Donovan Moss’ relatives say the 18-year-old was working two jobs and building a future for his young daughter before his death.
DETROIT, Mich. — The family of 18-year-old Donovan Moss Jr. is remembering a recent high school graduate and devoted young father as Detroit police investigate his fatal shooting and hold two people of interest in custody.
Moss, known to relatives as “DJ,” was shot early Friday near Cheshire Street and Moross Road on the city’s east side. Police responded around 3:30 a.m. and found the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound. He died from his injuries. By Saturday, police said two people of interest had been taken into custody, although authorities had not publicly identified them or announced charges.
For Moss’ relatives, the police development came after a day of grief and unanswered questions. His aunt, Cinnamon Oliver, said the loss had been difficult for the entire family. She remembered her nephew as helpful, respectful and strongly connected to those closest to him.
Family members said Moss was especially devoted to his 2-year-old daughter. Despite becoming a parent at a young age, relatives said he remained committed to providing for her. His cousin, Zamiya Moss, told local reporters that he had recently graduated from high school and was working two jobs to support his daughter.
Zamiya Moss also described her cousin as loyal and naturally funny, someone whose personality drew people to him. She said the family does not want the teenager to be remembered simply as another person killed by gun violence. Relatives instead want attention placed on the life he was building and the people who depended on him.
The family’s public comments have also turned toward the larger problem of shootings involving young people. Zamiya Moss has called for stronger gun policies, saying her cousin’s death should add urgency to efforts aimed at reducing violence. Her comments came as the family waited for investigators to determine why Moss was killed.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield responded to the shooting by calling the teenager’s death heartbreaking and saying the city’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety would provide support to his family. She also expressed confidence that Detroit police would pursue those responsible. The statement was issued before police disclosed that two people of interest were in custody.
The shooting occurred less than two days after an 11-year-old in Detroit was seriously wounded in a separate incident involving an unsecured handgun. Community violence-prevention advocates responding to that case said intervention and prevention remain important parts of reducing shootings. Police have not indicated that the two cases are connected.
In Moss’ case, police said officers initially went to the 19100 block of Cheshire Street after receiving a ShotSpotter alert. Authorities have not publicly described the events immediately before the shooting, announced a motive or said whether Moss knew the people now in custody.
Police have referred to the two detained individuals as people of interest rather than defendants charged with Moss’ killing. Authorities said charging requests would be sent to the prosecutor’s office for review. Their identities and the evidence connecting them to the investigation had not been released in the available reporting.
For Moss’ family, the custody announcement provides a possible step toward answers but does not resolve the central question of why the 18-year-old was killed. The homicide investigation remains ongoing while police and prosecutors determine what, if any, charges are supported by the evidence.
Author note: Last updated October 11, 2026.