May 6, 2025

Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 14-Year-Old at Michigan State Fair

News Summary

A shooting at the Michigan State Fair resulted in the death of 14-year-old Darean Davis, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred during an argument between two groups, escalating into violence. While Davis lost his life, another friend was injured but stable. Authorities are seeking leads to identify the shooter, as public safety concerns rise. In response, the fair has implemented increased security measures and local schools are offering grief counseling.

Detroit – Investigators are searching for a suspect following the tragic shooting death of Darean Davis, a 14-year-old boy from Detroit, at the Michigan State Fair on Saturday night. The shooting occurred around 9:56 p.m. in the parking lot of the Suburban Collection Showplace, leaving the fair community shaken and prompting increased security measures.

Darean was a sophomore at University High School in Ferndale and was attending the fair with friends when an ongoing argument between two groups escalated into violence. During the altercation, an unidentified shooter in their early 20s began firing, striking both Davis and another 14-year-old boy who is also a friend of Davis. The friend has since been released from the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

The shooter fled the scene immediately after the incident, which led to chaos as fair attendees scrambled to safety amidst the sounds of gunfire. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many people capturing videos of the incident on their phones, potentially providing vital evidence to law enforcement.

Authorities, including the Novi Police, Michigan State Police, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, are now working together on the investigation. They are hopeful that tips from the public and video recordings will aid in identifying the shooter, though no suspect has been apprehended at this time. Police Commander Jason Meier commented on the increasing trend of violence at events, noting the alarming shift towards resolving conflicts through aggression rather than peaceful means.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Ferndale Public Schools announced they will provide grief counseling for students, staff, and parents affected by the event. Superintendent Camille Hibbler also informed parents of an enhanced security presence in local schools to ensure safety following the tragedy.

During the remaining days of the Michigan State Fair, heightened security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of attendees. The fair’s organizers responded to safety concerns by introducing new restrictions, including closing earlier and limiting unaccompanied minors from entering the fairgrounds after 6 p.m.

As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the incident has raised significant concerns regarding safety at public events. Many attendees voiced their worries over potential violence and the need for more effective security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. While the shooting is being described as an isolated incident during an otherwise peaceful Labor Day weekend, its impact is felt deeply among those who attended the fair and within the broader community.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement. As the community reflects on the tragedy, efforts continue to support those affected and to ensure a safer environment for future public gatherings.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Detroit Protests Mark International Workers’ Day
Birmingham Attorney Kijewski Enters 2026 Attorney General Race
North Dakota Enacts New Law to Streamline Prior Authorizations
Michigan Raids Target Pro-Palestinian Vandalism Investigation
Raids in Michigan Target Pro-Palestinian Vandalism
Trump Rally in Macomb County Marks 100 Days in Office
Trump to Hold Rally in Macomb County, Michigan
Challenges Mount in Michigan’s Cannabis Industry
Detroit Community Mourns the Loss of Ronald Barthlow
Judge Noah Hood Appointed to Michigan Supreme Court

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER

The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!