close
close

Police seek clues in fatal shooting at Independence Day street festival in Detroit

play

More than 70 shots were fired at a July 4 Independence Day street festival in Detroit with over 200 participants. But unusually few people commented on the murder of 23-year-old Jordan Thornhill, police said.

Thornhill, a recent graduate of Michigan State University who grew up in Romulus, was shot at the party in the 14000 block of Cherrylawn Street in northwest Detroit around 12:50 a.m. on July 5. His death came two days before a mass shooting at a street party in the city that left two people dead and 19 others injured. Police have since vowed to crack down on such street parties that are not reported to proper authorities.

Thornhill's death is believed to have been an innocent bystander, and police are asking the public to come forward with any information they may have – even if they believe it is not relevant, said Detroit Police Lieutenant Justin Sampson, who works in the police department's major crimes division.

There is a lack of support from the public when witnesses come forward, Sampson said.

The family previously told the Free Press that Thornhill was visiting Detroit and went to the digitally advertised, though unsanctioned, street festival to watch the fireworks with friends. He had just been picked up by his little brother when he was shot and eventually found by his brother, they said.

The street festival took place between Chalfonte Street and Eaton Avenue, police said. Sampson said it is believed shots were fired at several locations during the festival.

“We believe people were firing celebratory shots throughout the night to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Sampson added.

No other injuries or property damage were reported, he said. Based on the investigation so far, police cannot determine any gang activity that led to the shooting, nor any connection to the mass shooting at the street festival.

Thornhill's friends have come forward to police, but it's a small group with about 200 people in attendance, Sampson said. No social media videos have been submitted either, despite it being such a large event.

Investigators tracked down, paraded and spoke with several suspects, but no one was arrested or charged in the incident, Sampson said.

More: Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a ‘rock star’ in Chicago as she revs up Democratic delegates

More: Stellantis: New manager with experience in electric vehicles will lead production in North America

Sampson said he did not know the reason for the silence and that it was an unusually long period of time.

“In my opinion, it's disturbing,” he said. “But if they're concerned about anything, they can anonymously come to Crime Stoppers and give tips. They can also use our Detroit Rewards TV.”

Thornhill's family had previously called for justice for their son's death and a change in the city's street festival culture. The family also expressed concern that the mass shooting just days later might have been prevented if their son's case had been better publicized by police and news outlets immediately afterward.

“Ultimately, we want to bring closure to the family and justice to the victim in this situation,” Sampson said.

Anyone who has seen anything in person or on social media, has video footage or has any other information is asked to come forward.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800 Speak Up, Detroit Rewards TV or for major crimes at 313-596-2260.

You may also like...