In the early hours of Friday, May 23, 2025, a vibrant life was cut short in Grand Rapids, Michigan, when 31-year-old Montaness Lowe was fatally shot outside Billy’s Lounge on Wealthy Street SE, near Giddings Avenue SE. The incident, marking the city’s first deadly shooting of the year, has left the community grappling with grief and renewed concerns about gun violence as warmer months approach. Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) Chief Eric Winstrom, speaking with a heavy heart, described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, noting that Lowe’s death at such a young age is a profound loss. “We’re talking about a 31-year-old man whose life was taken away,” Winstrom said, his words carrying the weight of a community’s sorrow.
The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m., a time when Wealthy Street SE, a popular nightlife area, was still bustling with activity. According to police reports, multiple individuals were present outside Billy’s Lounge when the gunfire erupted. Lowe was struck and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The GRPD has not yet released details about a suspect or the circumstances leading to the shooting, but investigators are actively canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage. The lively atmosphere of the neighborhood, known for its bars and entertainment venues, was shattered by the sudden violence, leaving residents and visitors shaken.
Chief Winstrom emphasized that the timing of the incident aligns with a troubling pattern. “We have a lot of beautiful weather ahead of us this summer, and statistically speaking, that’s when we see more calls for violence,” he said. Data from previous years supports his observation. In 2024, Grand Rapids recorded 14 homicides, a significant decrease from the 24 reported in 2023 and the 23 in 2022. However, the warmer months, particularly June, have historically been the deadliest, with four homicides reported in June 2024 alone. The GRPD has noted that many of these incidents involve firearms and often stem from seemingly minor disputes that escalate tragically. Winstrom’s call for vigilance underscores the department’s commitment to preventing further violence as the summer season begins.
The loss of Montaness Lowe has resonated deeply in Grand Rapids, a city of approximately 200,000 residents that has worked to curb gun violence in recent years. Community members have expressed their heartbreak, with some gathering near the site of the shooting to pay their respects. Billy’s Lounge, a longstanding fixture in the city’s Eastown neighborhood, is known for its live music and welcoming atmosphere, making the violence that unfolded outside its doors all the more jarring. Local business owners and residents are now calling for increased safety measures, including enhanced police presence and community outreach programs to address the root causes of such incidents.
The GRPD is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer, a resource that has proven effective in past investigations. As the investigation continues, Chief Winstrom has pledged to pursue justice for Lowe and his family, stating, “We will not tolerate this sort of violence in our city.” The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the challenges Grand Rapids faces in maintaining public safety, particularly as the city braces for a potential uptick in crime during the warmer months. For now, the community mourns the loss of a young man whose life was taken too soon, and residents hold onto hope that answers and accountability will soon follow.