In the early morning hours of May 23, 2025, a dispute that began inside a Grand Rapids lounge spilled out into the street, leaving 31-year-old Montaness Lowe with a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen. The incident, which marked the city's first homicide of the year, took place around 1:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of Wealthy Street SE. Lowe was rushed to a local hospital in a private vehicle but succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later.
An autopsy later confirmed his death as a homicide.
The investigation into Lowe's death quickly focused on 26-year-old Keith Decelous-Leon Tett, Jr. Surveillance footage from inside Billy's Lounge captured an argument between Lowe and Tett. Witnesses reported that the altercation continued outside the bar. According to court documents, Tett and a companion, Myeshawn Moore, were escorted out of the lounge by security. Lowe then allegedly swung at Tett, who responded by firing a single shot. Moore later confirmed to investigators that an altercation occurred and that he was confident Tett was the shooter, though he did not see the weapon.
In his interview with police, Tett admitted to a prior history with Lowe, stating they had both been in a relationship with the same woman. He claimed, however, that he was unaware Lowe was at the bar that night until Lowe approached him, initiating the argument. Tett told investigators that Lowe punched him in the head, causing him to fear for his life and leading him to shoot in self-defense. After the shooting, Tett allegedly disposed of the firearm in a nearby neighborhood. Police were later able to recover a. 40 caliber handgun that matched a shell casing found at the scene.
Keith Tett was arrested and arraigned on June 4, 2025, in 61st District Court. He faces charges of open murder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of felony firearm. Due to his prior convictions, which include receiving and concealing stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon, and larceny, he is also being charged as a fourth-degree habitual offender. At the time of the shooting, Tett was on parole. He was denied bail and awaits his next court appearance, facing a potential life sentence if convicted of open murder.
