Federal agents and local police have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a drive-by shooting that injured prominent Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, arresting a person of interest following a coordinated home raid in Detroit. The arrest, which occurred on June 5, 2025, comes approximately two weeks after the May 22 incident that left the 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Trevon Gardner, hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.
The violent event unfolded on the evening of May 22, 2025, around 7 p.m. in Redford Township, Michigan, near Eight Mile Road and Beech Daly. Skilla Baby was driving alone when a suspect in a dark-colored SUV opened fire on his vehicle. Police reports indicate that over 20 rounds were discharged, leaving Skilla Baby’s car riddled with bullet holes and surrounded by shell casings, as observed by CBS News Detroit. The barrage caused Gardner to lose control, crashing into a nearby building. Despite the attack’s intensity, he survived, sustaining three non-fatal gunshot wounds.
Skilla Baby suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries, including a graze wound to the head, a shot to the leg, and possibly a wound to his hand, according to police and other sources. A quick-acting witness at the scene transported him to a local hospital for emergency treatment. The Redford Township Police Department confirmed that Skilla Baby was in stable condition and expected to fully recover, a testament to both the bystander’s swift response and the medical team’s efforts.
The investigation took a major turn on June 5, 2025, when federal agents and local police executed a search warrant at a residence in Detroit’s Linwood and Davison area, arresting a person of interest. This operation marks the first arrest in the case, which investigators have consistently described as a targeted assault. The involvement of federal authorities underscores the case’s gravity, hinting at possible interstate elements or the deployment of significant resources to resolve this high-profile crime.
Authorities stress that the investigation remains active. The Redford Township Police Department is urging the public to provide information, offering multiple channels for tips. Detective Ed French is the primary contact, reachable at 313-387-2579 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via MI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP. This multi-faceted approach reflects law enforcement’s determination to identify all involved parties and ensure justice.
Skilla Baby, is a rising star in Detroit’s hip-hop scene. Skilla Baby’s early passion for writing was sparked by memorizing Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son” in fifth grade. His father’s influence introduced him to artists ranging from Luther Vandross to Lil Wayne, shaping his musical style. Initially a talented basketball player nicknamed “Skillz,” Gardner pivoted to music after his father’s death at age 15, working jobs at McDonald’s and Walmart to fund his studio time.
His career gained traction with the 2019 mixtape Push That Shit Out Skilla, but the 2020 track “Womack” marked his breakthrough. Collaborations like “Carmelo Bryant” with Sada Baby solidified his local presence, leading to a 2022 signing with Geffen Records. His debut album, We Eat The Most, featuring hits like “Icky Vicky Vibes” and “Tay B Style,” peaked at No. 16 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. Gardner’s rising profile was further elevated by opening for Travis Scott on the Circus Maximus Tour.
The arrest of a person of interest marks a pivotal moment in the two-week investigation into the Skilla Baby shooting. The June 5 raid demonstrates law enforcement’s dedication to resolving this case, offering hope for justice in what appears to be a deliberate attack on a celebrated Detroit artist.
