Marcus Jerome Jones – Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly shooting that occurred on the southeast side of Grand Rapids earlier this month. The man has been named as 41-year-old Marcus Jerome Jones, whose death has been officially ruled a homicide by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office. Jones was killed in the early morning hours of September 2 in the 400 block of Diamond Avenue SE, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD).
Police reports state the shooting took place at around 2:30 a.m. Responding officers found Jones suffering from gunshot wounds upon their arrival. Despite officers’ immediate efforts to provide emergency aid, Jones succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Kent County Medical Examiner later confirmed that Jones’ cause of death was directly related to the shooting, classifying it as homicide. The ruling underscores the violent nature of the crime and adds to the growing number of homicides the city has faced this year.
With Jones’ death, Grand Rapids has now recorded its ninth homicide of 2025, reflecting an ongoing concern among both law enforcement and the community regarding violent crime in the city. Officials have not released further details about possible suspects, motives, or the circumstances that may have led to the deadly encounter.
The GRPD’s Major Case Team continues to investigate the incident, gathering evidence from the scene, canvassing the area for surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses. Detectives are working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random, but so far no conclusions have been shared publicly.
Community members living in the neighborhood have expressed unease about the violence, particularly given that the shooting happened during early morning hours in a residential area. Police are emphasizing the importance of public assistance in moving the investigation forward.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, heard gunfire, or has information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Grand Rapids Police Department by calling 616-456-3380. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can also be submitted through Silent Observer, a program that allows community members to assist in investigations without revealing their identities.
As the investigation moves forward, officials hope community cooperation will provide the leads needed to bring justice for Jones and his family. Meanwhile, his death serves as another somber reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take across Grand Rapids.
Law enforcement agencies in the area continue to prioritize homicide investigations, emphasizing both solving recent cases and preventing future acts of violence. With nine homicides already recorded this year, city officials and community leaders are expected to renew conversations around safety and crime prevention strategies.
The case remains active, and police have pledged to provide updates as new information becomes available.
