Detroit's Deadliest Weekend (7 Murders)

Detroit, a city with a rich history, is known for its vibrant music scene, Motown legends, and the automobile industry. However, beneath the surface of this city lies a darker reality, one that involves street gangs, violence, and a legacy of criminal activity that has left many residents living in fear.

The Reign of Two Gangs: Murder Boys and Purple Heart

In the sprawling labyrinth of Detroit's southwest side, two notorious gangs once held reign: the Murder Boys and the Purple Heart. These gangs were not just involved in petty disputes but were responsible for a wave of violence and terror that swept through the city. Their crimes ranged from multiple murders to drug-related activities, and their notoriety was unquestionable.

In a shocking incident on June 21, 2016, Martez Bailey and Khali Wilson embarked on a mission of revenge that would send shockwaves through Detroit. Their target? Rival gang members from Trust No One (TNO) and Too Much Cash (TMC). Armed to the teeth, Bailey and Wilson fired relentlessly into a house on Baltimore Street, hoping to eliminate their rivals. Tragically, their bullets found an unintended victim - an innocent woman in the house, leaving her severely injured.

The root of this violence stemmed from a complex web of jealousy over credit card fraud and earlier shootings by rival gang members that left a five-year-old girl permanently disabled. Detroit had been a battleground for such gang conflicts, and this was just one chapter in a long and violent history.

Detroit's Gang History: A Glimpse into the Past

Detroit's gang history is as intricate and entangled as the city itself. In the 1980s, notorious groups like the Black Mafia Family roamed the streets, employing tactics such as hidden compartments in Lincoln limousines to transport cocaine and stacks of money. These individuals were not your typical street thugs; they were strategic, intelligent, and ruthless in pushing cocaine throughout Detroit.

However, the law eventually caught up with them. In October 2005, a massive DEA raid led to the arrest of 30 members of the Black Mafia Family. The result? Three million dollars in cash, 2.5 kilos of cocaine, and a cache of weapons seized. The leader of this criminal empire was a man known as Demetrius Flenory, or "Big Meech." This chapter marked a significant decline in the dominance of gangs on Detroit's streets.

East Side vs. West Side: A Tale of Two Detroits

The rivalry between Detroit's East Side and West Side is a topic of never-ending debate among its residents. While both sides have unique characteristics, they share a common history of challenges and triumphs. The West Side might exude a sense of affluence, while the East Side may appear more gritty. But these distinctions are mere nuances, as each side contributes to the city's vibrant tapestry.

The Southwest Side of Detroit, home to both Latinos and black communities, reflects the city's diverse population. Unfortunately, the city as a whole has seen a steady decline in its population, with many residents moving to suburbs like Oakland County. As you drive through the city, you can't help but notice the dwindling numbers of residents and the increasing number of vacant homes.

Detroit's Deadliest Weekend: A Spree of Tragedy

The weekend of July 29, 2022, will forever be etched in Detroit's history as one of the deadliest weekends the city has ever witnessed. The violence began with a triple shooting that claimed the life of a well-known college football player, A'Quan Cub. On a Friday night, gunshots rang out in the city's West Side, leaving A'Quan dead. The motive behind this brutal act remained shrouded in mystery.

As the weekend continued, a fistfight escalated into a deadly gunfight. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Detroit police were summoned to a home in the 1200 block of Wisconsin on the West Side. What they found was a domestic dispute that had spiraled out of control. Tragically, one person was killed in the crossfire, further emphasizing the senselessness of the violence.

But the carnage did not end there. A neighbor's dispute over a blocked driveway culminated in a terrifying shootout, leaving eight people wounded and two dead. The shooter fired close to 30 to 40 rounds, demonstrating the disturbingly easy access to firearms. The victims, Andre Willis Jr. and Toyota Willis, joined the growing list of lives lost to gun violence that weekend.

And, in a truly bizarre turn of events, another victim was found trapped under a car that had crashed into a house after being shot. The victim's fate was sealed, marking the seventh fatality of that harrowing weekend.

Detroit's Weak Gun Laws: An Unchecked Epidemic

One glaring issue that emerges from Detroit's violent narrative is the leniency of Michigan's gun laws. In a state where carrying a firearm in public with lawful intent is legal, the lack of regulations has allowed criminals to roam freely, armed to the teeth. Brandishing a firearm often results in a mere 90-day jail sentence, and it's only when firearms are concealed or transported in vehicles that they become a felony.

These lax gun laws have contributed to the perpetuation of violence in the city. It's time for Detroit to address the alarming ease with which individuals can access and use firearms without consequences.

As we reflect on Detroit's dark underbelly, it's clear that this city faces a multifaceted challenge. It's not just about addressing crime, but also about reshaping the environment, resources, and laws that have allowed violence to persist. Until then, Detroit's residents will continue to live in the shadow of its tumultuous past, hoping for a brighter and safer future.