Rochester Hills Shooting : “Fake GoFundMe Scam Raises $15K for Splash Pad Victim”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Fraudulent GoFundMe campaign
2. Rochester Hills scam splash pad victim

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office uncovered a fake GoFundMe account related to the Rochester Hills splash pad shooting, which fraudulently collected over $15,000. Sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed that the account falsely claimed to support Kyle J. Thompson and his family, who were not victims of the incident. The sheriff’s office shut down the account and returned the funds to donors. Two victims remain in critical condition after the shooting, which was carried out by 42-year-old Michael William Nash, who later died by suicide. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the tragic event. Stay informed with updates from CBS Detroit’s digital producer, DeJanay Booth-Singleton.

(CBS DETROIT) – The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents after discovering a fake GoFundMe account that falsely claimed to be raising money for victims of the tragic shooting at the Rochester Hills splash pad. The account, which purported to be collecting funds for Kyle J. Thompson and his family, managed to accumulate over $15,000 before being shut down by authorities. Sheriff Michael Bouchard denounced the account as a “complete fraud,” emphasizing that Thompson and his family were not involved in the incident.

In a press conference held on Monday, Sheriff Bouchard confirmed that the $15,000 raised through the fraudulent account had been returned to donors. He urged individuals interested in donating to verify the legitimacy of fundraising efforts by consulting with the sheriff’s office. Additionally, the sheriff’s office shared verified donation accounts on social media to help prevent further scams.

The shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad left nine individuals, including two children, injured. Among the victims were an 8-year-old boy and a 39-year-old woman, both of whom were listed in critical condition following the incident. While two victims have since been discharged from the hospital, the community continues to grapple with the senseless violence that occurred at the popular family destination.

According to reports from the sheriff’s office, the gunman arrived at the splash pad in a vehicle and proceeded to open fire on unsuspecting individuals enjoying a summer afternoon. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Michael William Nash of Shelby Township, tragically took his own life following a standoff with law enforcement in a nearby neighborhood.

Investigators have yet to establish a motive for the shooting, despite seizing electronic devices and firearms from Nash’s residence. The absence of a criminal record for the shooter has added complexity to the ongoing investigation, with authorities uncovering multiple firearms registered to Nash, including the weapon used in the attack.

Neighbours of the assailant have described him as reclusive, with little interaction with the community. One neighbour, who resided next door to Nash’s mother, recounted casual exchanges with her but noted that Nash primarily kept to himself. The shooter’s mother, who was out of state at the time of the incident, has not been in contact with investigators and may have sought legal representation.

As the community mourns the victims of the Rochester Hills splash pad shooting, authorities are urging caution when donating to charitable causes related to the tragedy. By remaining vigilant and verifying the authenticity of fundraising efforts, residents can help prevent further exploitation of this devastating event.