Tragic targeted shooting kills 26-year-old Donovan Moody in Grand Rapids
On the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2025, in a quiet residential stretch of Hollister Avenue, just north of Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the community was left in shock after the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Donovan Moody.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., police officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) responded to reports of a person lying in the roadway. When officers arrived, they discovered Donovan Moody suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite immediate emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
By the following morning, the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the tragic news—Donovan Moody had been murdered. His death was officially ruled a homicide on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Police Investigation and Statements
According to Police Chief Eric Winstrom, the scene was “very depressing” and a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life and safety can be. The chief emphasized that although overall crime rates in Grand Rapids have declined in recent years, the death of a young man under violent circumstances deeply affects the entire community.
Chief Winstrom stated that investigators currently believe the shooting was targeted, not random. Evidence and witness accounts suggest that Donovan and the suspect may have known each other or communicated prior to the incident. Detectives are examining surveillance footage from the area, hoping to identify the perpetrator and establish a motive.
As of the latest police updates, no arrests have been made, and there are no other reported victims or injuries linked to the shooting.
Victim Details
Name: Donovan Moody
Age: 26
Date of Incident: November 6, 2025
Location: Hollister Avenue, north of Wealthy Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Cause of Death: Gunshot wound to the head
Manner of Death: Homicide
Donovan’s death marks the 12th homicide in Grand Rapids for 2025. While that number remains lower compared to previous years, each individual loss continues to weigh heavily on residents and city officials alike.
Community Response
The Grand Rapids community has responded with grief and disbelief. Residents of the neighborhood described hearing sirens and seeing police lights flood the usually calm street. Many gathered near the crime scene, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in memory of Donovan.
One resident who arrived shortly after the incident said the sight was “heartbreaking” and “not something this city ever wants to see.” Chief Winstrom echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We have a young man killed and taken from us far too young.”
Local leaders and community organizations have called for peace and unity, urging residents to support each other and assist police in the ongoing investigation. Despite the city’s relatively low crime rate, the killing has reignited conversations about gun violence prevention, mental health support, and community safety.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
Police detectives are continuing to review area surveillance footage and interview witnesses. Investigators are confident that someone may have seen or recorded something crucial to the case, given that Hollister Avenue is a populated area with several homes equipped with security cameras.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting or Donovan’s interactions prior to his death to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Silent Observer or the GRPD Major Case Unit.
A City in Mourning
The murder of Donovan Moody has left his family, friends, and neighbors reeling. While limited personal details have been publicly released, those who knew him have described him as a kind, caring young man with a bright future ahead. The senseless nature of his death has made the loss even more painful for those who loved him.
The incident has also reignited broader concerns about targeted violence in Grand Rapids. While random acts of violence are relatively uncommon, officials say personal disputes and retaliatory incidents still pose a serious threat.
Summary
- Date of incident: Thursday, November 6, 2025
- Time: Approximately 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Hollister Avenue, north of Wealthy Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Victim: Donovan Moody, age 26
- Injuries: Gunshot wound to the head
- Status: Deceased at the scene
- Ruling: Homicide, confirmed by Kent County Medical Examiner
- Suspect: Unknown; investigation ongoing
- Nature of crime: Believed to be targeted, not random
- Other victims: None reported
- Arrests: None as of November 7, 2025
This tragedy has become a painful reminder that even one life lost to violence is one too many. The Grand Rapids Police Department continues to investigate, and the community remains united in calling for justice for Donovan Moody.
