Police said a boy and a woman were shot after a dispute tied to a soccer game.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two Grand Rapids schools were closed Wednesday after a teenage boy and an adult woman were fatally shot near Southwest Elementary School during a dispute over a soccer game, authorities said.
The shooting happened about 6:37 p.m. Tuesday near Oakland Avenue SW and Rumsey Street in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Grand Rapids police said an 18-year-old suspect was arrested after fleeing to a nearby residence. Investigators said they were not searching for additional suspects.
Police said the victims were with or near a group of young people playing soccer on school property when the suspect asked to join. After he was not allowed into the game, a confrontation followed. Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg said the suspect then opened fire, killing a 14-year-old boy and wounding a woman who later died at a hospital.
The teenage victim died at the scene after first responders tried to save him. The woman was transported for treatment but did not survive. Public reports identified the victims as Jeremiah Griffin, 14, and Savanah Rubio. Police had not released all details about their connection or why the dispute turned violent.
Grand Rapids Public Schools closed Southwest Elementary School and Southwest Middle High School on Wednesday. District officials said the closure allowed police to continue investigating and gave students and staff time after the shooting. The district said support services would be available for those affected.
The Major Case Team was assigned to the double homicide. Detectives were expected to interview witnesses, process the scene and gather video from nearby buildings or homes. Police said several juveniles were present when the gunfire happened, making witness support part of the response.
The suspect was described only as an 18-year-old man before formal charges. Because he is an adult, his name could be released after arraignment. Prosecutors were expected to review police reports before deciding charges. The weapon’s ownership and how the suspect obtained it had not been publicly detailed.
The shooting left a visible police presence around the southwest-side campus, where an ordinary evening game became the center of a homicide case. Neighbors and families were left waiting for more answers as investigators worked through the night and into Wednesday.
Police said the suspect remained in custody Wednesday, May 6, while investigators prepared the case for review by prosecutors.
Author note: Last updated May 6, 2026.