Michigan Woman Who Allegedly Shot Mother Over Custody Battle Called Herself ‘God’ During Arrest
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN — A 22-year-old woman accused of killing her mother amid a heated custody dispute told police she was “God” during her arrest, according to authorities.
Riley Donaldson has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 45-year-old mother, Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, who was shot multiple times inside her Southfield home on October 5.
Police say Donaldson’s apparent motive stemmed from an ongoing battle over custody of her 3-year-old daughter, who had been living with the victim — her grandmother and legal guardian.
‘She Decides Who Lives and Who Dies,’ Police Chief Says
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren told reporters during a press conference that Donaldson was denied bond and remains held at the Oakland County Jail.
“When individuals make that declaration — calling themselves God — they’re letting us know they decide who lives and who dies,” Chief Barren said.
Investigators believe Donaldson drove to her mother’s home shortly before midnight and fired three to four shots before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her vehicle arriving moments before the shooting and then speeding away minutes later.
Police later found her purse at the scene, which contained identifying documents and is believed to have concealed the murder weapon.
Daughter’s Past Mental Health Concerns Surface
Chief Barren said the family had dealt with previous incidents involving Donaldson’s mental health and her erratic behavior toward her child.
In August 2025, Simmons-Jones had reported her granddaughter missing after Donaldson allegedly took the girl and the family dog without permission. Authorities found both the child and car safely, but the dog was never recovered.
Simmons-Jones declined to press charges but petitioned for her daughter to be hospitalized, and Donaldson underwent a mental evaluation soon after.
Arrest in Detroit
Police tracked Donaldson to a CVS parking lot in Detroit the day after the shooting, where she was found sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle with three men. Bodycam footage released by police shows Donaldson calmly identifying herself as “God” when asked her name.
She was taken into custody without resistance and immediately asked for a lawyer, authorities said.
The murder weapon has not been recovered, though investigators continue to search areas she reportedly visited between Ohio and Michigan after the killing.
Child Now in Grandfather’s Custody
The 3-year-old girl at the center of the custody dispute has been placed in the care of her maternal grandfather, police confirmed.
Chief Barren described the incident as “a tragic act of family violence that destroyed three generations at once.”
Donaldson remains jailed pending trial, and prosecutors say they plan to pursue a life sentence without parole if she is convicted.
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