Two Adults Killed, Two Children Abducted in Violent Incident; Both Children Rescued Safely
A harrowing act of violence in Washtenaw County, Michigan, left two adults dead and one critically injured, while two children were abducted from a foster home on New Year’s Day. Authorities have since located and safely rescued both children.
Incident Details
The violence unfolded at a residence on Nollar Bend Drive in Northfield Township, where police responded to reports of a shooting around 8:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found 74-year-old Stevie Ray Smith and 48-year-old Jennifer Lyn Bernhard deceased. Jennifer’s husband, 52-year-old Jeffrey Bernhard, was critically injured and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Jeffrey Bernhard, an assistant director at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, is expected to recover from his injuries.
The home where the shooting occurred also served as a foster home for one of the abducted children, who are not related to each other.
Children Safely Rescued
The two abducted children, aged 7 and 4, were later found safe in separate locations. The first child was rescued on Rowley Court, where police arrested an individual at the scene. The second child was located minutes away on Lexington Parkway near Rambling Road.
“I looked out, and there were three or four police cars, and I saw someone being taken away in handcuffs,” said a neighbor who witnessed the rescue.
Both children were unharmed and are now in protective custody.
Possible Motive: Custody Dispute
While the investigation is ongoing, sources suggest the violence may be linked to a child custody dispute. Law enforcement officials are working to verify these details.
Community Reaction
The tragic events have left the quiet Northfield Township community reeling. “Just strange. You know, we don’t have those kinds of things happen here,” said neighbor Lee Maulbetsch.
Authorities have yet to release further details about the suspect or their potential connection to the victims and the children.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement is continuing its investigation into the incident, which has been described as a shocking act of extreme violence. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The tragic deaths and the abduction of the children have deeply shaken the community, though the safe recovery of the children offers some relief in an otherwise devastating situation.
