On May 22, 2025, Skilla Baby (born Trevon Gardner) was driving alone near 8 Mile and Beech Daly in Redford Township when his vehicle was ambushed in what police described as a targeted attack. The 26-year-old rapper’s SUV was struck by over 20 rounds fired from a dark-colored car. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his leg and a graze to his head, Skilla Baby managed to survive the attack. However, his vehicle crashed into a nearby building after the shooting.
photo- Getty images
Police investigations led to an arrest on June 4, when authorities identified a suspect vehicle connected to the shooting. A search of the suspect’s Detroit home uncovered a firearm, and the individual now faces felony weapons charges as the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office reviews the case.
On Wednesday, June 19, 2025, nearly a month after the shooting, Skilla Baby broke his silence by posting a video on Instagram that included a heartfelt statement and a freestyle addressing the incident. In the video, the Detroit rapper expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery, saying:
“Thank y’all for y’all prayers and y’all concerns. All praise to the most high, my lord and savior for [covering] me while I was in a bad situation. I know he don’t make mistakes, so I will never ask him why, never question my lord and savior. I’m a soldier…I keep it solid.”
The rapper also included an emotional caption with his post:
“Thank you to everybody for yall prayers I’m good mentally and I know God wouldn’t put me through nothing I can’t handle. We back…Again thank you to my fans family and everybody else for all the support I’m nothing without yall! But yall know I’m a soldier.”
Remarkably, Skilla Baby made his first public appearance just days after the shooting. Despite his injuries, he performed at 42 Dugg’s show in Detroit on May 24, only two days after the incident. Footage from the performance showed an emotional Skilla Baby appearing on stage with a cast on his arm, demonstrating his resilience in the face of the violent attack.
The shooting shocked fans and the Detroit community, where Skilla Baby is known not only for his music but also for his community involvement. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who has worked with the rapper on community initiatives, expressed her concern following the incident, stating:
“I was shocked. Skilla Baby is definitely loved in Detroit. He’s someone that over the years I’ve gotten to know personally… I know Skilla Baby simply from his passion and love for our youth and what he does in Detroit. His giving back. He has always tried to step up to be a positive role model.”
Following his statement on social media, fans flooded the comments with messages of support, noting the emotional weight in his voice and praising his strength and perseverance during this difficult time.
The rapper’s return to music and public life so soon after such a traumatic event demonstrates his determination and resilience, endearing him to fans throughout his career.
