Novi Community Seeks Justice Following Tragic Shooting of Local Teen

Novi Community Seeks Justice Following Tragic Shooting of Local Teen

The city of Novi is still reeling from a heartbreaking incident that took place on August 31st at the Michigan State Fair. A tragic shooting left 14-year-old Darean Davis, known affectionately as “DeeDee,” dead, while another young teen was wounded. As the investigation continues, community members are coming together to rally for justice and to urge anyone with information to step forward.

A Night of Fun Turns Deadly

On that fateful evening, the fair was in full swing, and Darean, a sophomore at University High School in Ferndale, was there to enjoy the festivities with friends. Sadly, the fun quickly turned into a nightmare when an argument escalated, leading to a shooting in the parking lot outside the Suburban Collection Showcase. Just after 10 p.m., Michigan State Police were called to assist Novi Police with the incident.

When officers arrived, they discovered two young victims. Darean was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The second victim, also just 14 years old, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg but was reported to be in stable condition.

The Search for Justice

Now, over three months since the incident, Darean’s killer remains at large. The police investigation indicated that the boys had taken an Uber from Detroit to Farmington Hills and then another to Novi, where the argument that led to the shooting occurred. Authorities have been working tirelessly, using K9 units and a helicopter to search for the suspect, but so far, no one has been apprehended.

In light of the ongoing investigation, Crime Stoppers is stepping up to help find Darean’s killer by offering a reward of $2,500 for any information that leads to an arrest. Community members who have any knowledge regarding the case are strongly encouraged to call 1-800-Speak-Up or to check out the Crime Stoppers website. Your tips could make a real difference, and you can remain anonymous!

A Tribute to Darean

Darean was much more than just a teenager; he was described as “talented”, “lion-hearted,” and deeply loved by those around him. His former mentor, Dr. Devon Buskin, the founder of the Detroit City Lions Youth Club, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, recalling DeeDee as a vibrant and respectful young man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Never gave me attitude and always said thank you for the smallest things,” he noted.

Buskin and many others in the community have condemned the senseless gun violence that took Darean’s life. He emphasized the need for unity, urging everyone to come together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. “We have to be better examples for our children,” he stressed. “They are crying out for our help, and we need to answer!”

Community Response and Hope for Change

In response to the shooting, the fair managed to reopen with enhanced security measures, including weapons detection systems, a greater police presence, and an earlier closing time to ensure visitors’ safety.

The tragedy has spurred discussions throughout the community about the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence and to prioritize the safety and well-being of the youth. Many locals feel that greater awareness and action must be taken to protect future generations from the dangers that sadly ended Darean’s young life.

As Novi continues to mourn the loss of a beloved son, friend, and athlete, the hope is that justice will be served, and that the community can come together to foster a safer environment for all. It’s a tough road, but with courage, solidarity, and open hearts, better days are ahead.