Investigation into Saturday's Fatal Shooting Continues, 36-Year-Old Victim Identified
On Saturday, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) announced that it had responded to and was investigating a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of July 15.
According to a press release that was sent out on Saturday, officers had been called to the Southwest side of the City (near Ionia Avenue and Hall Street) around the 3:00am hour in response to a shooting. When they arrived on scene, an adult male was found "in the roadway." The press release states that the man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A few days later (on July 17), the Grand Rapids Police Department announced that the Kent County Medical Examiner had performed an autopsy and officially declared this case a homicide. 36-year-old Rovel Woldemicael has since been identified as the victim.
The Grand Rapids Police Department is currently investigating this case and is encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the GRPD at (616) 456-3380 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.
A Glimpse of Africa Festival to Take Place in Downtown Grand Rapids in August
The A Glimpse of Africa Festival is scheduled to take place in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, August 12 (10:30am - 10:00pm) and Sunday, August 13 (10:30am - 5:30pm). The festival will feature a variety of vendors and activities for attendees to enjoy -- from food and merchandise to live entertainment. Included in the entertainment lineup are dance performances, music, fashion shows, and a flag ceremony (among many other things). This event will provide festival-goers with the opportunity to learn about and honor the many diverse cultures of Africa.
According to A Glimpse of Africa's website:
"A Glimpse of Africa provides a platform that brings people together to celebrate, educate, and share the diverse rich African cultures through food, music, dance, fashion, art & crafts, and other community activities. Our annual festival is the largest African Cultural Festival in West Michigan with an attendance of over 4,000 people."
More information about A Glimpse of Africa (AGOA) and the Festival can be found online on AGOA's website and/or Facebook page.
Also in the News:
- The Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) has announced that its 2023-2024 season has officially started. For more information, visit the GRB's website.
- The City of Grand Rapids has announced that, on August 20, dogs will be able to swim in the Richmond Park Pool. For more information about this event, visit the City's website.
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