Southfield, MI – A 22-year-old Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her mother amid a custody battle over her 3-year-old daughter allegedly told police during her arrest that she was “God.” The suspect, Riley Donaldson, faces first-degree murder and felony firearm charges and is being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail following her October 10 arraignment.
The Incident: Fatal Shooting During Custody Dispute
According to Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, the killing occurred on the night of October 5, when Donaldson allegedly shot her mother, 45-year-old Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, inside her home. Police say the incident may have stemmed from an ongoing custody fight over Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter, who was living with Simmons-Jones at the time.
At the time of the shooting, Simmons-Jones’ 77-year-old mother-in-law and Donaldson’s child were both inside the home. The elderly woman told police she heard three to four gunshots before someone ran out the front door. She immediately called her son, Simmons-Jones’ husband, who then dialed 911.
Officers arrived at 11:50 p.m., finding Simmons-Jones deceased. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera showed Donaldson’s vehicle arriving moments before the gunfire and speeding away minutes later.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police say cellphone data placed Donaldson at her mother’s home during the time of the shooting. Investigators also found Donaldson’s purse at the scene, containing her identification and personal items, which she appeared to have left behind while fleeing…