Remembering Malik Eubanks, Anayia Rodriguez, and Darryl Yarber: Burton Heights Holds Peace Vigil for Victims of Recent Violence

Accident – Death – Obituary News : GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — In a significant step toward healing and unity, residents of the Burton Heights neighborhood in Grand Rapids came together on Saturday night to hold a peaceful vigil. This gathering was organized in response to the tragic shooting that occurred earlier in the week, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The vigil aimed to provide support and solidarity to those directly affected by the recent violence.

Katy Hoffman, the executive director of the Garfield Neighborhood Association, expressed the purpose of the event, saying, “We are out here today to gather as the community that’s been immediately affected by the most recent violence. We just wanted to show up and support these neighbors.”

The incident in question took place on Monday at approximately 11:10 a.m. in Burton Heights. Following several distress calls, local law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered two lifeless bodies in the street, mere blocks away from each other. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Malik Eubanks and 20-year-old Anayia Rodriguez, who were in a relationship. Eubanks was found on Horton Avenue SE, while Rodriguez was located on Melville Street.

Tragically, another fatality occurred later that day, around 4 p.m., when 32-year-old Darryl Yarber was also found shot dead on Horton Ave. SE.

GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of these young lives, stating, “It was too young, too young. Anayia was too young, Malik was too young, Darryl was too young. We’re not going to put up with that. At all.”

During the vigil on Saturday evening, Chief Winstrom provided an update on the ongoing investigation. He assured the community that progress was being made, stating, “We’ve already executed over ten search warrants related to this. We’re going to keep it up. I will tell you, I am confident in our detectives, and I am confident that we are going to find justice for these family members.”

One of the search warrants was executed at Flavors Smoke Shop. During the search, the police arrested a homicide suspect from Milwaukee. Chief Winstrom revealed that the business was allegedly involved in purchasing stolen items from young individuals across the city and engaging in drug sales.

When asked if the search warrant was directly linked to the string of murders that occurred on Monday, Chief Winstrom responded, “I won’t say it’s completely different because when these three murders happened that day, we immediately had a meeting and said, ‘What is driving violence?’ Running through theories, looking for motives. Whether or not that ties directly to murder is something I am not able to talk about right now, but we are definitely headed in the right direction on this homicide.”

The residents of Burton Heights who attended the vigil expressed their shock and ongoing sense of unease following the tragic events. Sheena Walls, a Burton Heights resident, shared her concerns, saying, “I am raising a teenager and another kid myself. The way I think of it, it could have been my baby. In the middle of the day, what if she would’ve been walking to the store and she got hit?”

In an effort to aid the investigation, anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at 616.456.3400 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

This community vigil serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Burton Heights neighborhood. By coming together in solidarity, the residents are sending a powerful message that they will not tolerate violence and are committed to creating a safe and peaceful environment for all..