GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – A 16-year-old junior at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods is one of the five teens who were in a car late Monday night when a gunman opened fire on them.
Paige Stalker was shot in the head and killed during the shooting that happened near Philip and Charlevoix streets.
Police said the teens were on their way to the movies when they pulled over to smoke and were ambushed.
Watch uncut video: Detroit police chief on teen shooting
"They did mention that they were partaking in the smoking of some marijuana. They pulled up to this location, stopped, and then they noticed an African-American male, about 6 feet tall, wearing a black hat, Army fatigues and a bullet-proof vest who just commenced to firing," said Detroit Deputy Police Chief Renee Hall.
Stalker was in the National Honor Society at University Liggett.
In a statement, the school said, "As you can imagine, we are heartbroken over the death of one of our students, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends and to the entire Liggett community during this very difficult time."
The teens drove themselves to Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe.
Demetrius Herndon was one of the 16-year-olds in the car. His father, Phillip Curraton, said his son was shot in the shoulder.
"When I got to the hospital last night, he said they were sitting in the car, and the guy pulled up on them and in some kind of Army fatigue or whatever on him, jumped out the car and started shooting up the car," said Curraton. "Random. The kids didn't do anything."
Another 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were hurt. A 17-year-old was not hurt.
"We do not believe this was a random attack," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
Approximately 30 shell casings were found at the scene.
A candlelight vigil in memory of Paige Stalker and the victims of Monday's shooting was held Tuesday night on the front lawn of the Grosse Pointe Woods City Hall, 20025 Mack Avenue.
"(Stalker) was a big part of the community and to see everyone else feeling the same way really helps, said Stalker's friend, Jennifer Kusch.
"We could have all gotten that phone call and as a mom," said parent Lori Weitzmnn. "When you are a mom, you are not just a mom to your kids, you are a mom to all kids."
Stalker's friends said she loved fashion and enjoyed babysitting.
"She was so smart and so kind, always," said friend Nina White.
"She was the sweetest, nicest, most genuine person and it is just awful. She didn't deserve it at all," Kusch said.
Statement from Grosse Pointe Public School District:
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of a University Liggett student. We are continuously thinking about and supporting the students currently hospitalized and all those impacted by this tragedy. Grosse Pointe and Detroit police have asked us not to comment on names, as this is an active investigation and we do not have formal confirmation from them.
The district will be coordinating the support services necessary over break. Please watch our website www.gpschools.org for updated information.
In the meantime, please keep the families and friends in your thoughts.
- Dr. Thomas Harwood, GPPSS Superintendent