MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – Two 16-year-olds were found shot to death in Monroe County on Tuesday, and detectives found writings indicating the suspect’s intention.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough held a press conference on Wednesday to provide more information about what happened. He also discussed a potential murder-suicide that happened in Bedford Township.
You can watch the full press conference in the video below:
Teens found dead
At around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, deputies responded to reports about two people who were found dead on Heiss Road near Steffas Road in Raisinville Township.
When deputies arrived, they found two teens, a boy and a girl, fatally shot in the roadway outside of a car.
The two teens have been identified as 16-year-old Faith Renee Hamilton and 16-year-old Landon Bryan Lafond.
Victim’s uncle found teens, called dispatch
The sheriff said that Faith’s uncle was the person who had called dispatch and reported finding the two teens.
It is believed Faith’s uncle used a phone app to track Faith’s location, which is how he found the teens.
Writings indicate suspect’s intention
In the suspect vehicle, detectives found writings “indicating the suspect’s intention to take both his and Faith’s life,” according to the sheriff. The two teens had an apparent dating relationship and had communicated with each other earlier that day.
While Faith is considered a victim and Landon is considered the suspect, the sheriff’s office is not labeling this incident as a murder-suicide at this time. They are still waiting on the coroner’s report for the official cause and manner of death.
At this point in the investigation, it’s also unclear if the suspect drove Faith or if she arrived at the location in another way.
The sheriff also said that this case isn’t connected to the potential murder-suicide in Bedford Township involving a bowling coach and a 17-year-old girl.
Even though Bedford Township Schools and Airport Community Schools are out of session for the summer, both have activated crisis response teams to provide support for the community.
The superintendent of Airport Community Schools released the following statement:
Dear Jet Families,
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of two of our students. The Airport Community Schools family is mourning this unimaginable loss, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
During times like this, the strength of our community is more important than ever. Our district crisis response team has been activated, and grief counselors are available for students, staff, and families who need support. We encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out- we are here to help each other through this. Support from our crisis team, along with the Monroe ISD team will be available in the high school media center tomorrow, Thursday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We also ask that you keep the families in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
This is a time for compassion, support, and unity. Please take care of yourselves and one another as we grieve together.
Ryan Duvall, Superintendent of Airport Community Schools