Authorities in Saginaw are investigating the tragic death of 29-year-old Romel Montgomery, who was shot multiple times at a liquor store in Old Town Saginaw on Monday, September 16. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at The Bootlegger Party Store, located at 418 S. Michigan Ave., a business previously known as Vintage Pointe Liquor & Wine.
Responding to a 911 call, police officers arrived at the scene to find Montgomery suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
The death of Montgomery is the sixth fatal shooting at a Saginaw store this year, highlighting an alarming trend of violence in the city. Police have yet to apprehend any suspects or provide a detailed description of the shooter. At this time, no information has been released regarding the motive for the attack, and Montgomery’s connection to the store remains unclear, although it has been confirmed that he was not an employee.
Montgomery’s death is Saginaw’s 18th homicide of 2024. Of these deaths, 16 were caused by gunfire, underscoring the city’s growing problem with gun violence. The remaining two homicides stemmed from vehicular incidents. Compared to previous years, Saginaw’s homicide rate is on track to meet or exceed last year’s figures, raising concern among residents and city officials about the safety of the community.
According to recent data, violent crime in Saginaw is part of a broader trend in many smaller Michigan cities struggling with economic challenges, lack of resources, and high poverty rates. In fact, Michigan has seen a significant uptick in violent crime across multiple regions in recent years, despite statewide efforts to curb the spread of illegal firearms and reduce violent crime through community programs.
The city of Saginaw has already been implementing various strategies to address gun violence. Over the last few years, local law enforcement, in conjunction with community leaders, has launched anti-violence initiatives, including outreach programs aimed at engaging youth and reducing gang involvement. Additionally, Saginaw’s Neighborhood Task Force, an initiative that pairs law enforcement with community organizations, has worked to curb street-level violence through increased patrols and the sharing of intelligence on potential threats.
However, the rise in fatal shootings this year has cast doubt on the effectiveness of these programs. The most recent shooting at The Bootlegger Party Store is emblematic of the broader issue: a mix of gun violence, lack of police resources, and a culture of fear preventing witnesses from coming forward.
The Saginaw Police Department continues to urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact them or leave anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Despite multiple efforts to increase community cooperation, investigations into these shootings are often stalled due to a lack of reliable witness testimony.
Saginaw’s current struggles with gun violence reflect a broader problem across Michigan, especially in cities facing economic difficulties and limited social infrastructure. In Flint, for example, a city with similar socioeconomic struggles, homicides reached near-record highs during the early 2020s, driven largely by the same factors at play in Saginaw.
Detroit, the largest city in Michigan, has historically grappled with its own challenges related to gun violence. Yet, in recent years, Detroit has managed to significantly reduce its crime rate, thanks to extensive law enforcement reforms, community policing programs, and strategic investments in social services. Saginaw could potentially benefit from similar measures, though financial constraints pose a challenge to replicating the scale of Detroit’s efforts.
The senseless killing of Romel Montgomery has left another family devastated and a community reeling. Residents of Old Town Saginaw are grappling with the impact of ongoing violence, as fears grow about safety in public spaces like stores and gas stations. The city’s businesses are also concerned, as repeated incidents of gun violence could drive customers away and further damage the local economy.
In the wake of Montgomery’s death, many are left questioning what more can be done to ensure public safety. While law enforcement remains committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, the community is grappling with larger questions about the systemic causes of violence and the necessary steps to prevent further loss of life.
As of Tuesday morning, the investigation remains ongoing, and police have yet to release any further details.