Riley Donaldson, 22, Ohio Woman Accused of Shooting Mother Ada Mae Simmons-Jones Dead in Planned Murder Over Child Custody Dispute — Called Herself “God” During Arrest

                An Ohio woman, Riley Donaldson, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting her mother, Ada Mae Simmons-Jones, 45, to death in a premeditated and intentional act following an ongoing custody dispute involving Donaldson’s young daughter.

The fatal shooting occurred on October 5th inside Simmons-Jones’ home on Bainbridge Drive in Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan. Responding officers found the 45-year-old mother dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to authorities, evidence left behind at the scene, including Donaldson’s purse containing identifying documents, directly linked the 22-year-old to the killing.

Police used security footage from nearby cameras showing a black Chrysler 300 pulling into the driveway before the shooting — and later captured a figure, identified as Donaldson, fleeing the home immediately after gunfire erupted, FOX2 reported.

A 77-year-old family member, who was in the house during the attack, told police she heard three to four gunshots followed by footsteps running out the door.

Riley Donaldson Ohio woman shoots dead her mom, Ada Mae Simmons-Jones over child custody dispute in intentional & planned murder.

 

Donaldson was arrested the following day after being located by investigators in Ohio. Upon her arrest, she admitted to killing her mother and made disturbing statements — calling herself “God” when asked to identify herself, according to Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren.

“She’s very conscious of the legal system,” Barren said during a Tuesday press conference.
“She’s very conscious of calling herself God because when individuals make that declaration, they’re letting us know they decide who lives and who dies. This murder was premeditated.”

Authorities believe the motive was a child custody dispute. Police say Simmons-Jones had legal custody of Donaldson’s 3-year-old daughter, who was present in the home at the time of the shooting but was not harmed.

Chief Barren revealed police had previously responded to the residence on August 26 after Donaldson allegedly took her daughter, stole Simmons-Jones’ car and dog, and fled to Ohio. Although the child and vehicle were recovered, Simmons-Jones declined to press charges — a decision that, in hindsight, may have cost her life.

Despite the mother’s previous attempts to have her daughter hospitalized for mental health concerns, police insist the killing was intentional and deliberate.

“We are not going to let anyone use mental health as an escape,” Barren said. “There is a process for that — and the judge will decide.”

Donaldson, who has no prior criminal history, has been charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm possession. She is currently being held at the Oakland County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on October 22.

Her 3-year-old daughter is now in the custody of her grandfather.

“Ada Mae Simmons-Jones’ death is a tragedy,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “While nothing can bring her back or repair the loss for her loved ones, we will fight to get her justice.”

If convicted, Donaldson faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.