KCSO Investigating a Shooting and Crash in Gaines Township
UPDATE: Charges Authorized Against 3 Suspects in Homicide Investigation
Following the investigation into the homicide of Aaron Amarr Yarbrough-Gordon, the Kent County Prosecutor's Office has authorized charges against three individuals accused of being involved in his death, and all have been arraigned in adult court.
Kensavion Singer-Stephens, 17, has been charged with:
- Felony Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW)
- Felony-Firearm
- Carrying a Weapon with Unlawful Intent
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
Zaniyah Nelson, 18, who was 17 at the time of the offense, has been charged with:
- Felony Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
Amarianna Thomas, 18, has been charged with:
- Felony Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
Singer-Stephens was waived to adult court. All three were lodged at the Kent County Correctional Facility.
Anyone with additional information who has not yet spoken with detectives is encouraged to contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office Investigative Division, KCSO social media, or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer.
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VICTIM NAME ANNOUNCED
The victim in this homicide has been identified as 18-year-old Aaron Amarr Yarbrough-Gordon of Grand Rapids.
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UPDATE
GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich: The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with the fatal shooting in the 200 block of 79th Street SE.
Deputies were initially sent to the area after receiving an iPhone Crash Detection alert. Throughout the day, detectives reviewed surveillance video, conducted interviews, and followed up on information developed during the investigation. Several individuals were detained and interviewed as detectives worked to determine what happened and each person’s involvement, if any.
The case will be submitted to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for review and a charging decision.
The victim is an 18-year-old Grand Rapids man. His name is not being released at this time pending completion of family notifications. We recognize this is a tragic loss for his family and those who knew him.
This remains an active investigation. Detectives continue to interview witnesses, process evidence, and follow up on additional information. The increased law enforcement presence in the area has ended, and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division. Detectives are especially interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area during the early morning hours or may have relevant home, business, or vehicle surveillance footage.
Tips may also be submitted through the Kent County Sheriff’s Office social media accounts or anonymously through Silent Observer.
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7/27/2026 at 7:20 AM
At approximately 12:48 a.m., the Kent County Sheriff's Office responded with fire rescue to an iPhone crash detection alert in the 200 block of 79th Street SE in Gaines Township.
Upon arrival, first responders located a vehicle that had left the roadway and crashed into a creek. The driver was found inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound.
Based on the evidence currently available, investigators believe the gunshot entered the vehicle from outside of the vehicle. Detectives are working to interview potential witnesses and establish the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Investigators have also reviewed surveillance footage from the area, which indicates the suspect or suspects remain may still be in the area. As a result, there is a significant law enforcement presence in the area.
At this time, there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the general public, however residents on 79th St SE near the scene is asked to shelter while there is a large police presence.
This investigation remains in its early stages. Anyone with information related to this incident, including anyone who was in the area or who has surveillance footage that may be relevant, is asked to preserve that footage and contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office Investigative Division. Tips can also be submitted through the Kent County Sheriff's Office social media accounts or anonymously through Silent Observer.
If you have information that could help to move the investigation forward, please call the KCSO at 616-632-6125, or submit a tip to Silent Observer online or at 616-774-2345.
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