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Suspect wanted in Christmas Day murders shot and killed by Detroit police

Posted at 3:57 PM, Dec 28, 2021
and last updated 2021-12-28 23:19:09-05

DETROIT (WXYZ) — The suspect in the Christmas morning murders of a woman and her special needs daughter in Detroit was shot and killed by police during a raid on Tuesday.

Detroit police said 62-year-old Dwayne McDonald was wanted in connection to the deaths of his wife 57-year-old Elaine Fizer and her 13-year-old daughter Daunya Fields.

The murders happened Dec. 25 on the city’s west side.

“It’s been nonstop, some of these detectives haven’t slept. When you’re talking about a 13-year-old handicap child, when you hear them describe the scene, it's horrific," Detroit Police Department Chief James White said.

The search for McDonald led authorities to apartments near Woodward Avenue and Owen Street on Tuesday.

White during a press briefing said police entered the apartment unit McDonald was suspected of being at. When officers entered, McDonald had a gun. A shot was fired and officers fired back.

It's unclear at this time if McDonald fired the first gunshot.

McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It's certainly not the outcome we were looking for, but the officers were courageous, the officers responding to the scene following up on the investigation. They've worked tirelessly for 24 hours-plus since this heinous act that occurred in our city," White said.

Elaine's daughter and son-in-law spoke with 7 Action News after the raid took place.

“We still have a long way to go as a family to heal, but he is out of the picture,” Margaret Shively said.

Her husband Antwan added: ”All we can do is express our gratitude. Its not going to bring my mother-in-law back, but we got some nice closure.”