GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A 30-year-old is facing a slew of charges, including murder, for his role in a September 2023 gunfight that left one person dead.
Courvoisier Simmons faces second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felony charges for the shootout that happened on Sept. 29, 2023, in the 1400 block of Division Avenue.
Authorities identified the 27-year-old man gunned down in a shootout as Lavadis Maurice Anthony Crawford-Blackman.
He died by homicide, the Kent County Medical Examiner ruled.
“I hope this arrest brings comfort and closure to Mr. Crawford-Blackman’s family,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “Our detectives worked tirelessly on this investigation over these past eight months. We are committed to seeking justice for all crime victims, but especially for those lives lost to violence in our community.”
Grand Rapids Police said two officers were driving northbound on Division Avenue around 2:10 a.m. in the 1400 block when the officers saw an active gunfight in a large gathering of people.
The officers got out of their vehicle and one fired at a suspected shooter.
One person, who was shot in the stomach, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Another person was found dead at the scene.
Two handguns were recovered from the scene.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said investigators found many gun shell casings spanning several blocks, and that it is one of "the largest crime scenes in my entire career."
He said it is believed that hundreds of people may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. "It was utter chaos," Winstrom said at the time.
Some buildings and vehicles were hit by gunfire.
"We have a young man whose life was taken away from him," Winstrom said. "I'm sure he has a family that loves him very much and cares about him. His life was important. And we're going to need to find justice for him closure for his family."
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