Pregnant Woman Gunned Down Outside Parents' West Side Detroit Home; Killer At Large
DETROIT (WWJ) - A pregnant woman and her unborn child are the latest victims of gun violence in Detroit.
The shooting happened late Wednesday night in the 10300 block Crocuslawn, off Wyoming between Plymouth and Chicago on the city's west side.
According to police, a 21-year-old woman -- identified by relatives as Bionka Lyons -- was getting out of a car in the driveway of her parents' home when she was shot multiple times. Lyons, who was seven months pregnant, was rushed to the hospital but died from her injuries. Her baby boy also did not survive.
Police were still canvassing the neighborhood Thursday morning with a K-9 unit, but so far have found no signs of the gunman.
Lee Straughter, who came to the scene after hearing news reports, told WWJ's Mike Campbell he worked with Lyons at a local post office.
"I was praying because I know what street she lives on, like, I would pick her up for work, I was just hoping it wasn't her, but I knew it was," said Straughter, who was visibly distraught. "Why would somebody do this to a baby? She was only 21. Why would someone do this to a pregnant baby? She was a good girl, stayed out of trouble, she ain't in the streets, man. She would come to work and have fun, look out for people. We all take care of each other. She was just a baby."
At this point it's not clear if the woman was targeted, or if the shooting was random.
A neighbor told WWJ's Mike Campbell he heard the shots just before midnight.
"It was probably like four of them, four loud shots -- almost shook the house," he said. "They keep to themselves, they're quiet, a nice family. It's mostly quiet around here, that's why it's such a shock, you know? You hear the shots far away, but never this close."
An investigation is ongoing. The suspect remains at large.
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