BOWNE TOWNSHIP, Mich. - The Kent County Sheriff is calling the deaths of a married couple in southeastern Kent County a homicide.
The department identified the victims as Theodore Syrek, 66, and Patty Syrek, 62. Investigators say the couple both died from blunt force trauma to the head by other individual or individuals.
Deputies went to the home in the 9000 block of Jordan River Drive SE on Tuesday. A family member hadn't heard from the couple for a few days, and called to ask for a well-being check.
“Yesterday at about 11 o’clock in the morning, we got a call from a concerned family member, that they had not heard from their parents in the last several days,” said Undersheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young
Deputies found them both dead inside the home. Deputies say they are still putting together a timeline of when the couple died.
No one has been arrested. Kent County Undersheriff Michelle Young says they do not currently have any details on a possible suspect.
Young also says they cannot comment on whether or not their was a possible break in at the couple's home, but encourages the community to remain vigilant.
Young says they are still investigating what could have caused the head trauma, and could not comment on what type of potential weapon or force was used.
Family members say the Syrek's were good people who would spend summers in Michigan and winters in Arizona.
“They were good people," said Melis Reaney, Patty's niece. "They liked helping people when they needed help. “I’m just a bit shaken up from it, I’m still trying to process this. It’s only been a few minutes since I found out.”
Reaney says it was unlike her aunt and uncle to not speak with family members for a few days.
“I would never imagine them mixed up in any kind of, anything that would be bad," said Reaney.
It's something echoed by their neighbor, Zak Austin.
"They were very polite people, very outgoing," said Austin. "They were extraordinary people and all my dealing with their family they were just as polite and outgoing as they were."
Police are asking residents to remain vigilant until the case is solved.
“These things can happen, it’s incredibly unnerving for a community when it does happen," said Young. "We’re obviously very concerned and are going to work to solve this case as soon as possible."
