SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A late-night shooting that claimed the life of a 45-year-old woman has left a suburban community in shock and sparked an investigation into the underlying family tensions. Authorities say 22-year-old Riley Donaldson has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal confrontation with her mother, Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, at the family’s home.
Donaldson was denied bond during her arraignment on Tuesday and is currently held at the Oakland County Jail. The tragic incident unfolded shortly before midnight on October 5, when a relative inside the Southfield residence alerted officers to the sound of gunfire.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots, followed by a vehicle speeding away from the scene. Upon their arrival, police found Simmons-Jones deceased from multiple gunshot wounds, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Surveillance footage from a nearby residence captured a vehicle linked to Donaldson arriving at her mother’s house right before the shooting. Investigators noted that cellphone data also placed Donaldson at the scene during the incident, reinforcing the evidence against her.
In a critical piece of evidence, authorities found Donaldson’s purse at the scene. Inside were identification documents and a concealed firearm that police believe may have been used in the shooting, although the weapon itself has not yet been recovered.
After the incident, Donaldson’s whereabouts were tracked to Ohio, where she reportedly stayed briefly before returning to Detroit. Law enforcement eventually located her on October 6, when she was seen at a CVS pharmacy with three men who are not suspected of involvement in the crime.
The investigation has turned its attention to family dynamics, as court records reveal Simmons-Jones had recently been appointed guardian of Donaldson’s young daughter. Just months earlier, in August, Simmons-Jones had reported her granddaughter and car missing, highlighting ongoing concerns about Donaldson’s mental health and stability. Though charges were not pursued at that time, Simmons-Jones sought mental health support for her daughter following the incident.
During her arrest, Donaldson reportedly referred to herself as “God” when asked for identification, a statement that has raised concerns among authorities. She did not resist arrest and promptly requested legal representation while being processed.
The young girl, now at the center of this tragic family dispute, has been placed in the custody of her grandfather, as investigators continue to examine the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event. Donaldson’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 22, while police continue their search for the firearm involved in the shooting.