EATON COUNTY

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members in 2021 will need to complete a second mental evaluation before standing trial, officials said. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesAs of May 27, no further court dates have been scheduled while the evaluation is underway, according to the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The evaluation for Sougstad was ordered on March 24, and prosecutors have not received a further update in the past two months, officials said. Police were called to Sougstad’s family home on Sept. 24, 2021, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to his preliminary examination, Sougstad underwent several weeks of psychological evaluation at the forensic center.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- Two people were killed and another was injured in a Sunday evening crash in Eaton County. Deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-car crash around 9:20 p.m. May 22, at the intersection of N. Cochran Road and E. Vermontville Highway in Chester Township. An 18-year-old male driver headed south had collided with a vehicle carrying a 47-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy from Haslett, police said. The 47-year-old man and 14-year-old boy were pronounced dead at the scene, while the 47-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, police said. Read more from The Jackson Citizen PatriotIt’s a 30-minute trip for groceries, and Jackson’s southside is begging for a closer storePartially-treated sewer discharge reported in eastern Jackson CountyFunding for summer learning programs OK’d by Jackson Public SchoolsBrooklyn man killed in crash with tree

The Michigan Department of Corrections has denied parole for a convicted serial killer who confessed to killing four women in the Lansing area in the 1970s.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A Lansing man has been charged after being caught with child pornography on his computer, police said. Ruben Guillen-Cortez Jr, 27, was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized from his home, Michigan State Police said.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A pair suspected of dealing drugs were arrested following a traffic stop near Charlotte Wednesday, police said. On May 11, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post pulled over a vehicle on Lansing Road near Island Highway in Eaton County, east of Charlotte. After a search of the car, the trooper uncovered several items of contraband, police said, including an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as a pair of brass knuckles. The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old Charlotte man, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of Psilocybin mushrooms and carrying a concealed weapon, police said. A passenger of the vehicle, a 34-year-old woman from Eaton Rapids, was also arrested and lodged for possession of methamphetamine.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man was arrested after shooting at but not hitting another person, in Eaton County Sunday, police said. At about 6:15 p.m. May 1, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man with a gun shooting at someone in the 300 block of Marketplace Boulevard in Delta Township in northeastern Eaton County. Deputies arrived to find the suspect had left the scene in a vehicle, police said. The suspect and victim knew each other, police said, and the shooting was not a random act. The shooting is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call the Eaton County Detective Bureau at 517-323-8480.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A fight between juveniles in an Eaton County park ended with one participant being stabbed, police said. The alleged stabbing took place at Sharp Park in Delta Township, northeastern Eaton County. One juvenile has since been lodged at the Eaton County Youth facility. The 17-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital and released with non-critical injuries, police said. This incident is still under investigation by the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A car crash went from bad to worse Monday when one of the vehicles ended up in the path of a train. At about 1:55 p.m. April 25, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post responded to a vehicle crash report in the area of Mt. During the crash, the vehicle that was hit was pushed back partially onto the railroad tracks, police said. Some occupants were taken to the hospital for minor injuries from the original car crash, police said. The crash is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- After more than four months, a suspect in the shooting death of a 22-year-old Lansing man has been apprehended by police. Willie James III has been arrested and charged in the murder of Antonio Taylor, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The charge stems from the shooting death of Taylor in 2021. RELATED: Police name 22-year-old man killed in shooting near LansingAt about 5:34 p.m. Nov. 23, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a clothing store in the 4000 block of West Saginaw Highway in Delta Township, near Lansing. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to called Det.

A father is suing Grand Ledge Public Schools nearly one year after his 9-year-old son was fatally struck by a school bus while crossing the street on his way home from school.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A father died over the weekend after rescuing his daughter from their home when it exploded last week, the family said. Droscha died early Saturday, March 5, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Michigan State Police ruled that the explosion was accidental, MLive previously reported. The GoFundMe has raised nearly $85,000 toward a $100,000 goal. READ MORE:Winter Weather Advisory Monday as snow spreads across most of Lower MichiganMotorist rescued from flooded Michigan road after car was partially submerged in waterPossibly confused 71-year-old Michigan man killed, hit by car after picking up pizzaMan dies after being shot multiple times in West Willow neighborhood

EATON COUNTY, MI -- Eaton County residents have once again found themselves in the sights of a scammer posing as law enforcement, police said. Throughout the month of February, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office received several fraud reports in which the suspect has claimed to be a sergeant with the department, police said. “These are so unfortunate, because once that money is gone, it’s gone -- we can’t recover it,” said Eaton County Sheriff’s Captain Mark Wriggelsworth. Earlier in 2022, Eaton County was similarly targeted by a phone scammer posing as a sheriff’s deputy asking for Bitcoin. RELATED: Police report ‘significant uptick’ of scam calls in Jackson, Lansing areaPolice are urging local residents to not fall for this scam.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man is recovering from severe injuries after an accidental explosion at his home Tuesday. At about 1:30 p.m. March 1, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a reported explosion in the area of M-50 and South Stewart Road in Eaton Township. Rescue crews found two people on scene who had been injured in the explosion -- a father and his young child, officials said. The young girl was treated at the scene by Benton Charter Township EMS, and was not injured, officials said. About half of the back side of the house was blown off in the explosion, Vogel said.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- Gunshots heard while on patrol led police to the scene of a shooting that left a teenager injured, police said. At about 1 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to gunshots heard in the area of St. Joseph Street west of Waverly Road. Deputies found evidence of a shooting behind apartments on Harvest Lane, south of St. Joseph, including multiple spent shell casings and an abandoned firearm, police said. After finding the scene of the alleged shooting, deputies received a call from Sparrow Hospital regarding a 16-year-old who had been admitted to the emergency room with an arm injury related to this shooting, police said. Eaton County deputies were assisted by the Lansing Police Department, Lansing Township Police Department, Grand Ledge Police Department and Michigan State Police.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A scam caller has been targeting Eaton County under the guise of a sheriff’s deputy, police said. Eaton County residents have reported being contacted by someone impersonating an Eaton County Sheriff’s Office deputy, saying they have missed a DNA test and have a warrant out for their arrest, police said. Victims of the impersonator are then told to withdraw a large amount of money from their bank accounts and call the “deputy” back, police said. The sheriff’s office wants to remind residents that it will never contact citizens telling them they have warrants, or ask for payment over the phone. Bird likes to cuddleOur 9 favorite photos as Chelsea battles Jackson in boys basketballWhere to find free KN95 masks in Jackson County

EATON COUNTY, MI — Two decades after a man’s badly-burned remains were found in a footlocker in West Michigan, the second of three suspects has been convicted. Dineane Ducharme was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence Monday by Eaton County Circuit Judge Janice Cunningham.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- An earlier morning crash left an Eaton County home with a hole in its wall and a ruptured gas line, police said. At about 2:56 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 26, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post responded to a crash on eastbound M-50 near Canfield Road in Eaton County. A vehicle with four occupants had left the road, striking a nearby house, police said. Neither the homeowner or any of the occupants in the vehicle were injured in the crash, police said. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Eaton Rapids Police Department, Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and Eaton Rapids Township Fire.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members in 2021 has been deemed fit to stand trial. Eaton County District Judge Julie O’Neill found there was enough evidence for Sougstad to stand trial, officials said. He is scheduled to appear before Eaton County Circuit Judge John Maurer on Feb. 18 for a pretrial hearing. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesPolice were called to the home on Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. More from MLive:Jackson County commissioner seriously injured in Florida skydiving accidentPolice ID man killed in Jackson County crash69-year-old man shot over video game system at Jackson apartment complex, police sayOmicron variant detected in Eaton County resident

EATON COUNTY, MI – The omicron variant has been detected in Eaton County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reports that state health officials notified it that the omicron variant of COVID-19 was identified in one Eaton County resident on Dec. 22. BEDHD officials said they expect there are many more cases of omicron present in the area at this time.

EATON COUNTY, MI – It may be the holidays, but a homeowner in Eaton County received an unwanted visitor on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, an elderly male lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a house on Waverly Road near Edgemont Boulevard. Photos posted by the sheriff’s department show a silver sedan that crashed through the front window of the home, causing severe damage both inside and outside. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash, according to the sheriff’s department.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A woman has been hospitalized with non-critical injuries after a Wednesday shooting in Eaton County, police said. At about 10:37 a.m. Dec. 15, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 7000 block of East Five Point Highway near Eaton Rapids for a report of a man with a gun. Initial reports mentioned that the man had shot a woman outside of a residence, and that a child was still inside the house, police said. The suspect was found and arrested later in the day, police said. Eaton County was aided by Michigan State Police, Eaton Rapids Police Department, Charlotte Police Department and the Lansing Police Department.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- An 81-year-old Olivet man was killed in a car crash in Eaton County on Saturday, police said. Eaton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the single-vehicle crash on northbound I-69 south of Cochran Road at about 3:45 p.m. Dec. 11, to find the car had driven off the road and struck a tree, police said. A passenger in the vehicle, an elderly woman, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, police said. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Firefighters ‘help in a different way’ this winter, delivering coats to children in JacksonCelebrating New Year’s Eve in Jackson? Nevermore Décor Store is a hidden gem for gifts in downtown JacksonSee the holiday lights at Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway

FILE - Larry Nassar listens as Rachael Denhollander gives her victim impact statement, Feb. 2, 2018, in Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich. The legal wrangling between USA Gymnastics and the victims of sexual abuse by Nassar, among others, is over. A federal bankruptcy court in Indianapolis on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, confirmed a $380 million settlement between USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the hundreds of victims, ending one aspect of the fallout of the largest sexual abuse scandal in the history of the U.S. Olympic movement. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File)AP

EATON COUNTY, MI -- Police are still looking for suspects in a fatal Nov. 23 shooting near Lansing. At about 5:34 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a clothing store in the 4000 block of West Saginaw Highway in Delta Township, near Lansing. A man was found at the scene, having suffered a gunshot wound, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, 22-year-old Antonio Taylor, of Lansing, later died from his injuries at the hospital, police said. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to called Det.

The former pastor of a mid-Michigan church has pleaded guilty to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars over several years, prosecutors said.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members will undergo a psychological evaluation before his next court appearance. Daniel James Sougstad, 23, of Lansing, was ordered to undergo the evaluation after a probable cause conference on Oct. 25, according to the Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office. Sougstad is charged with three counts each of open murder and felony firearms, stemming from the fatal shooting of John, Barbara and Ryan Sougstad -- identified in court as the defendant’s father, mother and brother -- in their Eaton County home in September. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesPolice were called to the home on Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Sougstad was quickly developed as a suspect and was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday, Sept. 26, in Ingham County.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members Friday night has been arraigned on murder charges. Daniel James Sougstad was arraigned Monday, Sept. 27, in Eaton County District Court on three counts each of open murder and felony firearms, records show. Sougstad, 23, of Lansing, is accused of fatally shooting three family members in their home in the 10000 block of Bishop Highway in Eaton County. Man killed 3 family members in Eaton County triple homicide, police sayPolice were called to the home Friday, Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Sougstad is currently being held without bond in the Eaton County Jail.

A man has been charged with homicide after three of his family members were found dead inside a Michigan home, officials said.

EATON COUNTY, MI – Police investigating a triple homicide in Eaton County said the victims are all family members of the suspected shooter who currently is in police custody. Police were called Friday, Sept. 25, to a home in the 10000 block of Bishop Highway for an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The man was found Sunday morning during a traffic stop in Ingham County and was arrested without incident. Police arrest Eaton County triple murder suspectMLive is not releasing names of the suspect or victims as he has not yet been arraigned on charges. The shooting suspect is currently in the Eaton County Jail awaiting arraignment on three counts each of open murder and felony firearms.

A man is facing murder charges after three of his family members were found dead inside a Michigan home, officials said.

EATON COUNTY, MI – The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office arrested a triple murder suspect Saturday morning. The murders occurred Friday night, Sept. 24, in Windsor Township, southwest of Lansing. Police searched for the suspect overnight, saying he was believed to be armed and dangerous and heading to the Upper Peninsula. Shortly before 7 a.m., the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect was in custody. Prosecutors have yet to issue charges against the suspect.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A 29-year-old man died in an ATV crash Saturday night. Tyler Murphy, of Williamston, was killed late Sept. 18 in a crash near the 4000 block of East St. Joe Highway in Oneida Township, northern Eaton County, police said. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy died after the vehicle rolled on top of him. Murphy, the lone rider of the vehicle, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. More from MLive:Pair of 17-year-olds dead, two seriously injured Lenawee County crashSemi-trailer containing $300K of TVs stolen in Monroe CountyMobile home fire near Jackson deemed ‘suspicious,’ officials sayFormer Jackson elementary school could become $7.5M apartment, office space

EATON COUNTY, MI – Amazon is opening a new fulfillment center in Eaton County’s Delta Charter Township that’s expected to bring 500 new full-time jobs to mid-Michigan, officials said. In addition to the Delta Township facility, Amazon will add additional operations facilities in the Grand Rapids and metro Detroit areas, officials said. Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $6 billion in Michigan and has created more than 21,000 jobs statewide. The company plans to add more than 1,500 jobs by the end of 2021 inside its recently launched facilities, officials said. “This will be good for our region,” Ken Fletcher, Delta township supervisor, said in a statement.

EATON COUNTY, MI – Police have released the names of a mother and her young child who were killed Sunday afternoon in a fiery crash in Eaton County. Natasha Harrington, 35, and her son Dimitri Harrington, 4, have been identified as the two victims who died in the crash, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Mother, child die in fiery Eaton County crash as bystanders rush to free victimsBoth were residents of Rives Junction in Jackson County, police said. According to her obituary, Harrington worked as a customer representative at the University of Michigan Bio Medical Research Store. “We want to thank all that helped at this tragic scene,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A mother and her young child were killed Sunday afternoon in a fiery crash in Eaton County. Prior to crews arriving, several bystanders were able to free one occupant from the vehicle as it caught fire, police said. The identities of the deceased are not being released at this time and the crash remains under investigation. “We want to thank all that helped at this tragic scene,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family, friends, bystanders and first responders that have been affected by this awful crash.

A Clarkston man is facing jail time for sending vulgar, threatening messages to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, officials said.

LANSING, MI — An Eaton County man is headed to trial court after being accused of making calls threatening to kill a state representative and issuing a bomb threat at the Michigan Capitol. Following a preliminary hearing Thursday, Judge Kristen Simmons bound the case over to circuit court for trial. “My office will not tolerate threats to our democracy or to elected officials,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. The operator reported the bomb threat to Michigan State Police state properties security officers stationed at the Capitol. Johnson received death threats last December after she challenged election fraud claims made by former President Donald Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani during a House Oversight Committee hearing.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A body found in Eaton County Monday has been identified as a missing Lansing man. Matthew Compton Jr., 41, was found dead Aug. 9 in a wooded area near Davis and Guinea roads in Delta Township, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Related: Body of unknown man found in Eaton County, police sayCompton was reported missing on Aug. 1, police said. Two days later, his vehicle was located near the area where his body was later found. More from MLive:58-year-old truck driver killed while unloading steel in Jackson, police say1 arrested, 1 at large after suspects flee traffic stop in Jackson, police sayConcert goes on with Don Felder after Lynyrd Skynyrd cancels at Jackson County Fair

EATON COUNTY, MI -- The body of an unidentified man was found in a wooded area Monday afternoon. Eaton County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with Michigan State Police troopers, found a body Aug. 9 in a wooded area of Delta Township, police said. The male body was found near an area where a vehicle associated with a missing person had been found a week prior, police said. Eaton County detectives are currently investigating the incident to determine whether or not it was a criminal act, police said. More from MLive:‘He was a man of steel’: Family remembers Jackson-area tree business ownerBarricaded gunman rushed to hospital after starting fire at Jackson apartment, police sayGunman at large after Jackson County shootout, police say

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man died after a motorcycle crash early Thursday morning. Lansing resident Vernon Brown, 28, was riding a motorcycle east on Saginaw Highway near Mall Drive West in Delta Township around 1:40 a.m. on July 22, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said. Brown rear-ended another vehicle that was also driving east, police said. Witnesses told police Brown was driving significantly faster than the speed limit. Michigan State Police assisted the sheriff’s office with the investigation.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A Michigan man is dead after a crash in Eaton County. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, Albert Foreman, 74, of Lansing was killed in the crash which occurred on eastbound I-496 near Snow Road in Delta Township at 4:15 p.m. on July 3. Speed and not wearing a seat belt appear to be factors in this crash, deputies said. This was one of two reported fatal crashes in Eaton County over the Fourth of July weekend. Ruth Houghton, 79, of Eaton Rapids died after a crash on Island Highway near Royston Road around 11 p.m. on July 3.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A Michigan woman is dead after she lost control of her vehicle and struck a power pole in Eaton County. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, Ruth Houghton, 79, of Eaton Rapids crashed on Island Highway near Royston Road around 11 p.m. on July 3. Police say Houghton’s vehicle rolled over and struck the power pole. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries she sustained in the crash. The roadway was shut down for several hours while Consumers Energy replaced the power pole.

Andrew Michael Paul, 23, of Eaton Rapids Township was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and charged with one count of homicide open murder and one count of disinterment and mutilation of a dead body in the death of Carl Florian, 80, of Eaton Rapids Township.

EATON COUNTY, MI – State police identified Robert Nazmi Rouhman Jr., 19, of Lansing, as the man who was shot and killed by police after he allegedly rammed a sheriff’s deputy’s patrol car. The incident began early Wednesday, May 19, when an Ionia County sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck. While going to the scene, the deputy saw the stolen pickup and began to pursue it. The sheriff’s deputy, who has not been identified, is on administration leave, which is standard under such circumstances. State police will provide reports for Eaton County prosecutors to review once the investigation is complete.

EATON COUNTY, MI -- A stolen pickup backed up and rammed an Ionia County police cruiser before a deputy fired at the truck, killing the driver, police said. State police offered more details in the late afternoon hours of Wednesday, May 19 about a police shooting in Mulliken, in Eaton County, that killed a man. The Ionia County sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle early Wednesday in Ionia County. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave through the Ionia County Sheriff’s Department per standard procedure. Police said that, once the investigation is finished, a report will be sent to the Eaton County Prosecutor’s office for review.

An Ionia County Sheriff's deputy was put on administrative leave after shooting and killing a man police say stole a vehicle, according to police.

EATON COUNTY, MI – An Ionia County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a man in a stolen vehicle after a pursuit that extended into neighboring Eaton County, state police said. Michigan State Police said that an Ionia County sheriff’s deputy pursued the stolen pickup truck into Eaton County’s village of Mulliken, east of Grand Ledge. The man, who state police called the suspect/driver, died at the scene after being shot. He was alone in the pickup truck. He has been with Ionia County Sheriff’s Department two years, state police said.

EATON COUNTY, MI – An Ionia County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed the driver of a stolen vehicle, WOOD-TV 8 reports. State police are investigating a “critical incident” in the 200 block of Charlotte Street in Eaton County’s village of Mulliken, police said. The incident was reported around 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, May 19. A couple who live near the scene reported hearing gunshots, WOOD-TV 8 reported. Police expect to release additional details later.

Grand Ledge police were investigating the crash, although negligence by the bus driver doesn’t appear to be the cause, Chief Thomas Osterholzer said.

Michigan, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and other states with mink farms have dealt with COVID-19 outbreaks.

The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the shooting deaths of a family as murder.

EATON COUNTY, MI – The shooting death of a Michigan father and his two young children is now being investigated as a murder. Detectives now say their deaths aren’t murder-suicide, but a premeditated act of violence. Police have not said what evidence shifted the case from a murder-suicide to a murder investigation. “Eaton County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have continued to extensively investigate this crime and are now considering it to be a murder investigation,” a police update reads. “Detectives do not believe this is a random act of violence.”Vivian Zwick was pronounced dead at the scene while Anson Zwick died at a local hospital one day later.

A mid-April shooting that the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office originally deemed a murder-suicide is now considered a murder investigation.

EATON COUNTY, MI – Police have identified and mother and son killed in a car crash that occurred just before a funeral scheduled for her husband. A third person in the vehicle was injured, the Associated Press reported. Hunter died at Sparrow Hospital following injuries sustained in the auto accident, according to her obituary. Hunter’s husband, Ross Hunter, died on April 10. His funeral had been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 23, but it will now be held at 2 p.m. on May 1 during which the couple will be remembered together, according to Hunter’s obituary.

A father is believed to have shot his two young children before shooting and killing himself in Delta Township on Tuesday.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A 3-year-old boy shot by his father in Eaton County has died. Vivian Zwick was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday night. “We are so sorry for the surviving family,” Eaton County Sherriff Tom Reich said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”Lechleitner lived in the Shingleton area of the Upper Peninsula, police said. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police, MSU Police and the MSP Crime Lab.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A man and 5-year-old girl are dead, and a 3-year-old boy is injured after a shooting in Eaton County. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting deaths that occurred at a Delta Township home on Old River Trail around 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject in his 40s that was deceased. Deputies also located the two children that were suffering from gun shots wounds. The female child was pronounced dead at the scene while the male was rushed to a local hospital by Delta EMS.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A softball coach for young women has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing one of his players. William Steven Kunkel Jr. was arraigned Tuesday, March 30, on several criminal sexual conduct charges and charge of child sexually abusive activity following a joint investigation by law enforcement, according to the Michigan State Police. Kunkel, 47, of Eaton Rapids, was arrested after troopers with the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Lansing Post and the Metro South Post complete and investigation stemming from a tip he had engaged in sexual activity with a juvenile female softball player while he served a coach of a Wixom-area softball club, police said. He is charged with one count of child sexually abusive activity, two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and two count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Anyone with information regarding possible child sexual exploitation is asked to report it to the CyberTipline at missingkids.org/cybertipline.

EATON COUNTY, MI – A Tesla on autopilot hit a Michigan State Police car early Wednesday morning, officials confirmed. The MSP car was parked with its emergency lights on while investigating a car-deer crash at 1:12 a.m., March 17 on I-96 near Waverly Road in Eaton County, when the Tesla hit it, police said. The Tesla was on autopilot and failed to move over, hitting the patrol car, police said. The autopilot function means the car can “steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane,” per Tesla’s website. Nurse allegedly stole COVID-19 vaccines from Michigan clinicJackson County communities receive $450K from marijuana sales tax

LANSING, Mich. – The human trafficking and abuse case against former U.S. gymnastics coach John Geddert is over after he took his own life at a rest stop, but legal experts believe the way he was charged may be a new beginning in the fight to protect young athletes. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfWhen the state charged Geddert with 20 counts of human trafficking in February, each count was for a specific allegation of forced labor -- 14 counts against adult athletes, six counts against minors. It was a novel approach by prosecutors that could potentially set the stage for future cases against major amateur sports organizations or colleges. AdREAD: Why was John Geddert allowed to turn himself in? He spent years as an investigator for the NCAA, looking into complaints of mistreatment made by athletes against coaches or team officials.

The Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline offers anonymous assistance and support without judgement. John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with 24 felonies. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfGeddert would have faced multiple counts of human trafficking, some involving minors. AdNessel announced the 24 felony charges against the former gymnastics coach at a press conference Thursday afternoon. We later found out he did not turn himself in.”AdThe statement went on to say that having Geddert turn himself in was standard procedure and “We had no indication that Geddert intended to flee or hurt himself or others.

John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with multiple felonies. AdREAD: Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himselfWho was John Geddert? Court documents outline numerous allegations of verbal, physical, emotional abuse that young women and girls endured because of Geddert. Officials said one survivor reported that between 2010 and 2013, Geddert verbally abused her and controlled what she ate. According to the documents, a survivor told investigators that she was sexually abused by Geddert in the locker room after practice when she was 14 years old.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the investigation into Michigan State University involvement with Larry Nassar is going nowhere. According to the Attorney General’s office, the investigation remains inconclusive and nearly 6,000 school documents have not been released to investigators. Nessel sent a letter to the MSU Board of Trustees Wednesday and requested access to the 6,000 documents. “You will have shut the door on the pursuit of justice,” Nessel said in the letter. Klages was convicted of lying to a police officer in the Nassar investigation and sentenced to 90 days jail.

DIMONDALE, Mich. – After news that former gymnastics coach John Geddert killed himself Thursday, gymnasts and parents are speaking out. Hours before his death, 24 felony charges were filed against Geddert, including 20 counts of human trafficking, six of them involving a minor. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfAdMeinke was coached by Geddert at a young age at Great Lakes Gymnastics. READ: Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himselfAdHowever, the latest scandal reminded Wieber that they were surrounded by criminals at all levels. “I just would have thought John would have thought fought for his innocence and so it made me think ‘Okay, maybe he wasn’t innocent.’ Who knows but...

WATERTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich – A rest area along I-96 in Grand Ledge was shut down for hours, and Michigan State Police and its evidence technicians were called out after the body of John Geddert was found behind a dumpster. Twenty-four charges were filed against the former Olympics coach, who was expected to present himself for an arraignment Thursday afternoon. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfGeddert was the Team USA women’s gymnastics coach in the 2012 Olympics. Geddert and Nassar were friends, and the charges against Geddert unveiled on Thursday by Attorney General Dana Nessel are serious -- 24 counts total. “It is alleged John Geddert used force, fraud and coercion against the young athletes who came to him for gymnastics training for financial benefit to him,” Nessel said.

LANSING, Mich. – John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday hours after he was charged with 24 felonies. READ: Former US Olympics coach John Geddert kills himself following announcement of felony chargesPolice confirmed Geddert’s body was found at a rest stop on I-96 in Grand Ledge just after 3:20 p.m. Geddert was expected to be arraigned at 2 p.m. Thursday on 24 felonies, but he did not show up to the hearing. During Nassar’s trial, multiple gymnasts said they held Geddert responsible for Nassar’s abuse and said Geddert had enabled Nassar. Nessel announced the 24 felony charges against the former gymnastics coach at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

GRAND LEDGE, Mich. – Police have confirmed John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday at a rest stop in Grand Ledge. He was 63 years old. According to the Michigan State Police, Geddert’s body was found at a rest area on eastbound I-96 just after 3:20 p.m.UPDATE: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfProsecutors filed charges earlier that day in Eaton County against Geddert. READ: Ex-Olympics coach with ties to Nassar faces 20 human trafficking charges among othersAdThe former U.S. Olympics coach had ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison -- 40-125 years in Eaton County prison and 40-175 years in Ingham County prison -- after more than 150 victims came forward accusing him of sexual assault. The following felony charges were filed against Geddert:14 charges of human trafficking -- forced labor resulting in injurySix charges of human trafficking of a minor for forced laborOne count of criminal enterprises -- racketeering proceedsOne count first degree criminal sexual conductOne county second degree criminal sexual conductOne count lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigationMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called Geddert’s death “a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved.”

LANSING, Mich. – Prosecutors filed charges Thursday in Eaton County against the former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, John Geddert. The former U.S. Olympics coach had ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison -- 40-125 years in Eaton County prison and 40-175 years in Ingham County prison -- after more than 150 victims came forward accusing him of sexual assault. UPDATE: Former US Olympics coach John Geddert kills himself following announcement of felony chargesGeddert was the head coach of the U.S. Olympics Gymnastics team in 2012. Geddert, 63, is accused of injuring people for years through forced labor, recruiting minors for forced labor and molestation. “I am grateful for these survivors coming forward to cooperate with our investigation and for bravely sharing their stories.”

A 43-year-old Michigan woman is happy to be alive after her car got stuck in the snow amid subzero temperatures this week. According to Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich, the woman was leaving work early Tuesday morning when her Ford Blazer got stuck. Because the snow was so high, police officers had to use the assistance of nearly the entire community to help the woman. Ad“(It was) with the help of Michigan State Police, the deputy sheriff at Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Grand Ledge Fire and their EMS, the Eaton County Road Commission’s office as well as a landscape business,” Reich said. It’s also recommended that drivers use main roads if no snow has been plowed on your usual daily routes.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are holding a news conference Tuesday to talk about voting in the upcoming presidential election. Whitmer, Benson and Delta Township Clerk Mary Clark will talk about voting opportunities and the Nov. 3 election. Whitmer will also sign legislation to make sure every vote is counted and residents can vote safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials said. You can watch live in the stream above.

WALTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A construction worker was killed when a pickup truck struck him Thursday afternoon along Sherwood Highway over I-69 in Walton Township. Michigan State Police said the 40-year-old road worker, of Gladwin, Mich., was working on the road when a full-sized pickup truck hit him. Police do not consider alcohol and/or drugs to be a factor in the crash. The highway was shut down Thursday afternoon while police investigated. Related: ‘He was the best guy I knew’ -- Family mourns construction worker killed in hit-and-run on I-94

Police say at about 6:47 a.m. on that day, Sean Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, entered the convenience store in Dimondale without wearing a mask. Ruis was also reportedly denied service for his failure to comply with face mask requirements, police said. Police say Ruis was fleeing the scene of the stabbing in Dimondale and was located by an Eaton County deputy about 30 minutes later in Delta Township. The Eaton County deputy was not injured during the altercation. “It’s very unfortunate she had to use her weapon, but she had to save her life,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said.

EATON COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders obtained a recording of the 911 call that led to a deadly confrontation Tuesday in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife. The armed man is accused of stabbing a customer at a Quality Dairy store in Dimondale during an argument over wearing a mask. “A customer just stabbed another customer over a mask and then took off out of the parking lot,” the clerk told 911. Whitmer can’t understand violence ‘over wearing piece of cloth on your face’An Eaton County Sheriff’s deputy found Ruis and initiate a traffic stop. The clerk told dispatch the man was stabbed in the neck repeatedly.

EATON COUNTY, Mich. – Police have released body cam video of a deadly confrontation in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife. The armed man is accused of stabbing a customer at a Quality Dairy store in Dimondale during an argument over wearing a mask. The suspect was later shot and killed when officials said he pulled his knife on a deputy. READ: Video shows Michigan mask-related stabbing suspect lunging at deputy with knives before being fatally shotHome surveillance video shows Ruis walking toward the deputy, ignoring orders to drop the knife and then charging. The body camera footage shows Ruis had two knives in his right hand and a screwdriver in his left.

Body cam video released of deadly confrontation between sheriff’s deputy and stabbing suspectPublished: July 14, 2020, 11:10 pmPolice have released body cam video of a deadly confrontation in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said. Investigators said the argument happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale. The argument ended with a 77-year-old Lansing man suffering from stab wounds. The manager of the store said Sean Ernest Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, stabbed the 77-year-old man simply because he asked Ruis to put on a mask. Video shows Ruis walking toward the deputy, who said Ruis was armed with a knife.

Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentPublished: July 14, 2020, 5:13 pmA Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said.

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who stabbed another customer at a convenience store during an argument over wearing a mask was later shot and killed when he pulled his knife on a deputy, Michigan State Police say. UPDATE: Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentThe incident happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale, according to authorities. Ruis was also refused service by the store because he wouldn’t wear a mask, officials said. Ruis pulled out a knife and stabbed the other man before fleeing the store, according to MSP. An Eaton County deputy saw Ruis at 7:13 a.m. on Jerryson Drive in Delta Township and initiated a traffic stop, officials said.

The scene where a 77-year-old man was stabbed by a 43-year-old man Tuesday morning, July 14, 2020, outside of a Quality Dairy on Lansing Road in Windsor Township, Michigan. A Grand Ledge man who stabbed an elderly man outside a Quality Dairy store after being refused service for not wearing a mask was shot and killed by an Eaton County deputy several miles away, Michigan State Police said. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP)GRAND LEDGE, Mich. A man was fatally shot Tuesday by a Michigan sheriff's deputy after stabbing another man who had challenged him about not wearing a mask at a convenience store, police said. The shooting occurred in Eaton County, southwest of Lansing, about 30 minutes after the stabbing at a Quality Dairy store, state police Lt. Brian Oleksyk said. He earlier stabbed a 77-year-old man inside the Quality Dairy when he was confronted about not wearing a mask, Oleksyk said.

CHARLOTTE, Mich. - The condition of a Michigan boy who survived a horse-drawn buggy crash that killed his three siblings improved Thursday, a day after the tragedy that shocked the local Amish community. The buggy was struck from behind. "I bawled all the way home," said Kevin Newton, who often drives for the Amish and knew the victims. Jerri Nesbitt of the county sheriff's office said the 6-year-old boy had a "good night," despite leg and head injuries, and was in stable condition. "It's an unspeakable loss for any parent to lose their children in a manner like this," Undersheriff Jeff Cook said.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Authorities in Michigan say three children were killed and another was injured after a motor vehicle struck their horse-drawn buggy. Eaton County Undersheriff Jeff Cook says the buggy was struck from behind Wednesday as it traveled along Vermontville Highway near Charlotte in southern Michigan. Cook says emergency responders arrived at the crash to find three of the children dead and a fourth seriously injured. The names of the victims weren't immediately released. He could not confirm if they were headed home from school when the crash occurred.

The radar on Sept. 11, 2019 at 8:20 p.m. (WDIV)GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Eaton County is under a tornado warning until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Warnings for Kent and Ionia expired. Track: Metro Detroit Weather Radar pageWeather radarKeep an eye out for severe weather alerts and the radar here:Tweets by NWSGrandRapidsCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

Winning a $1 million Mega Millions prize means less stress and financial security for an Eaton County man. He bought the winning ticket at Bill’s Party Store, located at 1153 East Grand River in Portland. “I buy Mega Millions tickets for each drawing,” said Guilford. Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2.

A lucky Michigan Lottery player who bought a Mega Millions ticket in Eaton County for Friday’s drawing is walking around with a ticket worth $1 million. A lucky player matched the five white balls drawn – 18-24-31-34-55 – in Friday’s drawing to win a $1 million prize. Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2. Mega Millions tickets for may be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com and at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m. the day of the drawing.