Legislation announced with goal of improving protections for Michigan’s mental health patients
Read full article: Legislation announced with goal of improving protections for Michigan’s mental health patientsThere’s a new push to protect vulnerable patients in Michigan’s five mental health hospitals.
Evidence destroyed, a case gone cold: Gail Webster’s daughters still fight for justice
Read full article: Evidence destroyed, a case gone cold: Gail Webster’s daughters still fight for justiceGail Webster was beaten to death in her Troy apartment in 1978. The killer has never been caught. Her daughters have never stopped fighting for justice.
Ex-Vista Maria residents hold large gathering as abuse lawsuit expands against Dearborn Heights nonprofit
Read full article: Ex-Vista Maria residents hold large gathering as abuse lawsuit expands against Dearborn Heights nonprofitFormer residents of Vista Maria gathered Tuesday evening in Allen Park for what organizers described as the largest survivor meet-up since a lawsuit was filed accusing the Dearborn Heights nonprofit of years of abuse and systemic failures.
A Detroit family visited 19-year-old’s grave for years. Then a stranger’s headstone appeared
Read full article: A Detroit family visited 19-year-old’s grave for years. Then a stranger’s headstone appearedThe family of 19-year-old Roland Moore says they spent years visiting his gravesite, believing he was buried alone, until they learned a decade later that another person had been placed in the same grave.
What we know about the quadruple murder that shattered a Livonia neighborhood
Read full article: What we know about the quadruple murder that shattered a Livonia neighborhoodA Livonia family tragedy: Four loved ones lost in a rare act of violence, leaving a community in shock and searching for answers.
‘Complete shock:’ Family, community mourn as memorial grows at Livonia home after mass shooting
Read full article: ‘Complete shock:’ Family, community mourn as memorial grows at Livonia home after mass shootingA Livonia family tragedy: Four loved ones lost in a rare act of violence, leaving a community in shock and searching for answers.
The ‘heartless grifter’ from Dearborn who scammed 25+ people out of thousands, police say
Read full article: The ‘heartless grifter’ from Dearborn who scammed 25+ people out of thousands, police sayHe’s a “heartless grifter” who scammed more than 25 people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, officials say. For the past several months, we’ve been investigating a Dearborn man facing a slew of allegations.
Investigators at Local 4 confront accused ‘practiced and heartless’ auto scammer
Read full article: Investigators at Local 4 confront accused ‘practiced and heartless’ auto scammerAn alleged auto scam that spans multiple southeast Michigan cities and counties, and reaches into another state, has left more than 25 people out hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to police.
Agency handling protections for Michigan’s mental health patients under scrutiny
Read full article: Agency handling protections for Michigan’s mental health patients under scrutinyThe state agency handling complaints and violations for Michigan’s five mental health hospitals came under scrutiny again on Tuesday.
9 tips to cut car insurance costs for Metro Detroit drivers hit with unexpected issues
Read full article: 9 tips to cut car insurance costs for Metro Detroit drivers hit with unexpected issuesHere are nine tips to help you save money on car insurance if you've recently been hit with costly and unexpected issues.
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.
Teen says he was zip-tied, tortured in couple’s Plymouth Township home linked to dog mauling
Read full article: Teen says he was zip-tied, tortured in couple’s Plymouth Township home linked to dog maulingPlymouth Township police said a disturbing series of investigations tied to the same household has led to disturbing charges, including child abuse, torture, unlawful imprisonment, and narcotics trafficking.
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.
Hacked, robbed, then banned: Canton business owner’s meta AI nightmare
Read full article: Hacked, robbed, then banned: Canton business owner’s meta AI nightmareA Canton small-business owner says he was hacked twice, had $950 stolen from his account and was then permanently banned from Facebook — accused of one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Meta, he says, has done nothing to fix it.
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.
Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette faces misconduct investigation after withdrawing resignation
Read full article: Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette faces misconduct investigation after withdrawing resignationWoodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette is speaking out amid an investigation into alleged misconduct after submitting and then withdrawing her resignation earlier this month.
‘House of horrors’: 6 former residents sue Vista Maria, allege years of abuse, systemic failures
Read full article: ‘House of horrors’: 6 former residents sue Vista Maria, allege years of abuse, systemic failuresIn a lawsuit filed against Vista Maria, an all-girls facility that Local 4 began investigating over a year ago, six women and girls said the respected Dearborn Heights nonprofit that was meant to protect children instead became a “house of horrors.”
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.
Detroit woman gains access to her deceased father’s money after challenging credit union
Read full article: Detroit woman gains access to her deceased father’s money after challenging credit unionA daughter, along with her elderly mother, who had been fighting for her recently deceased father’s account funds, finally got what she needed from the credit union.
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.
What victims of Plymouth-Canton nude photo hacking scheme said to man at sentencing
Read full article: What victims of Plymouth-Canton nude photo hacking scheme said to man at sentencingSitting in a suit beside his attorney, Michael Justus appeared in federal court Thursday for sentencing with character letters from family, friends, his partner and therapist, along with a statement of his own.
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.
Southfield condo owners want transparency from HOA after deadly fire
Read full article: Southfield condo owners want transparency from HOA after deadly fireCondo owners were told to keep paying Homeowners Association fees or face foreclosure after one of the Le Chateau Condominium buildings in Southfield burned down.
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.
17 of the longest current missing persons cases in Southeast Michigan
Read full article: 17 of the longest current missing persons cases in Southeast MichiganThere are hundreds of people listed as “missing” across the state of Michigan, and some of the cases in Metro Detroit have been ongoing for several decades.
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.
Here’s how to watch everything in Local 4’s ‘Randomly Targeted’ investigative series
Read full article: Here’s how to watch everything in Local 4’s ‘Randomly Targeted’ investigative seriesThe story of Daniel “DJ” Phillips, 19, of Washington Township, sparked the Local 4 Investigators “Randomly Targeted” series.
What happens if your Facebook page is stolen?
Read full article: What happens if your Facebook page is stolen?As a city council person it’s Priscilla Ayres-Reiss’ job to protect and fight for the citizens of Southgate. She had no idea she would become a victim and need someone to fight for her when her Facebook account got stolen.
‘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.
Dee Warner murder case: Husband rejects last-minute plea deal, jury selection begins
Read full article: Dee Warner murder case: Husband rejects last-minute plea deal, jury selection beginsJury selection began Tuesday in the murder trial of Dale Warner, who is accused of killing his wife, Dee Warner, in Lenawee County.
GEICO denies crash claim, sues Michigan mom for not listing 12-year-old on car insurance policy
Read full article: GEICO denies crash claim, sues Michigan mom for not listing 12-year-old on car insurance policyGEICO is suing a Southfield-area woman because she did not list her 12-year-old daughter, who does not drive, on her personal injury protection form.
‘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.
GEICO lawsuit targets Oakland County mom for not adding 12-year-old to car insurance policy
Read full article: GEICO lawsuit targets Oakland County mom for not adding 12-year-old to car insurance policyA Southfield-area woman is being sued by GEICO for not listing her 12-year-old daughter, who does not drive, on her personal injury protection form.
GEICO sues Oakland County woman for not listing her 12-year-old daughter on car insurance policy
Read full article: GEICO sues Oakland County woman for not listing her 12-year-old daughter on car insurance policyGEICO is suing a Southfield-area woman because she did not list her 12-year-old daughter, who does not drive, on her personal injury protection form.
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.
Police investigate complaints against Livonia man filming women, children without permission
Read full article: Police investigate complaints against Livonia man filming women, children without permissionSeveral women have come forward to share concerns about a social media content creator filming them without their consent. But officials said he’s not breaking the law.
They’re worried about Michigan man filming them. But officials say it’s not illegal
Read full article: They’re worried about Michigan man filming them. But officials say it’s not illegalSeveral women have come forward to share concerns about a social media content creator filming them without their consent. But officials said he’s not breaking the law.
‘A lot of Rizz?’: Livonia man records women without consent for social media -- and it’s legal
Read full article: ‘A lot of Rizz?’: Livonia man records women without consent for social media -- and it’s legalSeveral Livonia residents are concerned about a social media content creator recording women and children in public without their knowledge.
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.
All 3 are prominent men in Metro Detroit. Feds say they had these chats about being pedophiles
Read full article: All 3 are prominent men in Metro Detroit. Feds say they had these chats about being pedophilesThree prominent men from Metro Detroit are accused of openly discussing being pedophiles during graphic chats about young boys, according to the FBI.
‘Love being a pedo’: Metro Detroit doctor, attorney, therapist accused in web of child porn chats
Read full article: ‘Love being a pedo’: Metro Detroit doctor, attorney, therapist accused in web of child porn chatsThree men -- a doctor, an attorney, and a therapist -- from Oakland and Wayne counties are involved in a web of child pornography chats, and some sexually abused young boys, according to federal officials.
‘Something’s rotten in Hamtramck’: City clerk files sweeping lawsuit alleging retaliation, corruption
Read full article: ‘Something’s rotten in Hamtramck’: City clerk files sweeping lawsuit alleging retaliation, corruptionHamtramck’s already-chaotic 2025 election has escalated into a full-scale legal battle, with City Clerk Rana Faraj filing a sweeping lawsuit alleging retaliation, defamation, and violations of Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Washtenaw County woman’s family fights for justice after killer ruled not criminally responsible
Read full article: Washtenaw County woman’s family fights for justice after killer ruled not criminally responsibleNearly 15 months after 81-year-old Susan Hammerton was beaten, strangled, and fatally stabbed inside her Pittsfield Township home, her family says they are still fighting for basic information about the case — and for a criminal trial they fear may never happen.
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.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries refutes allegations of poor living conditions in veteran housing
Read full article: Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries refutes allegations of poor living conditions in veteran housingDetroit Rescue Mission Ministries refuted allegations of inadequate living conditions in their veteran housing after a report highlighted issues.
‘Don’t nobody deserve to live like this’: Veterans sound alarm over living conditions in Highland Park
Read full article: ‘Don’t nobody deserve to live like this’: Veterans sound alarm over living conditions in Highland ParkResidents living in a Highland Park veterans’ apartment building said they are facing unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the facility operated by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
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.
Attorneys for former church leader David Taylor ask judge to reconsider detention order in Michigan
Read full article: Attorneys for former church leader David Taylor ask judge to reconsider detention order in MichiganDefense attorneys for David Taylor, the former leader of Kingdom of God Global Church, now facing federal forced labor and money laundering conspiracy charges, are asking a judge to reconsider a detention order requiring him to stay in custody while he awaits trial.
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.
Attorney representing former Vista Maria residents to hold press conference on Wednesday
Read full article: Attorney representing former Vista Maria residents to hold press conference on WednesdayThe attorney representing more than a dozen former Vista Maria residents said he will hold a press conference on Wednesday.
Investigating whether cop cars blocked firefighters responding to fire at Southgate senior facility
Read full article: Investigating whether cop cars blocked firefighters responding to fire at Southgate senior facilityLocal 4 Insiders spoke out three days after a fire at a Southgate senior living facility, sharing concerns about the response efforts.
‘Real-life hunger games’: Former residents retain attorney as Vista Maria ends programs
Read full article: ‘Real-life hunger games’: Former residents retain attorney as Vista Maria ends programsAttorney Michael Jaafer confirmed to The Investigators on Local 4 Thursday that his firm has launched an investigation into what he called “disturbing allegations” from former residents of Vista Maria, a youth residential facility in Dearborn Heights, and said his firm plans to file suit.
Audit finds serious lapses in Michigan’s school bus safety program
Read full article: Audit finds serious lapses in Michigan’s school bus safety programA state audit has revealed major failures in Michigan’s school bus safety system -- including unqualified drivers, missed inspections, and buses deemed unsafe still being driven on the road.
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 the alleged forced labor, laundering scheme run by church leaders in Michigan, other states
Read full article: Inside the alleged forced labor, laundering scheme run by church leaders in Michigan, other statesForced labor, terror through text messages, and denied food and sleep all to support a luxury lifestyle. That’s the case the U.S. Attorney is building against a Taylor man and his business partner.
‘He could’ve attacked me’: How woman says instincts helped her out of ‘babysitter interview’
Read full article: ‘He could’ve attacked me’: How woman says instincts helped her out of ‘babysitter interview’“I thank God every day,” said Shelby Clark, who said she encountered him posing as a father looking for a babysitter. “My family thanks God every day. My parents tell me I had an angel on my shoulder that day.”