Michigan Man Guns Down 15-Year-Old Girl Riding a Scooter at Birthday Party — ‘There Was No Exchange of Words,’ Prosecutors Say
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — A 19-year-old man will spend decades in prison after fatally shooting a 15-year-old girl who was riding her scooter with friends during a birthday party in downtown Grand Rapids, prosecutors said.
According to court documents, Josiah Tyree Pittman was sentenced to 27 to 52 years in prison for second-degree murder and felony firearms in the killing of La’Kyijah Williams, a high school freshman known for her bright personality and love of basketball.
Deadly Shooting Captured on Surveillance Video
Prosecutors said the deadly incident happened just before midnight on May 18, 2024, when Pittman, who was walking through the area, pulled out a gun and opened fire on a group of teens gathered to celebrate a birthday.
“There was no exchange. There’s no exchange of words,” said Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Blair Lachman, according to WZZM-TV. “This shows anything but remorse. It’s an excuse unsupported by any piece of evidence.”
La’Kyijah was struck in the head and died instantly, while surveillance footage captured the entire shooting — confirming that Pittman fired without provocation or warning.
Shooter Claims Fear — Prosecutors Reject Explanation
During sentencing, Pittman claimed he fired the gun out of “fear or concern”, but prosecutors dismissed that claim as unfounded.
“He said he was scared — but of what? These teens didn’t even know him,” Lachman said. “There was no reason for this violence. It was cold-blooded and senseless.”
Pittman pleaded guilty in August to the charges and addressed the court in an emotional apology that prosecutors described as too little, too late.
Victim’s Family Devastated by Loss
In her victim impact statement, La’Kyijah’s mother, Shaqueta Matheson, described how her daughter’s death shattered their family.
“I’ve struggled with fear, anxiety, and overwhelming stress,” Matheson said. “This tragedy has affected every part of my life. I’ve been unable to work and have developed health issues from this trauma.”
According to her obituary, La’Kyijah was remembered for her “joyful spirit”, love for basketball, and her ability to make everyone around her smile.
“Even though La’Kyijah was not my intended target, I was wrong,” Pittman told the judge. “I let the devil take control of my actions that horrible day. I hope her family can one day forgive me, though I know I don’t deserve it.”
This senseless killing has left Grand Rapids grieving a life cut short by gun violence. For continuing updates on community safety and crime reports across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.