DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A devastating shooting involving a 7-year-old girl identified in community accounts as Alayah Porties, affectionately known as “Baby Lay,” and her mother, Alexis Reaves, has raised serious concerns after both were reportedly wounded inside their apartment on Detroit’s East Side on Monday evening, October 12, 2026.
According to Detroit police, the shooting occurred shortly after 7 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 8000 block of Farnsworth Street, near Gratiot Avenue and Van Dyke.
Authorities confirmed that a 29-year-old mother and her 7-year-old daughter were injured in the incident. Both victims were transported for medical treatment and reported to be in stable condition, with doctors expecting them to survive.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said preliminary investigations indicated that the violence stemmed from an earlier disagreement involving children approximately 7 and 8 years old.
According to investigators, the father of one of the children allegedly visited the apartment where the mother and daughter lived to confront the woman about the earlier dispute.
As the confrontation escalated, the mother reportedly attempted to close her apartment door. Police allege that the man forced his way inside, pulled out a firearm, and discharged a single round.
The bullet struck the mother in her arm before continuing and hitting her young daughter in the shoulder.
Emergency responders arrived after police received a shots-fired call at approximately 7:03 p.m. Authorities said officers reached the scene within five minutes.
Despite the frightening circumstances, both victims survived and were reported to be recovering.
The suspected gunman fled the apartment complex in a white GMC Terrain, possibly equipped with a blackout package.
Detroit police launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to establish the circumstances and locate the suspect.
As of Tuesday morning, October 13, police had not announced an arrest.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield condemned the shooting, expressing concern for the mother and daughter while emphasizing the lasting emotional trauma that can follow such violence.
The incident has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of allowing disagreements between children to escalate into armed confrontations between adults.
For Alexis Reaves and her daughter Alayah Porties, whose names have been shared in accounts of the incident but have not been independently verified in official reporting, the immediate priority remains their recovery and well-being.
Family members, friends, and concerned community members are encouraged to support the victims and respect their privacy as they recover from the traumatic experience.
Anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detroit police.
