On what should have been a joyous night, a Detroit family was shattered by a devastating act of violence. On the evening of May 21, 2015, 45-year-old Kim Landrum Mabins, a Black/African American female, and her husband, Greg Mabins, had just sent their 17-year-old son off to his high school prom. Shortly after their son's departure for what should have been a memorable teenage milestone, the night took a tragic and irreversible turn.
In the moments that followed, Greg Mabins, who was 58
years old, shot his wife in the back, inflicting a fatal wound. After taking his wife's life, he contacted Kim's mother to confess to the horrific act he had just committed. The series of events culminated in Greg then turning the gun on himself, ending his own life in a murder-suicide. This act of violence was not a sudden impulse, according to friends and family, but rather the tragic conclusion to a long history of abuse. Reports from those close to Kim indicated that she had been subjected to both verbal and physical abuse by her husband for many years. The premeditated nature of the evening's events was underscored by the fact that Greg waited until their son had left for the prom before carrying out the murder and his subsequent suicide.
As the perpetrator, Greg Mabins, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while on his way to the hospital, the investigation into Kim's death was concluded as a murder-suicide. Consequently, there were no arrests made or other suspects sought in connection with the case. The community was left to grapple with the shock and grief of the sudden loss. In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to offer support for their son, James, who was left without both of his parents. The fundraiser aimed to provide for his future, helping to ensure he could continue with his education and pursue the dreams his mother had always encouraged.
