Southfield Man Convicted for the Murder of His 8-Year-Old Sister in Tragic Domestic Dispute

Southfield, MI — The Southfield community remains in shock following the conviction of 24-year-old Gyasi Stribling for the first-degree murder of his 8-year-old sister, Bailei Singleton. The crime, which occurred on January 19, 2021, inside their home at the 12 North Apartments, has left a deep scar on the community, with many grappling to understand how a minor disagreement escalated to such an unfathomable act of violence.

Bailei’s death has shaken the local community to its core. According to investigators, Stribling shot his younger sister in the head after a verbal argument in their living room. Reports indicate that Bailei was allegedly “talking back” to her older brother, an interaction that would tragically end in the young girl’s untimely death.

On the day of the shooting, Stribling, who had been living with his sister and their mother at the time, initially tried to mislead law enforcement by claiming that Bailei had been killed during a robbery at their apartment. His story, however, quickly unraveled when two witnesses who were present at the scene contradicted his account. Authorities discovered that Stribling had attempted to hide the weapon used in the murder, further corroborating suspicions that the shooting was not the result of a random crime but rather an act of domestic violence.

Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren called the shooting “heinous” and “disturbing,” labeling it as one of the most senseless acts of violence the community had witnessed. “It is incomprehensible that a young child could lose their life over what should have been a minor family dispute,” Chief Barren said during a press briefing following the shooting. “This tragedy speaks to the devastating impact of unchecked anger and violence.”

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald was equally vocal about the heartbreaking nature of Bailei’s murder. “Bailei Singleton should still be here with us today,” McDonald stated in a public address. “Her life was taken over a trivial argument, and it’s unimaginable that anyone, let alone a family member, could commit such a violent act. This is not just a loss for her family, but for our entire community.”

The trial of Gyasi Stribling began earlier this year, and on April 16, 2025, he was convicted of first-degree murder. The conviction followed a detailed investigation and a trial in which Stribling’s actions were fully exposed. Prosecutors outlined how the defendant’s behavior escalated from a simple argument to a deadly confrontation that ended in the tragic loss of a young life. While Stribling did not deny the murder, his defense team argued for a lesser charge, citing emotional and psychological factors. However, the jury ultimately found him guilty of the most severe charge.

Bailei’s family and the local community have struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. Bailei’s mother, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, has expressed an overwhelming sense of grief and disbelief. In a statement to the press, she said, “My heart is broken. My daughter didn’t deserve this. She had her whole life ahead of her, and it was taken from her in the worst way possible. I will never be the same without her.”

Stribling’s sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2025, and he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The conviction has brought some measure of closure to the family, but the pain of losing Bailei remains an unhealable wound. As the legal process continues, those who knew the young girl, as well as the wider Southfield community, continue to mourn the loss of a bright, loving child whose life was stolen too soon.

The case has sparked conversations about the prevalence of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families. It serves as a painful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues, anger management, and conflict resolution before they spiral into tragic acts of violence. Authorities hope that this case will inspire more open discussions around domestic violence prevention and better support systems for those in need.

As the community reflects on the life of Bailei Singleton, many are committed to honoring her memory and ensuring that her death was not in vain. The hope is that the tragedy will serve as a call to action for better support and resources for families dealing with conflict, and that the story of Bailei’s life will inspire others to seek help and avoid resorting to violence in moments of anger or frustration.

In the wake of this tragedy, Bailei’s name will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her death will not be forgotten. May her story serve as a reminder to us all to approach conflict with compassion and understanding, and to always value and protect the lives of those we hold dear.