DETROIT, Mich (WXYZ-TV) — Two metro Detroit families are grieving the loss of 49-year-old Dania Phillips and 18-year-old Lysa Blake. The two women were shot and killed in Redford Township Friday night by a man police said they both knew.
The shooting occurred at Dania's home in Redford, reportedly after an argument with the suspect over an inhaler escalated.
Family described the suspected shooter as a step-father figure. He has been identified as 65-year-old Louis Patrick Veal.
“It’s the reason why I am even more angry about this situation," said Dania's sister, Evelyn Thomas Stewart.
A couple weeks ago, Redford shooting victim Dania Phillips brought a group of young men to a @DetroitPistons game. She mentored them through an organization she worked with in Ecorse. She’s cheering in the background of this video, given to us by her co-worker @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/qDpDFdqOaX
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) December 16, 2019
Lysa was like a niece to Dania, and spent a lot of time at her home, family told 7 Action News.
The 49-year-old spent her time working as a mentor for at-risk youth. She worked with Angelical Stepping Ground, an organization dedicated to keeping families together and supporting at-risk individuals.
“She kept my on my toes. She found the building the we’re in right now to house our organization," said Renada Myers, Dania's co-worker.
The group is headquartered in the Family Christian Church in Ecorse, where family and loved ones of both women gathered Sunday to start funeral plans.
“She kept everything in order, but she never wanted to in the forefront," Myers said of Dania.
In early December, Dania took a group of 20 young men to a Detroit Pistons game through Angelical Stepping Ground, which was supposed to expand in January.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without her," Myers said.
Within 24 hours of the double-fatal shooting, the suspect was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting in Detroit on Woodlawn near Erwin. Detroit Police said the man fired at officers who were investigating in the area. Officers then shot back, killing him.
Veal's death does little to ease the pain of family members, some who tell 7 Action News they lost three people they cared for.
"My sister is gone. I can’t get closure," said Clara Lindsey, Dania's sister.
Dania, who was about to become a grandmother, won’t get a chance to see her organization’s vision grow.
Lysa’s father says she too had big plans for her future, including college, and traveling the world.
“She just loved life, she was just starting to spread her wings," said Mitchell Blake, Sr.
Both families have created a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs.
