WYOMING, Mich. — Four people are dead, including two children, after what Wyoming public safety officers say was a likely murder-suicide early Tuesday morning.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster says the incident occurred around 4 a.m. at a home in the area of Godfrey Avenue and Burton Street.
Officers showed up after the suspect made a concerning call to one of his family members. That family member drove out to the scene after the call, and quickly contacted 911.
Chief Koster says officers found a man, woman and two girls dead with gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe the man killed his girlfriend, and her 11-year-old and 13-year-old daughters before taking his own life.
The suspect and the adult victim had two children together, a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old. Those two were in the home at the time of the shooting but were not hurt.
A 9-year-old was also inside the home at the time of the shooting. Police say his mother was the adult female killed, but are still working to find out who his father is.
The motive behind the killings is not yet known.
Wyoming officers found a handgun inside the home and believe it to be the murder weapon. They are still investigating whether the firearm was registered to the suspect.
Police hosted a press conference at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to provide an update on the investigation.
"I want to start first by offering our deepest condolences, not only to the family, but to everyone affected by today’s incident," Chief Koster began.
"No one, especially children, should ever feel unsafe in their own homes."
Chief Koster explained that the surviving children are now in the care of a relative.
"We have obviously taken great care in our questioning of these young people, these children... we have been in contact with them, and our hearts are just breaking for these kids."
All of the children in the home lived and attended schools in the city of Wyoming.
"I would ask the public to understand that this is a crime that affects lives in just unimaginable ways, so if you know someone involved in a relationship like this, maybe you make the first move and talk to them... just offer your assistance, and offer your help,” Chief Koster said.
This marks 6 people killed in Wyoming this year as a result of a domestic violence situation.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help or is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
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Those with information in connection to the investigation are asked to reach out to public safety officials at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
