CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Police in Macomb County are investigating after a body was found in the ventilation system at a Macomb Community College building over the weekend.
According to the Macomb College Police Department, the body was found Sunday night in the vents after reports of a foul odor at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. The building is now closed to students.
Student Anna Venhuizen says her class in the building has been canceled until next week. She frequently visits the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts for school and says she never suspected anything.
“I could’ve walked right by where it was for the past few weeks," Venhuizen said. "I could’ve walked right by a dead body in the building and never have known it. It's going to be really weird going back.”
The body was identified Monday as 36-year-old Clinton Township resident Jason Anthony Thompson. He was reported missing to the Sterling Heights Police Department on Nov. 1 and hasn't been seen by family since Oct. 25.
Macomb College Police are continuing to investigate how the body ended up in the vent and are awaiting a cause of death from the Macomb County Medical Examiner. Although, Macomb College Police Department Chief William Leavens says he does not suspect foul play.
“At this point, it is important to remember that this an ongoing investigation with the goal to understand the circumstances," Leavens said.
Sterling Heights police say they're heartbroken that this missing person's case ended how it did.
"Sterling Heights detectives exhausted every resource and lead in attempts to locate Mr. Thompson," Public Informational Officer Lt. Mario Bastianelli said. "We received information from our law enforcement partners at Macomb Community College of the unfortunate discovery of Mr. Thompson. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family for the loss of their loved one."
Macomb Community College school officials say they will notify the community and students when the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is ready to reopen.
