Family of Slain Detroit Woman Wants Answers After Car Accident Led to Shooting

Renisha McBride, 19, was shot and killed after seeking help in a mostly white neighborhood.

By Jamilah King Nov 07, 2013

Renisha McBride’s family wants answers. The 19-year-old woman died from gunshot wounds early on Saturday morning following an incident in which she sought help after a car accident. The shooting occurred in a mostly white city in the Detroit metro area called Dearborn Heights.

Bernita Spinks, McBride’s aunt, said the shooting was not justified even if the resident believed McBride was an intruder breaking into the home.

"He shot her in the head … for what? For knocking on his door," Spinks told Detroit News on Tuesday. "If he felt scared or threatened, he should have called 911."

The family met with officials from the area’s prosecutor’s office on Monday because they believe the shooting was racially motivated. "He killed my niece and he needs to pay for it. He needs to be in jail," Spinks said. "There was no window broken. My niece didn’t bother anyone. She went looking for help and now she’s dead."

McBride will be laid to rest on Friday.