By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — Two suspects were arrested in connection with the death of former University of Michigan-Dearborn student-athlete KaBria Arnold, 20, Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced Nov. 19.
Gabrielle Brantley, 24, of Southfield was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault on a pregnant woman intentionally causing a miscarriage or stillbirth, and two counts of felony firearm after she was arrested early Nov. 18.
A 28-year-old man was also arrested, but early Nov. 19 and has not been identified by police or charged in relation to the murder.
WDIV Channel 4 reported that Arnold’s family said she was pregnant when she was killed.
Arnold was shot about 11:40 p.m. Nov. 10 following her work shift at Meijer, 21431 Grand River Ave.
Her body was found near Pilgrim and Bentler streets, a mile from her house with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Arnold was a pitcher on UM-D’s softball team after enrolling in fall 2018. She was studying to becoming a registered nurse with a major in public health.
Arnold graduated from Renaissance High School in Detroit
Qiana Arnold, posted a message on Facebook stating her sister’s journey ended way too early.
“In times like this you cherish the memories you had but also feel the immense pain of knowing that there are future memories that you will no longer be able to make,” she wrote. “I just don’t understand. When we last spoke we talked about our holiday plans and had just ordered our family matching Christmas pajamas. I wouldn’t wish this feeling on anyone.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up for funeral expenses and homegoing service with a goal of $15,000. As of Nov. 20, the fundraiser collected $23,624 from 384 donors.
“KaBria Arnold was a genuinely loving, bubbly, giving, beautiful spirit with a bright future ahead of her,” the page read. “KaBria’s energy would light up every room she walked in and she always left others with a lasting impression and a smile. KaBria was extremely giving and often gave her last to make sure her loved ones were OK.”
A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 15 outside the Meijer where KaBria Arnold worked.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])