By: Stan Maddux
Community leaders in Niles are urging anyone with information about a string of fatal shootings and other acts of gun play to help police solve the cases, which are suspected to be connected.
The plea is in response to two girls being killed and three young males hospitalized from numerous rounds fired into a house on the night of September 20 at 620 N. 6th St.
Demi Galvin, 15, and Yasmeen Scott, 18, did not survive their gunshot wounds.
The injured males described as in their late teens to early 20’s were still hospitalized three days after the shootings, said Niles Police Chief James Millin.
Millin said the latest acts of gunfire are believed to be linked to fatal shootings that occurred recently about three weeks apart from each other in the same area north of downtown.
Farries Maxwell, 36, was killed on 7th St. during the early morning hours of August 16.
According to police, witnesses reported seeing three people run away after the gunfire.
Raquon Glenn, 26, was shot to death on the evening of September 8 between 6th and Ferry streets, police said.
A few days later, police said at least 30 rounds were fired on Ferry St. between 5th and 6th streets based on the number of shell casings recovered.
No injuries were reported in that incident.
Millin said investigators have some possible leads into suspects but they’re not sure who was involved in any of the shootings.
In a prepared statement, Niles Mayor Nick Shelton implored anyone with information about the shootings to come forward.
“Sharing what was witnessed can be difficult, especially when witnesses are recounting actions that result in death. However, it is imperative that the community works together to assist in identifying those responsible and to, hopefully, put an end to these senseless acts,” he said.
Millin said the latest shooting incident happened about 11:30 p.m. at the home of Scott.
She and the shooting victims along with four other people were inside the home when a group of individuals walked up to the residence and began firing, he said.
Millin said numerous undetermined number of rounds hit the structure.
“Bullets went through windows. Bullets went through walls. A bullet went through doors. We don’t have the exact number,” he said.
According to police, the suspects fled in a car.
Millin said he wasn’t sure how the surviving gunshot victims were doing in their recoveries but they have been questioned.
“Investigators are still talking to them,” he said.
Anyone with information can reach detectives at the Niles Police Department at (269) 683-1313 or by texting “TIPNILESPD” and messaging CRIME or (274637).
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at Tipsoft.com or by calling Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP.
Michigan State Police and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation.
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