A violent confrontation at a Detroit gas station in the early hours of Monday morning has left two people dead and two others wounded, in what police are calling a senseless act of gun violence.
The incident unfolded around 4 a.m. at a gas station located on Puritan Street, where an argument turned deadly. According to the Detroit Police Department, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between Jaylen Lee Robinson, a 30-year-old man from Hazel Park, and one of the victims.
The confrontation escalated quickly into a physical fight. During the struggle, Robinson allegedly drew a firearm and began shooting, striking four individuals.
Two people were killed in the shooting:
Martin Clay, 32, of Davison, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Maria Jenkins, 34, of Highland Park, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
In addition to the two fatalities, two women—aged 28 and 39, both residents of Detroit—sustained gunshot wounds. Authorities have not released the names of the surviving victims but have confirmed that both women are recovering in the hospital and are expected to survive.
Police responded to 911 calls moments after shots were fired and were able to quickly secure the scene. Robinson fled, but after a brief investigation and review of surveillance footage from the gas station, authorities were able to identify and locate him.
He was arrested without incident shortly afterward. Robinson has a prior criminal record and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. As a result of the deadly shooting, he now faces multiple serious charges, including:
Two counts of first-degree murder
Two counts of assault with intent to murder
Four counts of felony firearm
One count of felon in possession of a firearm
He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning in a Detroit courtroom. Prosecutors are expected to argue for no bond, citing both the severity of the charges and Robinson’s criminal history.
The motive behind the initial argument is still under investigation. Police are reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, and working to determine what triggered the violent confrontation.
At this point, investigators believe the dispute may have been personal in nature, rather than gang-related or random. The shooting has shaken the community, especially as it happened at a busy neighborhood gas station that serves many local residents.
Community members have expressed frustration over the ongoing gun violence plaguing Detroit and other urban centers. City leaders and law enforcement officials continue to call for stricter gun laws, increased community policing, and better support services to address the root causes of such violence.
As the investigation continues, family and friends of the victims are mourning the loss of loved ones. Vigils are being planned for both Martin Clay and Maria Jenkins, whose lives were cut short in a tragedy that could have been prevented.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact Detroit Police or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
