Man Charged with Murder in Grand Rapids Park Shooting

Fabbeon Leggett accused of killing DaShawn Guyton during a fight at Mackay-Jacees Park

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 33-year-old man named Fabbeon Leggett has been charged with open murder, lying during a violent crime investigation, and weapons charges in the September 2025 shooting death of 23-year-old DaShawn Guyton at a Grand Rapids park. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out on the park's basketball courts, though it's unclear if Guyton was directly involved or just happened to be nearby.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in Grand Rapids, which saw 9 homicides in 2025. The police chief suggested Guyton may have been trying to intervene as a "peacemaker" when he was killed, raising questions about how to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred on September 6, 2025 at Mackay-Jacees Park in Grand Rapids. Leggett, who was already in custody for unrelated charges, has now been charged with open murder, lying during a violent crime investigation, and weapons charges in connection with Guyton's death. First responders tried to save Guyton, but he died at the scene. The shooting followed a fight on the park's basketball courts, though it's unclear if Guyton was directly involved or just happened to be nearby.

  • The shooting occurred on September 6, 2025.
  • Leggett was charged on February 18, 2026.

The players

Fabbeon Leggett

A 33-year-old man who has been charged with open murder, lying during a violent crime investigation, and weapons charges in connection with the shooting death of DaShawn Guyton.

DaShawn Guyton

Also known as "Lil Ike", the 23-year-old victim who was shot and killed during the incident at Mackay-Jacees Park.

Eric Winstrom

The Grand Rapids Police Department chief, who suggested Guyton may have been trying to intervene as a "peacemaker" when he was killed.

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What they’re saying

“I'm guessing he was a peacemaker. Because talking to his family, talking to people who knew him, he was a peaceful young man. (GRPD) didn't have a history with DaShawn.”

— Eric Winstrom, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief (woodtv.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant Leggett bail at a hearing on February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in Grand Rapids, and raises questions about how to prevent such incidents in the future, particularly when bystanders may be trying to intervene as "peacemakers".