Mother of Seven and a Teen Boy Killed After Soccer Game Argument Ends in Deadly Shooting

Police have reported that after a shooting outside an elementary school in Michigan, a 15-year-old boy and a mother of seven were pronounced dead following an argument during a neighbourhood soccer game.

According to Grand Rapids Police, the officers responded to Southwest Elementary School around 6:40 PM on May 5 after reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found Jeremiah Cueves-Griffin, 15, and Savanah Villarreal, 39, suffering from gunshot wounds on school property.

Jeremiah died at the same. Meanwhile, Villarreal was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The suspect, who is 18 years old, was identified as Rafael Martinez Lopez, who was arrested later that evening after he fled the area. Authorities said he was found at a nearby home and taken into custody without further violence.

It is reported by investigators that the shooting began after Martinez Lopez approached children playing soccer at the park beside the school. He then asked to join the game. Grand Rapids interim police chief Joe Trigg said the suspect became angry after being turned away.

“A bunch of kids were playing at the park here, and the suspect approached, asked to engage in a game of soccer. For whatever reason, he was turned away,” Trigg told WOOD-TV. “Did not like the fact that he was turned away so a verbal altercation started, which led to the suspect pulling out a firearm and shooting that juvenile.”

Police said the argument turned deadly immediately when the suspect pulled out a gun and started firing.

Family members shared that Villarreal tried to stop the altercation and protect the children nearby.

"She was just watching them because there's been several incidents here where they have been verbally attacked and things," Villarreal's sister, Angelita Tierrablanca, told WWMT. "She was so selfless, she loved children."

Jeremiah’s mother said Villarreal has cared for her son since he was young and was considered family.

“She gave her life to save my son,” Midred Griffen told Fox17. “He considered Savanah his auntie.”

Police said at least seven or eight children witnessed the shooting. No other injuries, however, were reported.

Martinez-Lopez is now facing two counts of open murder, two felony firearm charges, and three additional weapon charges. He is expected to be arraigned later this week.

“We are grieving alongside their loved ones and our community,” Trigg said. He further added: “Savanah and Jeremiah deserve justice.”

Grand Rapids Public Schools said counselling will be provided to students and families.