Detroit police have arrested a man in connection with a horrific triple homicide involving the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Kayda Sutton, her mother, Sandra Davis, and her 9-year-old daughter, Ayva Richards, whose bodies were discovered inside a burned vehicle on the city’s west side early Sunday morning. Elauntra Sutton, a grieving Detroit resident, identified the victims as her daughter Ayva, her sister Kayda, and her mother Sandra. Authorities have confirmed that all three were murdered prior to being set on fire inside the vehicle.

In a heart-wrenching and brutal case of violence, Detroit police have arrested a man in connection with the deaths of three people—his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and a 9-year-old child—whose bodies were discovered inside a burned vehicle on the city’s west side early Sunday morning. The victims were identified by Elauntra Sutton, a grieving Detroit resident, as her 9-year-old daughter Ayva, her sister Kayda Sutton, and her mother Sandra Davis.

The discovery of the victims’ bodies set in motion a fast-moving investigation that has left the Detroit community shaken and fearful. Authorities have confirmed that all three victims were murdered before being set on fire inside the vehicle, adding a horrific dimension to an already tragic crime. The investigation has revealed that the suspect—who was previously in a relationship with Kayda Sutton—allegedly shot both Kayda and Sandra before brutally stabbing young Ayva to death.

Following the murders, the suspect reportedly transported the bodies across town, ultimately setting the vehicle ablaze in an area near Milford and 30th Streets at approximately 5:50 a.m. Sunday morning. The Detroit Fire Department responded to reports of the car fire, and after extinguishing the flames, they discovered the charred remains inside. The bodies were initially unidentifiable due to the severity of the burns, but subsequent investigations would soon lead to the identification of the victims and the arrest of the suspect.

This article will examine the horrifying details of the triple homicide, the investigation that followed, and the implications of such a brutal crime in a community already struggling with violent crime. We will also explore the emotional toll on the victims’ family, the broader implications for the safety of women and children, and the role of law enforcement in combating domestic violence and ensuring justice.

The Discovery of the Bodies and Initial Investigation

On Sunday morning, April 10, 2025, Detroit police received an alarming report of a car fire near Milford and 30th Streets on the city’s west side. When the Detroit Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames, the horrific discovery of three severely burned bodies was made inside the vehicle. The bodies were initially unidentifiable due to the extent of the burns, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths immediately raised suspicions of foul play.

Detectives were soon on the scene, and after a thorough investigation, they determined that the victims had been murdered prior to being set on fire inside the car. This revelation added a chilling layer to the already tragic event. Investigators quickly began piecing together the events that led to this horrific crime, including collecting forensic evidence from the burned vehicle and examining the location for clues.

The breakthrough in the investigation came when police identified the victims as 9-year-old Ayva, her mother Kayda Sutton, and her grandmother Sandra Davis. The identification was confirmed by Elauntra Sutton, the surviving relative of the victims, who identified her daughter, sister, and mother through photographs. Elauntra’s grief was palpable as she learned of the deaths, and her heart-wrenching loss was shared by friends, family, and the entire community of Detroit.

The Suspect and His Connection to the Victims

The suspect in this case has been identified as the former partner of Kayda Sutton. The man, whose name has not been publicly released at this time, was known to the victims and had previously been involved in a relationship with Kayda. According to investigators, the suspect’s motives appeared to stem from a combination of anger and personal grievances, though the exact reasons for his violent outburst have yet to be fully disclosed.

Law enforcement officials believe the murders occurred inside the suspect’s home, which was located on Detroit’s east side. A search warrant was executed at the residence, and police uncovered a gruesome crime scene that confirmed their suspicions. The scene revealed signs of a violent altercation, including blood spatter and evidence of the murders. It was here, inside the home, that authorities believe the suspect shot both Kayda and Sandra before turning his violence toward 9-year-old Ayva.

The suspect’s actions left behind a trail of devastation, not only for the immediate family but for the wider community as well. The senselessness of the murders shocked those who knew the victims and cast a dark cloud over a city already struggling with violence. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly transported the bodies across the city before setting the vehicle on fire in a final attempt to destroy evidence.

The Impact on the Family: Elauntra Sutton’s Grief and Loss

Elauntra Sutton, the surviving relative, is facing an unimaginable loss. Her 9-year-old daughter, Ayva, was brutally murdered along with her sister, Kayda, and her mother, Sandra Davis. The emotional toll of this tragedy is incomprehensible. Elauntra, who was left without her closest family members, is now left grappling with grief, confusion, and shock. Her pain is shared by her extended family, friends, and all those who knew the victims.

The deaths of three generations in one family have a profound emotional impact that reverberates far beyond the immediate family circle. For Elauntra, the loss of her young daughter Ayva is particularly devastating. Losing a child is often considered one of the most traumatic experiences any parent can face, and for Elauntra, this tragedy is compounded by the brutal circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Elauntra’s family has expressed their outrage over the crime, with many relatives calling for justice for the victims. Community leaders have also offered their condolences and pledged support for Elauntra as she faces this heartbreaking time in her life. In addition to the personal loss, Elauntra is now left to deal with the practical matters of grief, including funeral arrangements, legal proceedings, and the emotional care of her surviving loved ones.

The Broader Implications: Domestic Violence and Safety Concerns

The horrific nature of the crime committed against Kayda Sutton, Sandra Davis, and Ayva highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the risks faced by women and children in abusive relationships. Domestic violence, which can manifest in physical, emotional, and psychological forms, remains a significant problem in communities across the country, including Detroit.

According to data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women and one in nine men will experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The statistics surrounding children in abusive households are equally alarming, with many children witnessing violence or being directly impacted by it. In this case, Ayva Richards, a 9-year-old girl, was not only a witness to the trauma but was herself a victim of a brutal stabbing, making this crime even more harrowing.

This case underscores the need for continued efforts to combat domestic violence and protect women and children from harm. Law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and community leaders must work together to provide support systems for victims, increase awareness, and improve the mechanisms for reporting and addressing domestic violence. Additionally, increased resources for survivors, including shelter, counseling, and legal assistance, are critical for helping those in abusive relationships break free from their circumstances and begin rebuilding their lives.

Law Enforcement Response: Investigation and Arrest of the Suspect

Following the discovery of the bodies and the subsequent investigation, Detroit police were able to quickly arrest the suspect, whose connection to the victims provided a clear motive for the crime. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison expressed his deep concern over the brutality of the crime and the fear it created within the community. Bettison noted that such violent acts only serve to heighten tensions and create a sense of insecurity, not only for the victims’ families but for the wider public as well.

“My homicide detectives worked around the clock, along with the Michigan State Police,” Bettison said in a statement. “We utilized all of our assets to bring justice to this case.” The swift action taken by law enforcement in apprehending the suspect provides a sense of relief for those impacted by the crime, but the emotional scars of such a horrific act will take much longer to heal.

The arrest of the suspect was a significant step toward justice, but the investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full extent of the suspect’s actions. Detectives are working with forensic experts to gather more evidence and ensure that all leads are followed up on.

The Role of the Community in Fighting Violence

The tragic deaths of Kayda Sutton, Sandra Davis, and Ayva Richards have sparked an outpouring of support from the Detroit community. Local residents have expressed their outrage over the brutality of the murders and have come together to support the victims’ surviving family members. The case has reignited discussions about safety, crime prevention, and the need for stronger community action to prevent such violent acts from happening in the future.

In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have called for greater efforts to address domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of violence in the city. Public awareness campaigns, as well as increased funding for local shelters and support programs, are vital in ensuring that vulnerable individuals can find the help they need to escape abusive situations before it’s too late.

Additionally, local organizations are providing counseling and grief support services for those affected by the loss of the victims. These efforts are essential in helping survivors and the broader community heal from the trauma of witnessing or experiencing violence.

The Continued Search for Justice

As the investigation into the triple homicide continues, the Detroit Police Department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to further developments in the case. Crime Stoppers has made it easy for anonymous tips to be submitted, allowing community members to assist law enforcement without fear of reprisal.

Chief Bettison has emphasized that the police will not relent in their pursuit of justice for the victims. “We will be relentless in not stopping when something like this happens,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family and this community as we work to ensure justice is served.”

The arrest of the suspect in this case is an important step, but it is clear that the emotional and psychological impact of these murders will be felt for years to come. Justice, while crucial, will not erase the pain and trauma left behind by the brutal killings of Kayda Sutton, Sandra Davis, and Ayva Richards.

Conclusion: A Community United in Grief and Hope for Justice

The deaths of Kayda Sutton, Sandra Davis, and Ayva Richards are a tragedy that has shaken the Detroit community to its core. The brutality of the crime, the innocence of the young victim, and the profound impact on the surviving family members have left many struggling to make sense of the senseless violence.

As the investigation unfolds and justice is sought, the community continues to grieve, but there is hope that by coming together and raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence, similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. The outpouring of support for the victims’ families, the tireless work of law enforcement, and the collective determination for justice provide a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming pain.