Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Marlo Stanfield in Grand Rapids; Police Investigating Suspect Tied to Nearby Motel
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids community is mourning the loss of Marlo Stanfield, who was tragically killed in a shooting along 28th Street near Jefferson Avenue on the evening of Saturday, June 7, 2025. The incident sparked a large-scale law enforcement response that extended into the night and included the lockdown and evacuation of a nearby motel.
According to the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), the initial call placed around 8:30 p.m. was believed to be for a possible overdose. When officers arrived at the scene, the situation quickly turned grim.
“Officers arrived, thought they were going to give first aid to an individual with an overdose,” GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom said during a late-night briefing. “They realized that this person had actually been struck by gunfire, administered first aid.”
Marlo Stanfield was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He was later officially identified by authorities after notifying next of kin.
A Night of Violence Turns into a Manhunt
What began as a potential medical emergency quickly turned into a homicide investigation. Witnesses and early leads pointed officers in the direction of a motel near the shooting scene, where the suspected shooter was believed to have fled.
“It sounds like we have from multiple sources information that likely the shooter fled into the motel,” said Chief Winstrom around 11 p.m. “We’ve got detectives that just arrived on scene. They’re doing a thorough investigation, making sure that we follow every lead possible.”
The motel was quickly surrounded, and officers evacuated its occupants as they conducted a room-by-room search. The area around 28th Street between Jefferson and Division Avenue was shut down for several hours while investigators combed the scene for evidence, interviewed witnesses, and worked to secure the area.
Community in Shock Over the Loss of Marlo Stanfield
The death of Marlo Stanfield sent shockwaves through the Grand Rapids community. Described by friends and loved ones as a passionate, driven individual with dreams and goals, his life was taken in a senseless act of violence that has left many devastated and searching for answers.
Local activists and residents gathered quietly near the scene Sunday morning, leaving candles and flowers in memory of Marlo. Many took to social media to express their grief and demand justice, using hashtags like #JusticeForMarlo and #GRStrong.
Ongoing Investigation & Call for Public Help
As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been announced, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The Grand Rapids Police Department has confirmed that their detectives are pursuing multiple leads and reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses.
Authorities are now calling on the public for assistance.
“We urge anyone who may have seen something, heard something, or has any relevant information or footage to contact us,” Winstrom said. “Even the smallest tip could make a difference.”
How to Help
-
Contact GRPD directly at (616) 456-3380
-
Submit anonymous tips to Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 or visit .
A City Reflects and Demands Change
As Grand Rapids reflects on another life lost to gun violence, city officials and community leaders are once again calling for efforts to address rising crime, promote community-based solutions, and support at-risk youth.
Marlo Stanfield’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for collaboration between law enforcement, residents, and local organizations to prevent future tragedies.
Funeral arrangements for Marlo are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, loved ones continue to gather, grieve, and seek justice in his name.