FLINT, MI – A pre-dawn shooting at the Richert Manor Apartments in Flint has left one man dead and two others injured, marking yet another tragic episode of gun violence in a city that has long struggled with crime. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Keviance Williams of Flint, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds in the early hours of Sunday, March 24, 2024. Two additional victims—an 18-year-old Flint man in critical condition and a 23-year-old Flint man recovering from non-life-threatening injuries—were also found at the scene, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an immediate response from the Flint Major Case Unit and Michigan State Police (MSP). As of Monday morning, no suspects have been identified, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving residents on edge and authorities scrambling for leads.

The Shooting: A Detailed Timeline of Events

4:00 AM – The 911 Call and Initial Response

• The first emergency call came in at approximately 4:00 a.m., reporting multiple gunshots at the 900 block of Court Street, the location of Richert Manor Apartments, a low-income housing complex managed by the Flint Housing Commission.
• Flint Police Department (FPD) patrol units arrived within five minutes, discovering three male victims in the parking lot or nearby walkways.
• Keviance Williams was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
• The 18-year-old victim was rushed to Hurley Medical Center in critical condition, suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the torso.
• The 23-year-old victim, though injured, was conscious and able to provide limited statements to police before being transported for treatment.

4:30 AM – Crime Scene Lockdown and Evidence Collection

• Michigan State Police (MSP) forensic teams were called in to assist with ballistics analysis, shell casing collection, and surveillance footage retrieval.
• Investigators marked at least 15 shell casings at the scene, suggesting multiple shooters or an extended exchange of gunfire.
• Residents of Richert Manor were temporarily restricted from entering or exiting the complex as detectives conducted door-to-door interviews.

6:00 AM – Morning Aftermath and Community Reaction

• By sunrise, news of the shooting had spread, drawing local media and concerned neighbors to the scene.
• Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, described hearing “rapid gunfire lasting about 10 seconds”, followed by screams and car tires screeching.
• No suspect descriptions were immediately available, leaving many to speculate whether the shooting was targeted or random.

The Victims: Who Were They?

Keviance Williams, 23 – A Life Cut Short

• A lifelong Flint resident, Williams was known in the community as a “quiet, hardworking young man” who had recently started a job at a local auto parts manufacturer.
• Friends and family described him as “not the type to be involved in trouble”, raising questions about why he was targeted.
• His social media profiles showed no signs of gang affiliation or criminal history, though police have not ruled out any possibilities.

The 18-Year-Old Victim – Fighting for His Life

• Due to his critical condition, his identity has not been released.
• Sources indicate he may have been a recent high school graduate, though his connection to Williams remains unclear.

The 23-Year-Old Victim – Recovering but Traumatized

• This victim, also unnamed, is expected to survive but has been uncooperative with investigators, according to law enforcement sources.
• His reluctance to speak has complicated efforts to determine whether he was an intended target or an innocent bystander.

Richert Manor Apartments: A History of Violence

A Troubled Housing Complex

• Richert Manor, operated by the Flint Housing Commission, has long been a hotspot for crime, with police responding to over 50 violent incidents in the past five years alone.
• In 2022, a double shooting occurred in the same complex, leaving one dead and another injured.
• Residents have repeatedly complained about inadequate security, poor lighting, and slow police response times.

Crime Statistics in the Surrounding Area

• According to Flint Police Department data, the zip code encompassing Richert Manor (48503) has one of the highest violent crime rates in the city, with:
  • 12 homicides in 2023
  • 34 non-fatal shootings in the last six months
  • Over 200 reported assaults in the same period

Investigative Challenges: Why No Arrests Yet?

Lack of Witness Cooperation

• Flint Police Chief Terence Green acknowledged that “many people saw something but aren’t talking”, a common issue in gang-related or retaliatory shootings.
• Fear of retaliation has historically plagued homicide cases in Flint, with witness intimidation being a major obstacle.

Surveillance Gaps

• Despite being a high-crime area, Richert Manor has only two operational security cameras, both of which were partially obstructed at the time of the shooting.
• Neighboring businesses also lack functional cameras, making it difficult to track fleeing suspects.

Gang Activity or Personal Dispute?

• While MSP has not confirmed gang involvement, the volume of gunfire suggests more than one shooter, potentially indicating a gang-related clash.
• Alternatively, this could have been a personal dispute that escalated into violence.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

Police Press Conference Statements

• Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley called the shooting “a senseless act of violence” and pledged increased patrols in the area.
• Michigan State Police Lt. David Kaiser urged anyone with information to “do the right thing and come forward,” emphasizing that Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for tips.

Vigils and Memorials

• A candlelight vigil for Keviance Williams is planned for Wednesday, March 27, at Berston Field House, a community center known for anti-violence initiatives.
• Local activists from Flint Strong, a violence prevention group, are organizing peace walks to demand better security at Richert Manor.

Broader Implications: Flint’s Ongoing Struggle with Gun Violence

Historical Context of Violence in Flint

• Flint has consistently ranked among Michigan’s most dangerous cities, with a per capita homicide rate five times the national average.
• Experts attribute this to:
  • Economic decline (since the closure of GM plants)
  • High poverty rates (over 40% of residents below the poverty line)
  • Easy access to illegal firearms

Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

• Ceasefire Flint, a program modeled after Chicago’s violence interruption initiative, has had mixed success in reducing shootings.
• Community policing reforms have been slow to take effect due to budget constraints.

What Happens Next?

Ongoing Investigation Leads

• Detectives are reviewing cell tower data to identify potential suspects.
• Ballistics testing will determine if the weapons used have been involved in other crimes.

Legal and Policy Repercussions

• If arrests are made, suspects could face:
  • First-degree murder charges (for Williams’ death)
  • Attempted murder charges (for the injured victims)
• Flint City Council is expected to revisit funding for public housing security upgrades in light of this incident.

How to Help: Resources for the Community

• Victim Support Hotline: (810) 237-6640
• Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-422-JAIL (Crime Stoppers)
• Donations for Keviance Williams’ funeral: A GoFundMe has been set up by his family.