An empty hotel lobby symbolizes the impact of violence on a community.
Ateivise Smith pled guilty to second-degree murder and a weapons charge in the Kentwood hotel shooting that killed Jaquarrie Garrett. The incident, which occurred while Garrett was celebrating his son’s first birthday, has raised serious concerns about gun violence and gang affiliations in the community. Smith’s ties to a local gang and a history of threats against Garrett complicate the case further. A judge is expected to sentence Smith to 13 years in prison in May 2025, as the community searches for ways to address the issue of violence.
Kentwood has been rocked by a hearing linked to a tragic shooting that left the community reeling. Last week, 28-year-old Ateivise Smith entered a guilty plea to both second-degree murder and a weapons charge in relation to the death of 22-year-old Jaquarrie Garrett. This shocking event took place at the Delta Hotel, and it highlights some serious issues affecting the community.
The fateful evening was March 4, 2023, when police arrived at the Delta Hotel located at the intersection of 28th Street and E Beltline Avenue. It was just before 7 p.m. when they discovered Jaquarrie Garrett dead at the scene, suffering from an alarming five gunshot wounds, three of which were to his back. This young man was in Grand Rapids to celebrate his son’s first birthday, turning what should have been a joyful occasion into a somber reminder of the impact of violence in our communities.
Ateivise Smith was quickly identified as a suspect. Video surveillance captured him wearing a ski mask leaving the hotel lobby moments after the shooting. It became clear that he was involved in a show of violence that spiraled out of control, claiming the life of an innocent visitor. After Smith fled the scene, he was later apprehended in May 2023, where police found a Glock handgun dropped by him during his escape, alongside six .40-caliber shell casings linking him to the tragedy.
The investigation revealed that Smith was purportedly affiliated with a gang known as 30boyz. This gang is believed to have been involved in various criminal activities, which cast a shadow over the circumstances of the shooting. Prosecutors have indicated that there was a history of conflicts between Smith and Garrett, including prior threats made on social media.
A judge has hinted at a sentence of 13 years in prison for Smith, although the formal sentencing is still pending. The hearing is expected to take place in May 2025, giving the community a chance to prepare for the outcome. All eyes are on the court as it deliberates this case that has deeply affected those living in the area.
In a related matter, the family of John Cain Jr., a hotel security guard who lost his life in 2021, has filed a lawsuit against the Grand Rapids Inn. Cain was tragically shot while confronting an unregistered guest in a hotel room. His family believes that the hotel management placed him in a perilous situation without providing necessary training or protective measures. This incident has reignited conversations about the safety of hotel staff and the responsibilities of establishments to ensure a secure environment.
As Kentwood grapples with the implications of these violent events, there are growing concerns regarding gun violence, gang affiliations, and the overall safety of public spaces. Residents are left wondering what measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The shooting of Jaquarrie Garrett serves as a painful reminder that behind every statistic lies a story—and a family left to cope with loss.
The city of Kentwood is now looking to find solutions, gather support, and focus on healing amidst the tragedy. As the community awaits further developments in the case, it remains hopeful for change that could foster a safer future for all.
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