A promising future was cut tragically short when 19-year-old Imani Peterson—an aspiring veterinarian, devoted daughter, and new mother—died after fighting for her life for 15 days in the ICU following a shooting at a Detroit party.
Peterson was one of four people shot on June 1, 2025, during a gathering on Trinity Street. She was an innocent bystander, caught in a hail of gunfire that injured three others and left her in critical condition. On June 15, 2025, her family confirmed she passed away after a courageous battle.
“It’s devastating to get a phone call at 2 a.m., a call that changed the world,” said her mother, Ceria Joyce.
A graduate of Mumford High School’s Class of 2022, Imani had big dreams. She was known for her warmth, joy, and deep love for animals and children. Her goal was to become a veterinarian—an ambition that reflected her compassionate heart and unwavering work ethic.
“Everybody out here had a relationship with Imani,” her cousin Ontavia Joyce told Fox 2 Detroit. “She was a happy, beautiful young woman.”
Peterson had recently become a mother herself, giving birth to her son just four months before the shooting. Her death leaves behind a grieving infant son and a heartbroken family, now left to raise him without the vibrant young woman who had only begun her journey into adulthood.
On the day of her funeral, loved ones gathered dressed in yellow—Imani’s favorite color—to celebrate her life and spirit. Her family reiterated that she had no involvement in the violence that erupted and that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Still No Arrests
As of this report, no arrests have been made in connection with the June 1 shooting.
Authorities have not released additional details, and the investigation remains ongoing. The family and community are calling for justice and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community Rallies Around Family
A GoFundMe created by her mother, Ceria Joyce, is helping raise funds for funeral expenses and support for Imani’s young son. On the fundraising page, Joyce shared the pain of losing her daughter:
“She had a heart of gold… She loved her family, all children, and people in general. She worked hard and had a dream of becoming a veterinarian.”
Joyce also emphasized the deep emotional and financial impact of the loss, writing:
“This is a hard time for my family and myself and we are asking all friends, family, and the public to help us with the burial of our sweet angel.”
A Life That Touched Many
In a city where gun violence continues to devastate communities, Imani’s death is a painful reminder of the innocent lives lost far too often. Her story is not just one of tragedy but of promise—of a young woman full of purpose, love, and ambition, taken far too soon.
As her family continues to mourn, they also remain committed to honoring her memory by providing the love and support her son will now need in her absence.
If you have information about the shooting that occurred on June 1, 2025, on Trinity Street in Detroit, please contact the Detroit Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.