Southfield, Michigan — Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, 44, was fatally shot during a domestic dispute late October 5 in her Southfield home, leaving family and neighbors in shock. Police say the incident involved a custody dispute with her 22-year-old daughter, Riley Donaldson, who allegedly fled the scene with her 3-year-old child still inside the residence. Authorities are treating the case as a homicide and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to Southfield police, officers responding to the home discovered shell casings at the scene, indicating a violent altercation had taken place. Investigators believe that the firearm used in the shooting may have been discarded during Donaldson’s subsequent drive, complicating the search for the weapon.
The incident reportedly began as an intense dispute over the care and custody of Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter. Sources indicate that Simmons-Jones was attempting to intervene in a conflict regarding visitation or parental responsibilities when the fatal shot was fired.
After the shooting, Donaldson allegedly left her mother’s home, leaving behind her purse but taking the child with her. Police confirmed that the drive covered hundreds of miles, ultimately crossing state lines from Michigan to Ohio. Authorities have stated that the child is now safely in the custody of other family members while the investigation continues.
Southfield police have described Donaldson as a person of interest in the homicide and are pursuing all leads to locate her and any potential evidence. Law enforcement agencies in Ohio have been notified to assist in locating both Donaldson and the child, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Neighbors and friends of Simmons-Jones have expressed shock at the violent act, noting that the family had previously been perceived as stable. The shooting has deeply unsettled the Southfield community, which is now grappling with questions about safety and domestic violence within familiar neighborhoods.
Authorities are reviewing all surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting. Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even minor details could be crucial to the investigation.
Ada Mae Simmons-Jones is remembered by friends and family as a caring and devoted mother. Tributes emphasize her dedication to her family and her efforts to protect her granddaughter, highlighting the tragic nature of a life cut short during a moment of domestic conflict.
The Southfield Police Department has also coordinated with child protective services to ensure the well-being of the 3-year-old child who witnessed the shooting. Counseling and support services are being made available to family members impacted by the traumatic incident.
As law enforcement continues to pursue Riley Donaldson and gather evidence in Michigan and Ohio, the community is left grappling with grief, fear, and the consequences of a deadly domestic dispute. The tragic loss of Ada Mae Simmons-Jones serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unresolved family conflicts and the devastating impact they can have on multiple generations.
