Incident, arrest and court schedule
Detroit police responded in the early hours of July 6 to a residence in the 9300 block of Birwood Street after a report of gunfire. Officers discovered 49-year-old Latoya Reeves inside a hallway suffering from gunshot wounds to her chest and right hand. Medical personnel transported Reeves to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Authorities say the person charged in the case — a 69-year-old Detroit man who had been living with Reeves — fired a semi-automatic rifle, striking her. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office filed multiple charges against the defendant, and he was arraigned in 36th District Court before Magistrate Laura Echartea.
"He’s been charged one count of first-degree murder, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of felon in possession of ammunition, and three counts of felony firearm."
Charges and what they mean
Prosecutors listed the following counts in the formal charging documents. Each carries significant legal penalties under Michigan law and will be considered at the defendant’s preliminary examination, currently scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on July 27, 2026.
- One count: First-degree murder
- One count: Felon in possession of a firearm
- One count: Felon in possession of ammunition
- Three counts: Felony firearm
| Charge | Number of counts |
|---|---|
| First-degree murder | 1 |
| Felon in possession of a firearm | 1 |
| Felon in possession of ammunition | 1 |
| Felony firearm | 3 |
Local context and next steps
This incident adds to the legal and community challenges on Detroit’s west side, where neighbors said they were shaken by the early-morning violence. The arraignment resulted in the defendant being ordered held in jail; the case moves next to the preliminary examination in late July.
At that hearing, a judge will determine whether probable cause exists to bind the case over for trial. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the matter will proceed to the Wayne County Circuit Court for trial preparation. Court filings, witness statements and charging decisions by prosecutors will guide those next steps.
Community and public-safety considerations
Incidents that involve a firearm and people living together raise concerns about domestic violence, gun accessibility, and enforcement of gun-possession laws — especially when a defendant is charged as a felon in possession. Neighbors and social-service providers often look to police, prosecutors and local courts to coordinate responses that address both immediate safety and longer-term prevention.
Residents with information about the investigation were encouraged to contact Detroit police. As the case continues through the judicial process, public records and court appearances will provide additional factual detail.
