Detroit Residents Marcus Johnson, 27, and Ricardo Williams, 34, Fatally Shot in Ferndale Near 8 Mile and Woodward; Police Investigate as Murder Investigation Intensifies

Ferndale, Michigan – March 10, 2025 – Ferndale police are investigating a shocking and tragic fatal shooting that took place early on the morning of March 9, 2025, near the busy intersection of 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, leaving two Detroit men dead. The victims, identified as Marcus Johnson, 27, and Ricardo Williams, 34, were targeted in what authorities believe was a senseless act of violence.

The incident unfolded shortly after 1:45 a.m. when Ferndale police dispatchers received multiple calls regarding gunfire. As officers responded to the reports, they discovered a scene of horror on the southbound Woodward Avenue bridge, over 8 Mile Road, where a Ford Escape had come to a stop. Inside the vehicle, Marcus Johnson was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Just moments later, Ricardo Williams, who had been riding in the passenger seat, was also discovered with fatal injuries in what appeared to be an ambush.

The investigation into the events leading up to the shooting is ongoing, with authorities piecing together details of a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of both men. The suspects remain unidentified, and police have not released further information on the potential motive behind the attack.

The Fatal Encounter

At 1:45 a.m., police dispatch received a call about gunshots being fired in the vicinity of 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Less than three minutes later, a second call came in, indicating a vehicle had been struck by gunfire, with a person lying on the roadway. Officers quickly arrived at the scene, discovering a chaotic and dangerous situation. The 27-year-old Marcus Johnson was located outside the vehicle, severely injured, and later rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His companion, Ricardo Williams, also succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation suggests that Johnson was driving the Ford Escape southbound on Woodward Avenue when an unknown suspect or suspects fired into the vehicle. The gunfire struck both Johnson and Williams, causing the vehicle to come to a halt on the bridge. The rapid response from Ferndale officers, as well as medical personnel, was insufficient to save the lives of the victims. While the investigation continues, police have not yet disclosed if the attack was targeted or if it was a random act of violence.

Police Chief Dennis Emmi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families in a statement released to the public. “This is a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Our department is fully committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible for this violent act. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”

Initial Investigation and Public Response

Ferndale police are continuing their investigation into the double shooting, and authorities are canvassing the area for possible witnesses. Police officers are also reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras that may provide additional clues. The area around 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, particularly the bridge over 8 Mile, is a high-traffic corridor, and authorities hope that nearby cameras may have captured images of the suspect’s vehicle or other important details.

Local residents and business owners near the intersection have expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, which occurred in a normally quiet and community-oriented area. While police have not released details on whether the shooting was connected to any gang activity or if the victims were involved in any criminal activity themselves, the Ferndale Police Department has promised that every lead will be followed thoroughly.

“We are focused on bringing the person or persons responsible for this horrific act to justice. Our investigators are working around the clock to uncover any piece of evidence that will lead to an arrest,” said Chief Emmi.

As of now, there is no indication of a suspect, and Ferndale authorities are working alongside the Detroit Police Department to determine if there are any connections between the victims and the broader area of Detroit, where both men lived.

Details About the Victims: Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams

The victims, Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams, were both from Detroit and had been known within their community. Johnson, aged 27, was reportedly a local resident with close ties to family and friends. Williams, 34, had been a longtime friend of Johnson, and the two men were often seen together at various social events and community gatherings in the Detroit area.

Family members and close friends of both men have expressed heartbreak over the tragedy. Friends of Marcus Johnson described him as a kind and generous individual, always willing to help others. Ricardo Williams, while older than Johnson, was often seen as a protector and mentor figure to those around him, offering advice and support during difficult times. Both men were beloved by their communities, and their deaths have left a void that will be hard to fill.

Authorities are also looking into whether the two victims had any known run-ins with the law or if they were involved in any illegal activity at the time of their deaths. However, no such information has been released publicly, and it is still unclear whether either man was specifically targeted or if this was a random act of violence.

Community Impact and Fear

The shooting has left many residents of Ferndale, as well as the surrounding communities, on edge. The area near 8 Mile and Woodward Avenue is one of the busiest in the region, with many businesses, restaurants, and bars located nearby. The Ferndale community, known for its close-knit and progressive nature, is now grappling with the reality of a brutal act of violence that has shaken the safety of their everyday lives.

Local community leaders and activists are calling for peace and urging residents to come forward with any information they may have. Some have pointed out that incidents like this only contribute to the atmosphere of fear that already exists in certain parts of the city.

Ferndale’s Police Chief, Dennis Emmi, stressed that the investigation would proceed with urgency to ensure that those responsible are found and brought to justice.

“As a department, we will work tirelessly to ensure the victims’ families have the closure they deserve, and that the individuals who committed this heinous crime are held accountable for their actions,” Chief Emmi stated. “We also ask that anyone who has any information about this case, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. This act of violence cannot go unpunished.”

Investigation Continues

At this time, the investigation into the deaths of Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams remains ongoing. The Ferndale Police Department is actively reviewing forensic evidence, conducting interviews with potential witnesses, and working with local law enforcement agencies to gather more details that might help lead to the identification of the suspects involved in the shooting.

Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to solving the case quickly, and police have increased patrols in the area surrounding 8 Mile and Woodward Avenue. They have also reassured the public that they are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious that could aid in the case. It remains unclear whether the shooting was a targeted attack or a random act of violence, but police have said they are treating the case as a priority and are sparing no resources in their efforts to solve the crime.

“We understand the fear and uncertainty that this situation has caused for the community,” said Chief Emmi. “But we want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to ensure this case is resolved quickly and justly. Our department will not rest until we find the answers that the victims’ families and the community deserve.”

How to Help and Reporting Tips

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Ferndale Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 248-541-3650, extension 5. Tips can also be provided anonymously through the department’s crime tip hotline. The police have emphasized that no piece of information is too small, and every lead could potentially provide crucial insight into the identity of the shooter(s).

The community of Ferndale, as well as the surrounding areas, is still reeling from the shock of this tragedy. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that justice will be served, and that the memory of Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams will live on in the hearts of those who knew them.

Conclusion: A Community Grieves

As of now, the investigation is still in its early stages, and the Ferndale Police Department has vowed to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for this senseless act of violence to justice. The deaths of Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams are a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurk even in seemingly safe areas, and the grief and shock experienced by their families and the community will continue for a long time.

The victims’ families are left to pick up the pieces, seeking closure, answers, and justice for their loved ones. In the meantime, the Ferndale Police Department and local law enforcement are working relentlessly to piece together the puzzle surrounding the fatal shooting near 8 Mile and Woodward, hoping that the tragic deaths of two young men will not go unanswered.

As more details emerge, the community remains hopeful that justice will prevail, and that the perpetrators of this terrible crime will soon be brought to justice. Until then, the grieving process for Marcus Johnson and Ricardo Williams continues, with their families and friends holding onto the memories of the lives they led, and the impact they had on the world around them.