The Flint community is mourning after a devastating act of domestic violence unfolded at the River Park Apartments on the city’s north side early Tuesday morning. A young mother was fatally shot, and the suspected gunman later took his own life following a tense hours-long standoff with police, according to the Michigan State Police.
The Incident
Authorities say the violence began shortly before 2 a.m. when a 35-year-old man shot and killed his girlfriend, 32-year-old Princess Williams, inside the apartment complex located just south of Carpenter Road. Williams, a mother of a two-month-old baby, died at the scene before emergency responders could reach her.
Moments after the shooting, the suspect reportedly exchanged gunfire with on-site security guards before retreating into an apartment and barricading himself inside. Officials confirmed that a young child was present during the incident but was unharmed.
The Flint Police Department and Michigan State Police responded in force, setting up a perimeter as the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit deployed a drone to track the suspect’s movements. For hours, police attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The standoff stretched into the early morning, involving the Emergency Support Team and Bomb Squad, as troopers worked to bring the situation under control.
By 9 a.m., officers confirmed that the suspect had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His identity has not yet been released publicly, though investigators confirmed he was the father of Williams’ youngest child.
Remembering the Victim
The loss of Princess Williams has left her family and community in grief. Williams, who grew up in Grand Rapids, was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School and later pursued studies at the Transitions School of Cosmetology Careers. She was employed as a cocktail waitress at the Roadhouse Bar & Grill, where she was known for her hardworking nature and positive spirit.
Loved ones describe Williams as a warm, outgoing, and devoted mother whose smile and energy could light up a room. Her untimely death has left an irreplaceable void for her family, including her two young children.
Her mother, Deidra White, along with friends and extended relatives, is now facing the heartbreaking reality of life without her. Tributes have begun pouring in across social media, with friends sharing memories of Williams’ kindness and resilience.
Investigation and Community Response
The Flint Major Crimes Unit, made up of Michigan State Police troopers and Flint police officers, is leading the ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to gather evidence and piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
This murder-suicide has also reignited conversations about domestic violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. Advocates stress the importance of awareness, support services, and resources for victims who may be at risk.
Community leaders are urging residents to keep Williams’ children and family in their prayers as they navigate unimaginable loss.