Sterling Heights teen shot, killed after family confronts speeding driver

A teenager was shot and killed early Sunday morning after a disagreement that began when her uncle told a speeding driver to slow down.

An unknown shooter opened fire on 15-year-old Jada Rankin's family at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday. Family and friends were visiting Jada's grandmother.

They say a "maniac" had been speeding up and down their street, on the 14000 block of Ardmore.

"They were outside, everyone was getting ready to go home," said the victim's grandmother Minnie Hill. "My grandson was getting ready to get in his car, and the guy sped past him. He said man, be careful, stop speeding, and he (in speeding car) just opened the car door and started shooting. He shot seven times."

Jada, an honor student at Sterling Heights High School, was struck in the stomach. She was pronounced dead later at Sinai Grace Hospital.

A friend of the family got in his car and chased after the shooter, but lost control and crashed into a pole. Family says his injuries are not severe.

Detroit Police say the gunman was in a gray or silver sedan, possibly a mid-2000 Chevy Impala or Lumina.

Grieving classmates will wear pink and purple to school Monday. They were Jada's favorite colors.

Right now, police do not have a good description of the gunman, but family and friends are calling him out.

"You, whoever you are, you're a coward," Grandma Hill said. "You shot a little girl."

Anyone with information is asked to call Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.