Victim Identified in Deadly Grand Rapids Shooting: 31-Year-Old Montaness Lowe Remembered as First Homicide Victim of 2025

Victim Identified in Deadly Grand Rapids Shooting: 31-Year-Old Montaness Lowe Remembered as First Homicide Victim of 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The city of Grand Rapids is reeling after a deadly shooting claimed the life of Montaness Lowe, a 31-year-old man whose death marks the city’s first homicide of 2025. The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) confirmed Lowe’s identity and provided preliminary details surrounding the fatal incident that unfolded early Friday morning.

According to authorities, the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. outside Billy’s Lounge, a popular nightlife venue located on Wealthy Street SE near Giddings Avenue SE. Police were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire and a man down. When officers arrived, they found Lowe suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

In a statement to the press, GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom emphasized the human cost of the tragedy. “Bottom line is we are talking about a 31-year-old man whose life was taken away at 31 years of age,” Winstrom said solemnly. “This is a life lost, a family devastated, and a community left with questions.”

While investigators have not yet confirmed a motive or identified a suspect, Chief Winstrom noted that several individuals were present outside the lounge when the shooting occurred. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

“We know there were people out there when this happened,” Winstrom said. “Now is the time to speak up. If you saw something, please help us bring answers to Montaness’s family and hold whoever is responsible accountable.”

The Chief also addressed a growing concern that echoes across communities nationwide—an expected uptick in violent crime as warmer weather settles in.

“We have a lot of beautiful weather ahead of us this summer, and statistically speaking, that’s when we see more calls for violence,” he explained. “More individuals are using handguns to commit crimes, and it’s a call for us—not only as law enforcement but as a community—to be more vigilant.”

Montaness Lowe’s death is not just a statistic. Friends and family remember him as a son, a friend, and a man who had hopes and dreams like anyone else. Social media has since filled with tributes to Lowe, many mourning the loss of a young man who still had so much life to live.

“This city lost someone last night,” one friend wrote. “Montaness was more than a name in a police report. He had a heart, a laugh, and a future. This hurts.”

As the investigation continues, Grand Rapids police are asking the public to come forward with any surveillance footage, photos, or information that may help piece together what led to the deadly shooting. The area surrounding Billy’s Lounge is known for its nightlife scene, and investigators are hopeful that someone may have captured video evidence or witnessed the altercation that preceded the gunfire.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department or Silent Observer anonymously.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for community awareness and intervention to stem the tide of gun violence before more lives are lost.

Rest in peace, Montaness Lowe. Your life mattered, and your community mourns your loss.