Background: Bodycam footage of Riley Donaldson”s arrest (Southfield Police Department via WXYZ). Inset: Riley Donaldson (Southfield Police Department).
A Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her mother amid a custody dispute reportedly claimed to police during her arrest that she was “God.”
Riley Donaldson, 22, remains held in the Oakland County Jail after being denied bail during her arraignment on October 10. She faces first-degree murder charges for the death of her mother, 45-year-old Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, which occurred on October 5. At a press briefing on Tuesday, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren outlined the details of the incident, suggesting that the motive might be linked to a custody battle over Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter.
According to Barren, Simmons-Jones’ 77-year-old mother-in-law, who shared the residence, was present with Donaldson’s young child on the night of the incident. The elderly woman reportedly heard three to four gunshots, followed by someone fleeing the premises. She then contacted her son—Simmons-Jones’ husband—who alerted authorities by calling 911.
Police arrived at the scene around 11:50 p.m., where they reviewed surveillance footage from a neighboring property. The video purportedly depicts Donaldson’s vehicle arriving just before the emergency call was made. Within minutes, she is seen leaving the house and rapidly driving away. Additionally, cell phone records placed Donaldson at her mother’s residence during the time of the shooting.
In her haste to escape, Donaldson allegedly left behind her purse, which contained identifying information. Barren mentioned that the weapon used in the crime was likely hidden in the purse as she entered the home.
Donaldson’s phone was later traced to Ohio, where she reportedly stayed briefly before returning to Detroit. In collaboration with local Ohio law enforcement, Southfield Police are attempting to locate the alleged murder weapon, which remains missing.
Detectives with the Southfield Police Department and the Oakland County Auto Theft Task Force tracked Donaldson to a CVS in Detroit on Oct. 6. Donaldson was in the front passenger seat of the car seen on surveillance cameras and accompanied by three unnamed men. Barren stated that the three men are not connected with the homicide case.
When providing more background on what Donaldson’s motives could have been, Barren pointed to an August incident in which Donaldson’s 3-year-old was reported missing by Simmons-Jones, who was the legal guardian of the little girl. At the time, Barren said, Simmons-Jones said that her daughter was suffering from a mental illness and allegedly stole her car when she took off with the little girl and the family dog.
The little girl and the car were later located. The dog was never found. Simmons-Jones declined to press charges, but “did petition for her daughter to be hospitalized.” Donaldson then underwent a mental evaluation, but Barren did not provide further details.
During the press conference, police showed bodycam footage of Donaldson’s arrest. While she was taken into custody without incident, Donaldson can be heard referring to herself as “God” when asked by an officer to identify herself. Barren said, “When individuals do that declaration, they’re letting us know that they decide who lives and who dies.”
Barren stated that Donaldson “immediately asked for a lawyer” when police attempted to interview her.
Police stated that the little girl is in the custody of her grandfather.
Donaldson is charged with first-degree murder and a felony firearms charge. She is in custody at the Oakland County Jail where she is being held without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Oct. 22.
