Story perspectives

18-Year-Old Shooter Kills Two Children at Grand Rapids Elementary

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

After being rejected when he asked children to join a soccer game, 18-year-old Rafael Martinez-Lopez opened fire at Southwest Elementary School in Grand Rapids on May 5, killing Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin and Savanah Villarreal.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged Martinez-Lopez with two counts of open murder, unlawful weapon use, school weapons-free zone violation, and related felonies.
Family members launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and aid Villarreal’s seven children.

1 of 1

Story summary

After being rejected when he asked children to join a soccer game, 18-year-old Rafael Martinez-Lopez opened fire at Southwest Elementary School in Grand Rapids on May 5, killing Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin and Savanah Villarreal.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged Martinez-Lopez with two counts of open murder, unlawful weapon use, school weapons-free zone violation, and related felonies.
Family members launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and aid Villarreal’s seven children.