GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that took place early Saturday morning in Grand Rapids Township. The shooting left one woman dead and two others injured. Gilberto Hernandez-Mendez, who is accused of killing his girlfriend’s mother and injuring her two sisters, was arraigned on 11 criminal counts on Monday afternoon.
Hernandez-Mendez faces charges including open murder, assault with intent to commit murder, discharging a firearm at or in a building causing death and serious impairment, assault with a dangerous weapon, and other firearms-related offenses.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tabor Road, which is off Westshire Drive near Alpine Avenue in Alpine Township. Kent County authorities were alerted to the situation after multiple 911 calls were made, with initial reports indicating a possible domestic disturbance. Shortly thereafter, officers received information suggesting shots had been fired.
Deputies who responded to the scene found three women inside the home, two of whom had suffered gunshot wounds. The victims, aged 30 and 36, were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. As of Monday, both were in stable condition. The third victim, 56-year-old Norma Ramirez-Martinez, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later revealed that the two injured women were sisters, and Hernandez-Mendez was dating one of them and living at the residence. The house also contained a man and a baby, who were not injured during the incident.
Hernandez-Mendez fled the scene after the shooting, but was apprehended hours later in Coloma, Michigan, with assistance from local police departments and the Michigan State Police. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir expressed concern over the frequency of domestic violence-related calls, underscoring the seriousness of these situations. “Domestics have always been a very prevalent call for the sheriff’s office. They’re very concerning to all of us,” Muir said. “I want to make sure everyone understands that there are resources out there for them if they are in a relationship that is uncomfortable for them or they are being treated in a way that they should not be.”
In addition to the charges in Michigan, the sheriff’s department revealed that Hernandez-Mendez is a Mexican national who is in the U.S. illegally. He had previously been deported and was using a false name at the time of his arrest. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now working with local authorities to address his immigration status.
Hernandez-Mendez was denied bond at his arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court for hearings on March 5 and March 12.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral expenses for the deceased victim, Norma Ramirez-Martinez. The campaign aims to support her family during this difficult time.
The case continues to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence, as well as the need for resources and intervention to prevent such tragedies in the future. Safe Haven Ministries, a nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids that offers support for individuals in volatile relationships, can be reached anytime at 616-452-6664.
