He vanished for 30 years after punk rock singer killed. How feds finally tracked down Detroit man
Read full article: He vanished for 30 years after punk rock singer killed. How feds finally tracked down Detroit manA Detroit man who vanished for 30 years after the murder of a punk rock singer has been tracked down in Panama.
‘Never thought this day would come:’ Murder victim’s daughter reacts to Detroit longtime fugitive’s arrest
Read full article: ‘Never thought this day would come:’ Murder victim’s daughter reacts to Detroit longtime fugitive’s arrestWhen Zoeie Mendez looked down at the newly released mugshot of Richard Werstine, she was in shock, as it was the face of the man who was accused of killing her father 30 years ago.
Dani’s Transport steps in to help Detroit Training Center students get proper CDL training
Read full article: Dani’s Transport steps in to help Detroit Training Center students get proper CDL trainingA Metro Detroit transport company is offering to pay for proper CDL training for students whose lives and futures were put on hold while the state investigates training they received at the Detroit Training Center.
Built to last 100 years, broke in 50: Investigation into Auburn Hills water main failure
Read full article: Built to last 100 years, broke in 50: Investigation into Auburn Hills water main failureA 42-inch water main in Auburn Hills failed decades early, raising concerns for 80+ miles of similar pipes.
Detroit man accused of killing punk rock singer in 1993 arrested in Panama after 30 years on the run
Read full article: Detroit man accused of killing punk rock singer in 1993 arrested in Panama after 30 years on the runRichard Werstine, accused of the 1993 murder of his roommate Rodney Barger in Detroit, was captured in Panama after evading authorities for over 30 years by using multiple aliases and false identities.
Here’s why Detroit Training Center students can’t take CDL skills tests
Read full article: Here’s why Detroit Training Center students can’t take CDL skills testsDespite what the CEO of the Detroit Training Center says, students still aren’t able to take their skills tests to become truck drivers, according to the Michigan Department of State.
Oak Park School Board faces accountability demands amid superintendent search controversy
Read full article: Oak Park School Board faces accountability demands amid superintendent search controversyDiscussions and demands for accountability continue in the Oak Park School District Monday night while the school board tackles several controversies.
What EGLE says is causing brown, yellow tap water for SE Michigan manufactured housing communities
Read full article: What EGLE says is causing brown, yellow tap water for SE Michigan manufactured housing communitiesPeople living in manufactured housing communities across Southeast Michigan say their water is brown and yellow. They’re asking Local 4 to find out why.
Michigan Court of Claims rules state isn’t legally responsible for Edenville Dam failure
Read full article: Michigan Court of Claims rules state isn’t legally responsible for Edenville Dam failureThe Michigan Court of Claims has ruled that the state isn’t legally responsible for the failure of the Edenville Dam.
Mom says her son was urinated on in shower. Now Michigan wrestling program back under investigation
Read full article: Mom says her son was urinated on in shower. Now Michigan wrestling program back under investigationAfter a mother told Local 4 that her son was urinated on in the shower, a high school wrestling program in Michigan is back under investigation.
Fowlerville schools reopen investigation into high school wrestling program in alleged hazing
Read full article: Fowlerville schools reopen investigation into high school wrestling program in alleged hazingAn investigation into Fowlerville High School’s varsity wrestling program has reopened after Local 4’s report on an alleged hazing incident.
Fowlerville High School wrestling program investigated again after additional information revealed
Read full article: Fowlerville High School wrestling program investigated again after additional information revealedFowlerville Community Schools has reopened an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving the high school’s varsity wrestling program.
‘People were peeing on my face’: Mom says Fowlerville HS wrestler quit after hazing
Read full article: ‘People were peeing on my face’: Mom says Fowlerville HS wrestler quit after hazingA Livingston County mother said her now 15-year-old son left the Fowlerville High School wrestling team after he reported being urinated on in the locker-room showers.
‘They’re trying to cover it up’: Mom says son quit Fowlerville wrestling after urine hazing incident
Read full article: ‘They’re trying to cover it up’: Mom says son quit Fowlerville wrestling after urine hazing incidentA Livingston County mother said her now 15-year-old son left the Fowlerville High School wrestling team after he reported being urinated on in the locker-room showers.
Westland sex offender arrested for transporting child sex abuse videos of toddlers, infants
Read full article: Westland sex offender arrested for transporting child sex abuse videos of toddlers, infantsA registered sex offender from Westland is back behind bars after federal agents said he was caught transporting graphic images and videos of children as young as infants.
Michigan woman feels ‘completely manipulated’ after deepfake nude images spread online
Read full article: Michigan woman feels ‘completely manipulated’ after deepfake nude images spread onlineA woman whose high school photos were digitally altered to appear nude and then shared online says she feels “completely manipulated” and let down by a justice system that has so far spared one of the men involved from jail time.
Why were animal skins left hanging off side of Detroit dumpsters?
Read full article: Why were animal skins left hanging off side of Detroit dumpsters?The Investigators on Local 4 are working to get answers after a viral social media post showed a group of people dumping animal skins into a dumpster in Detroit.
Do your infants and toddlers need to be listed on your Michigan car insurance policy? Local 4 is finding out
Read full article: Do your infants and toddlers need to be listed on your Michigan car insurance policy? Local 4 is finding outMichigan families are facing car insurance cancellations for not listing infants and toddlers on their policies, highlighting a gap in state law.
Pressure mounts on Michigan health department over mental health hospital safety, transparency
Read full article: Pressure mounts on Michigan health department over mental health hospital safety, transparencyPressure mounts on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services after unannounced active shooter drill at child psychiatric hospital.
‘A crash and burn disaster’: Michigan Senator pushes for CPS reform after 5-year-old’s death
Read full article: ‘A crash and burn disaster’: Michigan Senator pushes for CPS reform after 5-year-old’s deathIt’s a desperate push to loosen confidentiality rules around Child Protective Services records in Michigan, arguing the change is necessary to prevent deaths like that of 5-year-old Ethan Belcher of Detroit.
‘Horrible investigation:’ Lawsuits accuse CPS of sending 5-year-old back into danger before his death
Read full article: ‘Horrible investigation:’ Lawsuits accuse CPS of sending 5-year-old back into danger before his deathLawsuits have been filed against Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services and specific Child Protective Services workers, accusing them of negligence in the case of 5-year-old Ethan Belcher, who died in 2023 from severe abuse and torture.
Michigan lawmakers request tour of Allen Park USPS facility as they seek answers in worker’s death
Read full article: Michigan lawmakers request tour of Allen Park USPS facility as they seek answers in worker’s deathMichigan lawmakers are continuing to press the U.S. Postal Service for answers and are asking for a tour of the facility after a man was killed in a machine at a facility in Allen Park.
Families frustrated as Michigan delays compliance plan after mental health hospital audit finds issues
Read full article: Families frustrated as Michigan delays compliance plan after mental health hospital audit finds issuesTypically, a compliance plan follows such an audit. However, it has been two months with no plan released to fix the issues, which has families upset and worried.
Detroit Fire Department officials under scrutiny for alleged payroll fraud, misconduct
Read full article: Detroit Fire Department officials under scrutiny for alleged payroll fraud, misconductDiscipline has been recommended for three high-ranking officials with the Detroit Fire Department in a payroll fraud investigation months after the Investigators at Local 4 looked into allegations.
Discipline recommended for 3 high-ranking Detroit Fire officials in payroll fraud investigation
Read full article: Discipline recommended for 3 high-ranking Detroit Fire officials in payroll fraud investigationDiscipline has been recommended for three high-ranking officials with the Detroit Fire Department in a payroll fraud investigation months after the Investigators at Local 4 looked into allegations.
This Michigan intersection has smelled of ‘raw sewage’ for years. What can be done?
Read full article: This Michigan intersection has smelled of ‘raw sewage’ for years. What can be done?People living in the area around one Michigan intersection told Local 4 that it’s smelled like “raw sewage” for years.
What’s being done about the ‘raw sewage’ odor in Macomb County?
Read full article: What’s being done about the ‘raw sewage’ odor in Macomb County?Something stinks in Macomb County and it’s described as a “raw sewage” odor. It’s something county residents and business owners have been dealing with for years.
Grievance filed less than 90 days before Allen Park postal worker’s death warned machine was unsafe
Read full article: Grievance filed less than 90 days before Allen Park postal worker’s death warned machine was unsafeFewer than 90 days before 36-year-old Nicholas John Acker was found dead in a mail-sorting machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center in Allen Park, a formal grievance had been filed warning that the very same machine was unsafe, Local 4 has learned.
5 years later: Edenville still seeks accountability in devastating dam failure
Read full article: 5 years later: Edenville still seeks accountability in devastating dam failureFive years after the Edenville Dam failure, which left 11,000 residents affected and destroyed roughly 2,500 buildings, the community continues to seek accountability.
Aging. Deteriorating. Dangerous. That’s how EGLE describes dams in Michigan
Read full article: Aging. Deteriorating. Dangerous. That’s how EGLE describes dams in MichiganEGLE said that there’s just not enough money to take care of Michigan’s dams -- especially the ones that have gone decades putting off maintenance. And it’s putting people and property at risk.
Hamtramck election crisis deepens: 37 uncounted ballots found, clerk suspended, residency lawsuit filed
Read full article: Hamtramck election crisis deepens: 37 uncounted ballots found, clerk suspended, residency lawsuit filedHamtramck’s contentious mayoral race faces new complications as the city clerk is placed on administrative leave and one candidate files a lawsuit challenging his opponent’s eligibility to serve.
Michigan senator says he was ‘misled and stonewalled’ over mental health patient protections
Read full article: Michigan senator says he was ‘misled and stonewalled’ over mental health patient protectionsA Michigan senator said he was “misled and stonewalled” by the state when he started asking questions about how people are treated inside Michigan’s mental health care system.
Hamtramck City Councilman Mohammed Hassan to stand trial for allegedly forging absentee ballot in 2023
Read full article: Hamtramck City Councilman Mohammed Hassan to stand trial for allegedly forging absentee ballot in 2023Hamtramck City Council member Mohammed Hassan is one step closer to trial after a judge ruled there is enough evidence that he forged an absentee ballot application in 2023.
What can be done to prevent bullying? Here’s what an expert told us
Read full article: What can be done to prevent bullying? Here’s what an expert told usBullying has plagued schools for generations. The behavior is so deeply engrained that some people even go as far as to consider it a rite of passage -- but an expert says we shouldn’t think of it that way. She believes bullying behavior doesn’t belong in Michigan schools.
Suicide threats, bullying, drugs: Here’s what’s being reported in Michigan schools
Read full article: Suicide threats, bullying, drugs: Here’s what’s being reported in Michigan schoolsSuicide threats, bullying, and drugs are among the top problems being reported in Michigan schools through the OK2SAY program.
Bullying, violent crime in SE Michigan schools: Check your district’s data here
Read full article: Bullying, violent crime in SE Michigan schools: Check your district’s data hereThis interactive investigative report allows you to explore data from Michigan’s student safety program (OK2SAY) and Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI).
What happens when a Michigan psychiatric patient reports abuse or neglect?
Read full article: What happens when a Michigan psychiatric patient reports abuse or neglect?The Investigators at Local 4 went through three years of data published by the state of Michigan in its Recipient Rights annual reports.
Inside Vista Maria: State investigations lead to more violations at all-girls treatment facility
Read full article: Inside Vista Maria: State investigations lead to more violations at all-girls treatment facilityFormer Vista Maria residents are speaking out as the all-girls residential treatment facility in Dearborn Heights faces new violations.
Drunk driving, destroying evidence, fake police report: Deep dive into Hamtramck investigation
Read full article: Drunk driving, destroying evidence, fake police report: Deep dive into Hamtramck investigationThe Investigators at Local 4 has obtained a report conducted by an outside law firm investigating allegations against three suspended Hamtramck employees.
Surveillance cameras track movements of missing 22-year-old man after Oakland County festival
Read full article: Surveillance cameras track movements of missing 22-year-old man after Oakland County festivalPolice are seeking the public’s help in locating 22-year-old Jacob Angeles, who disappeared after attending the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly on Saturday.
Detroit oil recycling plant had safety violations before major fire: What we know
Read full article: Detroit oil recycling plant had safety violations before major fire: What we knowState inspection records reveal an oil recycling facility in Detroit received multiple safety violations just weeks before a massive fire erupted at the site.
A father of 6 was killed in a dog attack. Now this Detroit family demands accountability
Read full article: A father of 6 was killed in a dog attack. Now this Detroit family demands accountabilityA Detroit family is still seeking accountability nearly a year and a half after a brutal dog attack killed a loving father of six.
Family of father killed in brutal dog attack in Detroit demands accountability
Read full article: Family of father killed in brutal dog attack in Detroit demands accountabilityA Detroit family is still seeking accountability nearly a year and a half after a brutal dog attack killed a loving father of six.
Exclusive: How a security guard helped thwart graduation day shooting plot in Oakland County
Read full article: Exclusive: How a security guard helped thwart graduation day shooting plot in Oakland CountyA potentially devastating act of violence may have been prevented thanks to the instincts and actions of a security officer during a high school graduation at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac.
Oakland County family’s missing dog found dead in park with bullet wound to head
Read full article: Oakland County family’s missing dog found dead in park with bullet wound to headAn Oakland County family dog was missing for a week, only to be found dead in a park with an apparent bullet wound in the back of the head.
Missing dog found dead in Detroit park, possibly shot in head
Read full article: Missing dog found dead in Detroit park, possibly shot in headA Farmington Hills family dog was missing for a week, only to be found dead in a Detroit city park with what investigators believe is a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Audit: Deaths of 150 children went unevaluated by Michigan office tasked with safety reviews
Read full article: Audit: Deaths of 150 children went unevaluated by Michigan office tasked with safety reviewsThe deaths of 150 children weren’t evaluated by a state office tasked with determining if they needed further review, according to an audit.
Assault, threats, fighting: Detroit triple murder suspect’s misconduct in prison
Read full article: Assault, threats, fighting: Detroit triple murder suspect’s misconduct in prisonA man suspected in the murders of three people found inside a burned vehicle in Detroit has a prison record that includes more than 100 misconduct charges.
‘The deeper I look, the worse it gets’: Concerns persist for Michigan psych hospital for kids
Read full article: ‘The deeper I look, the worse it gets’: Concerns persist for Michigan psych hospital for kidsA lawmaker is sending a message to Michigan health officials, asking for someone to fix what is wrong at the state’s only mental health hospital for children.
Hyperbaric chambers: What they are, what they treat, risks, and accreditation
Read full article: Hyperbaric chambers: What they are, what they treat, risks, and accreditationHere's what to know about hyperbaric chambers after a 5-year-old boy was killed in an explosion at a healthcare facility in Oakland County.
Child killed in hyperbaric chamber explosion at Oakland County healthcare facility
Read full article: Child killed in hyperbaric chamber explosion at Oakland County healthcare facilityA 5-year-old boy from Royal Oak was killed in an explosion while receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a healthcare facility in Oakland County, according to the fire department.
A look at incident data reported from Detroit Metro Airport
Read full article: A look at incident data reported from Detroit Metro AirportSafety concerns are being raised after a jet carrying 64 people collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., sending both aircraft into the Potomac River and killing everyone on board.
How, when to watch Investigator Karen Drew’s live ride-along with Border Patrol agents
Read full article: How, when to watch Investigator Karen Drew’s live ride-along with Border Patrol agentsLocal 4 Investigator Karen Drew will be live with U.S. Border Patrol agents as they patrol the border on Thursday morning.
Judge dismisses charges against 6 MDOC employees in death of Michigan prisoner
Read full article: Judge dismisses charges against 6 MDOC employees in death of Michigan prisonerA judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against six former Michigan Department of Corrections employees in the death of an inmate in 2019.
Detroit firefighters say there aren’t enough vehicles, rigs don’t always have proper equipment
Read full article: Detroit firefighters say there aren’t enough vehicles, rigs don’t always have proper equipmentThere are questions being raised about issues at the Detroit Fire Department. There are not enough vehicles, rigs are missing equipment, and firefighters are concerned.
‘I’ll do the rest of my life in prison’: Watch police arrest, question Wynter Cole Smith’s accused kidnapper
Read full article: ‘I’ll do the rest of my life in prison’: Watch police arrest, question Wynter Cole Smith’s accused kidnapperWhen police arrested the man suspected of kidnapping Wynter Cole Smith, the 2-year-old girl was nowhere to be found. Now, Local 4 has obtained exclusive video showing the car chase, arrest, and conversation between officers and Rashad Trice.
Gun was visible in employee’s car during ‘active shooter’ drill at Michigan psych hospital for kids
Read full article: Gun was visible in employee’s car during ‘active shooter’ drill at Michigan psych hospital for kidsExclusive new documents reveal a gun was visible in an employee’s car the day of an “active shooter” drill at a psychiatric hospital for children in Northville Township.
Danielle Stislicki disappeared 6 years ago: Here’s where things stand in the murder case
Read full article: Danielle Stislicki disappeared 6 years ago: Here’s where things stand in the murder caseSix years ago today, Danielle Stislicki walked out of her Southfield, Michigan, office never to be seen again.
Michigan State University students are working with MSP to help crack cold cases
Read full article: Michigan State University students are working with MSP to help crack cold casesMichigan State University students are working with Michigan State Police to help solve murders through a new pilot program at the school.
Baby alligators are being sold in Michigan, dumped or killed when they get too big
Read full article: Baby alligators are being sold in Michigan, dumped or killed when they get too bigThere is a thriving market for pet alligators in Michigan and many of the reptiles end up abandoned when they start to get too big.
Cracking the emoji drug code: How teens are using emojis to buy and deal drugs
Read full article: Cracking the emoji drug code: How teens are using emojis to buy and deal drugsA mother is bringing attention to how emojis can be used as a secret code to purchase and sell drugs after she lost her son to a drug overdose.
Investigators go inside Wayne County Morgue more than a year after exposing mistakes, mismanagement
Read full article: Investigators go inside Wayne County Morgue more than a year after exposing mistakes, mismanagementIt’s been a year-long investigation exposing poor record keeping, decomposing bodies and delays in contacting families of the dead at the Wayne County Morgue.
Judge rules not to limit which Oxford victims get info in school shooting case
Read full article: Judge rules not to limit which Oxford victims get info in school shooting caseA judge has ruled not to limit which Oxford High School victims can receive information from the court during the case for the suspected shooter’s parents.
Oxford investigators to host interview sessions in school shooting probe
Read full article: Oxford investigators to host interview sessions in school shooting probeThe independent team hired to conduct an investigation into the Nov. 2021 shooting at Oxford High School is hosting interview sessions with community members this month.
‘I’m going to die in here’: Family pushes for change after Michigan prisoner left to die of dehydration
Read full article: ‘I’m going to die in here’: Family pushes for change after Michigan prisoner left to die of dehydrationIt’s been three years since Jonathan Lancaster died behind bars, strapped to a chair and his family wants to know why more isn’t being done to hold prison staff accountable.
Salvation Army helps Metro Detroit widow who spent months waiting for husband’s death certificate
Read full article: Salvation Army helps Metro Detroit widow who spent months waiting for husband’s death certificateA Metro Detroit widow who really suffered because of mistakes at the Wayne County Morgue received life-changing news.
Parents of Oxford High School shooting survivor file lawsuit pushing for accountability, change
Read full article: Parents of Oxford High School shooting survivor file lawsuit pushing for accountability, changeThe parents of an Oxford High School shooting survivor have filed a lawsuit. They said they waited for the system to work, but it didn’t.
Family of Oxford High School shooting survivor describes what happened to him, his battle to recover
Read full article: Family of Oxford High School shooting survivor describes what happened to him, his battle to recoverAiden Watson’s family has kept fairly quiet about his struggle to recover after being shot at Oxford High School last fall.
Investigation finds wide range of serious mistakes, mismanagement at Wayne County Morgue
Read full article: Investigation finds wide range of serious mistakes, mismanagement at Wayne County MorgueA 65-page review of the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office has been released nearly a year after Local 4 began investigating mistakes at the morgue.