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Murder Suspect’s Arrest Sends Sigh of Relief Through Community

Posted at 8:43 PM, Jan 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-18 22:34:32-05

KENTWOOD, Mich.- As many people were returning home from work Friday afternoon to Princeton Estates, word started to spread quickly about the arrest of Javonte Higgins. He is a suspect in the murders of  their neighbors, David and Vivian Bouwman in their Stowevalley Drive home.

“We’re just having a little impromptu celebration because we were very glad to hear the news that he was captured, it’s a relief.” Jeff Vanhattum said.

Many people got word on the Princeton Estates Homeowner’s Association Facebook page, which has seen a huge jump in members since the tragic events unfolded on Jan. 5. Through that page, neighbors organized a vigil and encouraged residents to light luminarias along the streets. George Guyott, the president of the association, is pleased that Higgins is in custody.

“I’m really happy that they’ve got him. I guess my feeling is that the neighborhood has learned, probably, unfortunately, to be safer, keep things locked up, be vigilant, keep their eye on what’s going on and get to know their neighbors.” Guyott added.

Diane Gilfillan, who lived a few doors down, would chat with Mr. Bouwman as he went on his walks. “He chatted with me all the time about his projects, about the neighborhood about keeping everything looking nice, keeping grasses cut he was always just kind of keeping to himself, but he would chat with me, anyway.” she added.

The Kentwood community commended the authorities who worked very hard on capturing Higgins.