Draft:2022 Detroit Shootings

On August 28, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Dontae Ramon Smith, age 21, from Detroit, Michigan went on a shooting spree, killing three people. A surviving man was seriously injured, and his dog was shot in the foot. Authorities arrested and charged Dontae with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of assault with intent to murder, one count of animal cruelty and five felony firearms violations. He pleaded guilty, but mentally ill, to all his charges in January of 2025.

His first victim was Chayne Lewis Lee, age 28 of Detroit was shot near 19880 Wyoming at approximately 4:45 a.m on August 28th, 2022. It is alleged that Dontae Smith shot Mr. Lee multiple times and when he fell to the ground, continued to shoot Mr. Smith. His lifeless body was discovered lying in the doorway of a church by Detroit Police Officers. Dontae then walked away from the scene. His 2nd victim, who's identity has not been released by police "Jane Doe", was found at approximately 5:23 a.m. near the intersection of Wyoming Street and Margareta Street. Detroit Police Officers responded to a location where a local residnce heard multiple shots fired and observed a male walking east on Margareta Street. The lifeless body of a woman was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Smith's 3rd victim, Lari Brisco, age 43, of dDetroit, was found 19790 Livernois Avenue at approxiamtely 6:53 a.m. Detroit Police responded to the scene of a shooting of a female victim. Medics procunded her deceased at the scene. It was alledged Smith shot her multiple times and left the scene. Smith's last victim, John Palik, age 76 of Detroit, was found shot in the leg nera his home on Pennington Street at approximately 7:08 a.m. Palik's dog was also shot in the foot and both were taken to hospitals for treatment. Both Pavilk and his dog surived the attack.

The police received a tip from a family member of Smith that led investigators from the Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police and the FBI to a home near 7310 Pembroke where the defendant was located and arrested inside of a residence. A gun belonging to the defendant was also found inside the house.

Police have stated that the shootings stemmed from a mental health crisis, with family members of Dontae Smith telling police he was hallucinating before the incident, believed family members were trying to kill him and believed the world was coming to an end.

On Friday, February 28th, 2025, Dontae Smith was sentenced to 28 to 50 years in prison.

As of April 2025, Dontae Smith was currently incarcerated at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson, Michigan. His earliest release date is August 27th, 2052. OTIS Prisoner Page