MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – Gwen Smith, 17, just graduated from Bedford Senior High School and was an active member of the band and bowling team. She’s being remembered by those who knew her as “vibrant, creative, and goofy.”
“She’s a remarkable young lady who lost her life for a senseless act. Obviously, there was something going on that no one knew,” said Dr. Carl Shultz, Superintendent of Bedford Public Schools.
Gwen was known not only as an artist and standout athlete but also as someone with “a passion for all to be happy.”
As her family works through funeral arrangements and a donation page has been created, many questions still surround her tragic death.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Gwen was shot and killed Saturday by 33-year-old Ryne Leist, who then took his own life.
The violence unfolded inside Gwen’s home on Sterns Road in Temperance. Her stepfather was the one who made the horrific discovery.
“The details of their relationship are not clear at this time, although it’s believed that Gwendolyn did not consider their relationship to be romantic,” said Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.
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Leist had recently left his job at Forest View Lanes and, according to the district, had served as an assistant coach for the boys’ bowling team since the fall. He was reportedly paid through the bowling alley.
“He met the criteria; he completed the full background check. There was no sign that this was not a qualified hire, that something could go wrong,” said Shultz.
Shultz also said Leist completed all required coursework for coaching. Forest View Lanes declined to comment.
Investigators are now looking into alleged communications between Leist and Smith that they say occurred about five days before the murder-suicide.
“We are heartbroken as a community, as a district,” Shultz said. “We’re gonna try to pick the pieces up, but I don’t know how that’s gonna look for the near future. This is a big loss for our community.”
To honor Gwen and her favorite moments, the Friday night lights during marching band season, a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in the Bedford Football Stadium.