SIDNEY TWP., Mich. -- The family of a Montcalm County man killed during an apparent home invasion is speaking out after their sudden loss.
Neighbors in the Nevins Lake area of Sidney Township have vowed to remain vigilant while detectives continue to search for the 80-year-old's killer. The family of the victim said that the neighborhood has been completely raddled by this tragic incident.
Alan 'Dale' Nelson is survived by his three daughters.
"He would not have fought them. He was a defenseless elderly man, and there was no reason for what happened," said Nelson's daughter, Luanne Cutler.
Cutler said that her father lived alone at his house on Nevins Lake. His wife passed away five years ago.
Nelson is described as a simple man who loved living in the peace and quite of this quaint neighborhood.
"We feel cheated because everybody goes to heaven at some point in their lives. But, this is not how it was suppose to happen for our dad," said Cutler.
During a township meeting on Monday, community members vowed to re-start a neighborhood watch program in the area. A rural lake community still in shock themselves that such a heinous crime could happen on their street.
"The people that we talk to both in town and at this little lake, they feel uncomfortable. They feel like they've been violated just as much as we have," said Cutler.
Michigan State Police has announced a $1,000 dollar reward through Crime Stoppers for any information leading to an arrest.
The family remains hopeful that whoever broke into their father's home, and took his life will be held accountable.
The family also urges that anyone with information to come forward.
"Even the tiniest detail can matter. I doubt there is anyone out there who would want this to happen to a friend or relative of theirs," said Cutler.
Also, investigators said that three other homes were broken into at about the same time as Nelson's home.
Anyone with information that leads to an arrest is eligible for a $1,000 reward by calling Crime Stoppers at (517) 483-7867. All tips can remain anonymous.
