SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A 22-year-old woman from Ohio is accused of killing her mother in Southfield.
Riley Donaldson has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 45-year-old Ada Mae Simmons-Jones.
Southfield police found Simmons-Jones’ body just after 11:30 p.m., Oct. 5. while responding to a report of someone shot on Bainbridge Drive.
Background: Woman found dead with gunshot wound in Oakland County home
The victim’s mother-in-law heard gunshots and called her son, who called the police.
Police said Donaldson left her purse in her mother’s home before fleeing back to Ohio. The murder weapon is believed to have been ditched somewhere along her drive back.
Shell casings were recovered at the scene. Ballistics tests will be conducted to trace the firearm and determine if it has been used in other crimes.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said the shooting was related to a custody dispute involving a 3-year-old girl. In August, police received a 911 call from Simmons-Jones reporting that her daughter had taken the child. The child was later found unharmed in Ohio.
“We never really know the full extent of why someone would choose to kill their mother, but we do believe that it does center around the possibility of the custodial arrangements,” Barren said.
The young girl was in the home at the time of the shooting and is now staying with a family member.
The victim’s husband described Simmons-Jones as a generous and loving woman who, despite the custody conflict, never refused the suspect access to her daughter.
Barren noted that the suspect has mental health issues but appeared to understand her actions, calling them “calculated.” When arrested and informed of the murder charge, Donaldson reportedly responded, “OK,” and requested a lawyer.
“This was planned,” Barren said. “This was premeditated.”
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