DETROIT, MI — A senseless act of gun violence at a Detroit gas station has left two people dead, two others wounded, and a community once again grappling with the tragic consequences of a conflict that escalated far too quickly. Authorities have now charged a 30-year-old Hazel Park man, Jaylen Lee Robinson, in connection with the deadly incident that unfolded in the early morning hours of July 28, 2025, on Detroit’s west side.
THE INCIDENT
The shooting occurred just before 4:00 a.m. at a gas station on Puritan Street near Southfield Freeway, in what investigators say began as a verbal argument over flirting. According to police and court documents, Robinson got into an altercation with 32-year-old Martin Clay, of Davison, after a disagreement that reportedly stemmed from someone flirting with a woman at the scene.
What began as a war of words quickly turned physical. Witnesses told police that after the scuffle, Robinson pulled out a firearm and began firing indiscriminately, striking multiple people in the process.
THE VICTIMS
Tragically, Martin Clay was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another victim, 34-year-old Maria Jenkins of Highland Park, was also shot. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Two additional victims, a 28-year-old woman and a 39-year-old woman, both from Detroit, were also hit during the shooting. One woman suffered a gunshot wound to the torso, while the other sustained a graze wound. Both victims were taken to local hospitals in private vehicles and are expected to survive.
THE SUSPECT
Jaylen Lee Robinson was quickly identified as the suspect through eyewitness accounts and by his probation officer, who recognized him after surveillance footage was reviewed. Authorities say Robinson had only recently been sentenced to 12 months of probation in April 2025 after a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon (CCW).
Now, just three months later, he faces a new list of severe charges, including:
•2 counts of First-Degree Murder
•2 counts of Assault with Intent to Murder
•Felony Firearm Possession
•Felon in Possession of a Firearm
•Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony
Robinson was formally arraigned earlier this week, and he is currently being held without bond. His prior criminal history and probation status are expected to play a major role in the case as it moves forward through the judicial process.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
The shooting has rattled residents and local leaders, who are once again voicing concern about the alarming rise in violence stemming from minor disputes, particularly in high-traffic areas like gas stations and convenience stores.
“We’re talking about two people losing their lives and others critically wounded—over words,” said one Detroit community organizer. “This wasn’t gang-related or a long-standing feud. This was an impulsive act of violence that never should have happened.”
Detroit Police continue to investigate the incident and are reviewing surveillance footage, collecting ballistics evidence, and interviewing more witnesses.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
While charges have been filed, police stress that their investigation is still ongoing, and more information could emerge in the coming days. Authorities have asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have cellphone video from the gas station around the time of the shooting to come forward.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
As Detroit mourns the lives lost in this brutal act of gun violence, families of the victims are left grieving, and the community is left to ask the difficult question: When will it end?
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