On December 6, 2025, tragedy struck the Jackson Hill neighborhood when 25‑year‑old Joshua Fondren Jr. was found fatally wounded inside a residence on the 600 block of Jackson Avenue near McLaren Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe the shooting may have stemmed from a robbery involving individuals familiar with one another. Two other men, both age 25, were critically injured and remain hospitalized.
A four‑year‑old child also suffered a minor wound but is expected to recover fully. A person of interest was detained on December 7, though formal charges have not yet been filed as the Muskegon Major Crime Initiative and Michigan State Police continue to analyze evidence.
Fondren was born and raised in Muskegon, spending his life in the Jackson Hill community. He was a devoted father to his eight‑month‑old son and eagerly anticipated the birth of another child. His mother, Deborah Wyrick, described him as a source of energy and loyalty, someone whose presence enlivened gatherings and whose absence is deeply felt in the close‑knit neighborhood.
Joshua lived with a strong sense of responsibility, prioritizing family events and community ties. Raised by Wyrick alongside his siblings, including his sister Karla, he embodied resilience shaped by Muskegon’s working‑class traditions and carried that strength into his daily life.
Residents of the east‑side neighborhood, typically known for its calm atmosphere, have been shaken by the violence. On December 8, more than a hundred people gathered for vigils, releasing red and black balloons in Fondren’s honor and pink and purple ones for Watts, symbolizing collective grief. Police have urged anyone with information to contact the department at 231‑724‑6750, stressing that the incident appears to have been targeted.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Wyrick is helping cover funeral expenses, reflecting the financial strain now facing the family. As the investigation continues, Muskegon residents have united in mourning, channeling sorrow into calls for justice and stronger protections for young people.
Related: Cori Marie-May Watts Death: Beloved 22-year-old resident of Muskegon, MI, died on December 6