department and was survived by her mother, brother, sister, and niece. Does anyone have information about Mason’s final moments that could add context to the case?