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Teen and Mother Killed After Soccer Dispute at Grand Rapids School as 18-Year-Old Is Charged

Prosecutors have filed two open-murder counts against Rafael Martinez-Lopez.

Overview

  • Police say the shooting, which unfolded Tuesday evening at Southwest Elementary School’s soccer fields, began after an 18-year-old was turned away from a kids’ game.
  • The victims were identified as 15-year-old Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin, who died at the scene, and 39-year-old Savanah Villarreal, who died at a hospital.
  • Grand Rapids officers arrested Rafael Martinez-Lopez after he fled, and he remains in custody as the Major Case Team leads the investigation.
  • Charges include two counts of open murder, two felony firearm counts, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, and violating a school weapons-free zone.
  • Grand Rapids Public Schools resumed classes with counseling for students, and family members said Villarreal stepped in to protect the teen as detectives seek tips ahead of an expected arraignment this week.