Detroit Teen Charged With First-Degree Murder After Father Fatally Shot Inside Home, Prosecutors Say Intruder Story Was Fabricated
MICHIGAN — A 19-year-old Detroit woman has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder after prosecutors say she fatally shot her own father inside their home and then attempted to mislead police by claiming a home intruder was responsible.
The incident occurred earlier this month at a residence on Dwyer Street in Detroit, according to court records. The defendant, Jimirra Ranell Gray-Young, was formally arraigned this week and denied bond.
Prosecutors Say Teen Gave Conflicting Accounts to Police
During her arraignment, prosecutors outlined what they described as major contradictions in Gray-Young’s statements to investigators.
She initially told officers that she was in her bedroom when she heard glass break at the back door, followed by a gunshot, and claimed someone had entered the home. She later stated she believed an unknown intruder shot her father. However, prosecutors say her account changed multiple times as detectives began asking questions about who she had been communicating with prior to the shooting.
Surveillance Video Undermined Intruder Claim
According to investigators, surveillance video from the area only showed two people entering the home that day — Gray-Young and her father — with no evidence of a third person arriving or leaving. Prosecutors say this directly contradicts her initial claims of an intruder entering the residence.
Investigators Cite Altered Statements and Deleted Messages
Authorities allege Gray-Young later admitted she did see the person who shot her father, then sent different versions of the incident to different people, and deleted text messages that investigators believe were relevant to the case. Prosecutors say these actions further raised concerns about intentional deception.
Digital Searches Raised Red Flags Before Shooting
Court documents also reveal that searches found on electronic devices in the days leading up to the shooting included questions about:
• Whether God would forgive someone for killing
• How to remove fingerprints from a gun
• How long police take to clear a suspect
Prosecutors say these searches support their claim that the shooting was premeditated.
Teen Remains in Custody as Case Moves Forward
Gray-Young was denied bond and remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. No trial date has been announced. Authorities have not released the name of the victim, but confirmed he was the defendant’s father. The investigation remains ongoing. What are your thoughts on this case? Share your perspective and follow continued reporting at NapervilleLocal.com.
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