Family still searching for arsonist who killed firefighter

WESTLAND, Mich. – Two years after the anniversary of his death, family members of 29-year-old Brian Woehlke still can't believe authorities haven't caught the person responsible for this death.

"That's pretty disturbing," said Art Habitz, Woehlke's uncle. "They said it was arson and bang - nothing has happened yet. I don't know if it's been forgotten or they don't have any leads or what."

Woehlke had been a Wayne-Westland firefighter for just six months when he was killed in a fire at Marvaso's Italian Grill on Wayne Rd. on May 8 2013. Woehlke left behind a wife and young child. The fire was ruled an arson, making his death a homicide.

Marvaso's still hasn't been rebuilt, but a new building is currently under construction.

Over the past two years, there have been fundraisers and media attention on the case but no solid leads. Family members say, at this point, they're not sure if anyone will ever come forward.

"It's good to find out who did it or whatever but you don't get the person back," said Habitz. "You have to just let life go on, do whatever you can to make life happy and bearable for his little daughter and his wife."

There are plans in the works to rename a section of Ford Road in Brian Woehlke's honor.

CrimeStoppers is still offering a $25,000 reward for information. Callers can remain anonymous. The number to call is 1-800-SPEAK-UP.


About the Author

You can watch Kimberly Gill weekdays anchoring Local 4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and streaming live at 10 p.m. on Local 4+. She's an award-winning journalist who finally called Detroit home in 2014. Kim has won Regional Emmy Awards, and was part of the team that won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast in 2022.

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