Southfield, MI – A 22-year-old Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her mother amid a custody battle over her 3-year-old daughter allegedly told police during her arrest that she was “God.” The suspect, Riley Donaldson, faces first-degree murder and felony firearm charges and is being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail following her October 10 arraignment.
The Incident: Fatal Shooting During Custody Dispute
According to Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, the killing occurred on the night of October 5, when Donaldson allegedly shot her mother, 45-year-old Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, inside her home. Police say the incident may have stemmed from an ongoing custody fight over Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter, who was living with Simmons-Jones at the time.
At the time of the shooting, Simmons-Jones’ 77-year-old mother-in-law and Donaldson’s child were both inside the home. The elderly woman told police she heard three to four gunshots before someone ran out the front door. She immediately called her son, Simmons-Jones’ husband, who then dialed 911.
Officers arrived at 11:50 p.m., finding Simmons-Jones deceased. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s camera showed Donaldson’s vehicle arriving moments before the gunfire and speeding away minutes later.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police say cellphone data placed Donaldson at her mother’s home during the time of the shooting. Investigators also found Donaldson’s purse at the scene, containing her identification and personal items, which she appeared to have left behind while fleeing.
Chief Barren told reporters that police believe Donaldson concealed the murder weapon inside her purse before entering the home. However, the gun has not yet been recovered, despite coordinated efforts with Ohio law enforcement agencies.
After the shooting, Donaldson reportedly traveled to Ohio, where she stayed for about two hours before returning to Detroit. Detectives from the Southfield Police Department and the Oakland County Auto Theft Task Force later tracked her to a CVS store in Detroit on October 6. She was found in a car’s passenger seat with three unidentified men, who police said were not connected to the homicide.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Donaldson was formally charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm possession. She appeared before a judge on October 10, where she was denied bond and ordered held at the Oakland County Jail.
Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 22, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence, including bodycam footage from her arrest.
Statements and Reactions from Police
During a press conference, Chief Elvin Barren provided key updates on the case, including details from the arrest footage. In the video, when officers asked Donaldson to identify herself, she replied that she was “God.”
“When individuals do that declaration, they’re letting us know that they decide who lives and who dies,”
said Chief Barren, referring to Donaldson’s disturbing statement during her arrest.
Barren also revealed that Donaldson requested a lawyer immediately after being taken into custody, declining to answer further questions from investigators.
Background: Custody Battle and Prior Incident
Police said the relationship between Donaldson and her mother had been strained for months, primarily due to custody issues involving Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter.
In August 2024, Simmons-Jones had reported the child missing after Donaldson allegedly took her daughter, her mother’s car, and the family dog without permission. The child and the car were later found, but the dog was never recovered.
Simmons-Jones chose not to press charges but petitioned for her daughter to be hospitalized, citing concerns about Donaldson’s mental health. She later underwent a psychological evaluation, though police did not disclose the findings.
Following Simmons-Jones’ death, authorities confirmed that the 3-year-old girl is now in the custody of her grandfather.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Investigators are still searching for the missing firearm believed to have been used in the killing. Prosecutors have described the case as “a violent act rooted in family turmoil”, while police have called it one of the most tragic domestic incidents Southfield has seen this year.
Chief Barren emphasized that the department continues to investigate all aspects of the case, including Donaldson’s mental health history and possible premeditation leading up to the shooting.
Donaldson remains incarcerated as she awaits trial.
Conclusion
The killing of Ada Mae Simmons-Jones has left the Southfield community reeling, as investigators work to piece together what led to the fatal confrontation between mother and daughter. The case underscores the devastating impact of family violence and mental health struggles that too often end in tragedy.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
