On a summer afternoon in Detroit, a dispute tragically escalated, claiming the life of 23-year-old Tavita Hunter. On July 13, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., police were called to the intersection of Cardoni and Robinwood streets following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Ms. Hunter on the grass, suffering from a gunshot wound to her back.
Despite the efforts of the Detroit Fire Department who also responded to the scene, Tavita Hunter was pronounced deceased.
The investigation into the young woman's death quickly pointed to a suspect, 17-year-old Brandon Butler of Farmington Hills. According to investigators, an altercation between Butler and Hunter escalated to a fatal point. It is alleged that during the confrontation, Butler produced a handgun and fired, striking Hunter before fleeing the scene.
In the wake of the shooting, Brandon Butler was apprehended and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office brought charges against him. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm. The decision was made to charge Butler as an adult in connection with the killing of Tavita Hunter. He was arraigned in 36th District Court and given a $200,000 cash/surety bond, with the conditions of a GPS tether and house arrest. Further legal proceedings were scheduled, including a probable cause conference on August 13, 2024, and a preliminary examination on August 19, 2024.
