The victims were identified as 15-year-old Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin and 39-year-old Savanah Villarreal.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Families and students are mourning after a 15-year-old boy and a 39-year-old mother were shot and killed Tuesday evening outside Southwest Elementary School following a dispute over a soccer game, police said.
The victims were identified as Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin and Savanah Villarreal. Police said 18-year-old Rafael Martinez-Lopez is accused of opening fire after children turned him away from an informal game. He faces two open murder counts, felony firearm charges and other weapons charges as investigators continue to review what happened on the school property.
Grand Rapids police said officers responded about 6:40 p.m. May 5 after reports of gunfire near the playground. They found Jeremiah and Villarreal badly wounded. Jeremiah died at the scene, while Villarreal died later at a hospital. Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg said several children were nearby when the shooting happened. “There was at least seven or eight kids that are out here,” Trigg said, calling the scene horrific for young witnesses.
Investigators said the suspect approached a group of children and asked to join the soccer game. After he was turned away, police said, an argument began. Trigg said the suspect then pulled a gun and shot Jeremiah. Villarreal, who relatives said was supervising children, tried to step in and was also shot. Family members described her as selfless and devoted to children.
Jeremiah’s family said he had a close bond with Villarreal. His mother, Mildred Griffen, said Villarreal had been part of his life for years. “She gave her life to save my son,” Griffen said. Jeremiah’s uncle, Tony Cuevas, described the teen as loved and said the family was struggling to understand the loss.
The shooting disrupted the school week in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Grand Rapids Public Schools closed Southwest Elementary and another nearby school Wednesday so the community could grieve. District officials said classes at Southwest Middle High School resumed Thursday, and Southwest Elementary was expected to reopen Friday with counseling and support available for students and families.
Police said Martinez-Lopez fled after the shooting but was later taken into custody. Authorities have not released all details about the weapon, the suspect’s path after leaving the school property or whether he had prior contact with the victims. The Grand Rapids Police Department’s Major Case Team is leading the investigation.
A memorial grew near the playground after the killings, with flowers and signs marking the place where the two were shot. Neighbors said the deaths were felt across the area because the playground and school grounds are places where children regularly gather after class.
Martinez-Lopez remains charged as the case proceeds in Kent County. Police said the next steps include reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses and preparing the case for court.
Author note: Last updated May 8, 2026.