Jeff Smerer Port Huron, MI Shooting – On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the quiet of Glenview Court in Port Huron, Michigan, was shattered by a horrific family tragedy. Authorities report that 44-year-old Jeff Smerer allegedly opened fire on his own children around 6 a.m., killing his 17-year-old son Kayleb Smerer and critically injuring two younger siblings, a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl.

Police confirmed that the violent rampage was halted only through the brave intervention of the children’s mother and their older brother, whose quick actions prevented further loss of life. Jeff Smerer was taken into custody without incident and is now held at the St. Clair County Jail.

Kayleb Smerer Dies; Siblings Critically Injured
Emergency responders arrived minutes after 911 calls reported gunfire and a struggle inside the Smerer family apartment near Krafft Road and 24th Avenue (M-25). Paramedics worked frantically to stabilize the younger children, who were transported first to McLaren Port Huron before being transferred to specialized pediatric trauma centers. Tragically, Kayleb was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbors described the morning as a nightmare, with the sounds of gunfire tearing through what had been a calm neighborhood. “It’s terrifying to have this happen just a few doors down,” one resident said.

Heroic Intervention Prevents Further Tragedy
The mother and eldest son confronted Jeff Smerer during the attack, wrestling him away from the children. Their courageous actions likely prevented additional fatalities and allowed emergency services to intervene. Port Huron Police Chief Michael Lovelace praised their bravery, calling it “a desperate act of love that saved lives.”

Community in Shock and Mourning
The Port Huron Schools district activated crisis response teams following the tragedy. Grief counselors were made available to students at schools attended by Kayleb and his siblings. Vigils and memorials are being organized to honor Kayleb’s life and pray for the recovery of the surviving children. Friends and classmates remembered Kayleb as a kind and quiet young man, taken far too soon.

Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Investigators from the Port Huron Police Department and Michigan State Police are conducting a thorough review of the crime scene, collecting evidence to determine the motive behind the shocking act. Authorities plan to examine the family’s history, including mental health concerns or prior domestic issues, to understand what may have led to the attack.

Jeff Smerer is expected to face charges including open murder, multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, and felony firearm offenses.

A Neighborhood Left Reeling

For Glenview Court residents, the shooting has shattered a sense of safety and left a community struggling to process the horror. The Smerer family now faces unimaginable grief and trauma, navigating life while the alleged perpetrator—their father—remains in custody.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the critical importance of intervention and community support.