DETROIT — A 21-year-old man has entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill in connection with a series of random shootings that took the lives of three individuals in Detroit. The incidents occurred at a bus stop and outside a church, causing widespread fear in the community. As part of a plea agreement, he faces a minimum prison term of 30 years.

These tragic events unfolded on a Sunday morning in August 2022. The then police chief described the actions of the shooter as having “terrorized our community,” highlighting the profound impact the violent acts had on residents.

Dontae Smith pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges including second-degree murder and attempted murder. Initially charged with first-degree murder, he faced the possibility of a life sentence had he been convicted on those counts.

According to defense attorney Maria Mannarino, Smith is currently stable and competent; however, during the time of the shootings, he was experiencing a severe paranoid schizophrenic episode. She noted that he believed those around him posed a threat to his safety, emphasizing the sorrowful nature of the situation for all involved.

As part of this plea deal, Smith will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years in prison.

The shootings transpired within a span of approximately two hours. Despite the gravity of the events, it was reported that no one alerted authorities until the second victim was found. The attacks resulted in the deaths of two women and a man, while a fourth person and a dog were injured. Witnesses recounted that Smith fled the scene after an armed bystander intervened during the final shooting attempt.