Port Huron Father Accused of Opening Fire in Apartment; 17-Year-Old Dead, Two Younger Siblings Critically Injured

PORT HURON, Mich. – (Sept. 11, 2025) – A quiet Port Huron neighborhood is reeling after police say a father opened fire inside his own apartment early Thursday morning, killing his teenage son and leaving two younger children fighting for their lives.

The Incident

According to the Port Huron Police Department, officers were dispatched to an apartment complex on the city’s south side just after 1:00 a.m. following reports of gunfire and screaming. Inside, they discovered a horrific scene:

• A 17-year-old boy dead from gunshot wounds

• Two younger siblings, ages 12 and 9, critically injured

• Their father, identified as 43-year-old James Holloway, taken into custody without incident

The injured children were rushed to McLaren Port Huron Hospital before being airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, where they remain in critical condition.

The Suspect

Police confirmed that Holloway, the children’s biological father, is being held at the St. Clair County Jail on multiple charges, including:

• Open murder

• Two counts of assault with intent to murder

• Three counts of felony firearm possession

Investigators have not yet released a motive but say Holloway had a history of domestic disturbances. Court records show previous police calls to the apartment for verbal disputes, though no prior arrests for violent crimes.

Community and Police Response

Port Huron Police Chief Brian Harris described the scene as “one of the most devastating acts of family violence we’ve encountered.”

Neighbors reported waking to the sound of multiple gunshots. One resident, who asked not to be identified, said, “I’ve lived here ten years and never seen anything like this. It breaks my heart for those kids.”

School officials confirmed that the victims attended local schools in the district. Crisis counselors are being made available to students and staff as the community grapples with the tragedy.

A Larger Pattern of Violence

Child welfare advocates note that this case underscores the broader issue of domestic gun violence in the U.S. According to the Everytown for Gun Safety research group, an average of 70 women and children are shot and killed each month by intimate partners or family members. Experts warn that stress, financial instability, and untreated mental health struggles often contribute to such tragedies.

What Comes Next

Holloway is expected to be arraigned on Friday in St. Clair County District Court. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the maximum penalties allowed under Michigan law.

As the investigation continues, a memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and candles is already forming outside the apartment complex, where community members gathered Thursday night for a candlelight vigil.

The names of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of extended family.