Steven Gardin Jr., 18, of North Carolina; 15-Year-Old Male Victim; and Two Injured in Fatal Shooting Outside Foot Locker on Eight Mile Road, Eastpointe, Michigan
EASTPOINTE, Mich. — A tragic shooting unfolded outside the Foot Locker store located at 17755 E 8 Mile Rd in Eastpointe, Michigan, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two young men and injuries to two others. Among the deceased was 18-year-old Steven Gardin Jr. from North Carolina, who had recently traveled to Detroit to reconnect with family. The other fatality was a 15-year-old male whose identity has not been publicly released. The two injured victims are reported to be in stable condition.(Log in or sign up to view)
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Foot Locker store near the intersection of 8 Mile Road and Kelly Road, a busy commercial area frequented by shoppers and families. According to the Eastpointe Police Department, the incident began as a verbal altercation between two groups of individuals. Tensions escalated when one person reportedly pulled out a firearm and began pistol-whipping another, causing the weapon to break. A woman at the scene then retrieved a second firearm from a nearby vehicle and opened fire, striking four individuals.(My Blog)
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One of the injured victims was shot in the face but was found conscious and alert. The other sustained injuries to the torso and is expected to survive.(My Blog, WXYZ 7 News Detroit)
Community Impact
The shooting has left the Eastpointe community in shock, particularly given the high-traffic location and the time of day the violence occurred. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people running and screaming. The Foot Locker store was placed on temporary lockdown during the investigation, and surrounding businesses were advised to remain cautious.(My Blog)
Investigation and Suspects
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The Eastpointe Police Department is actively reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and collecting eyewitness accounts. Authorities believe they have identified several individuals involved but are still working to verify details and locate key suspects.(My Blog)
The police have not released the names of the deceased or injured victims, citing the need to notify families. They are urging anyone who witnessed the altercation or has information—especially video footage or photos taken during or after the incident—to come forward.
