FRUITPORT TWP., Mich. — Tragedy struck a Fruitport Township neighborhood on Father's Day when two were killed and two others were injured in a shooting.
Shona Meeks, her three sons and fiance planned to spend Father's Day making breakfast and staining their deck. But then, the unexpected happened in their neighborhood Sunday morning.
“This is not a neighborhood that this kind of stuff would ever happen in," Meeks said. "It's very clean and brand new and it's a very nice neighborhood."
Fruitport Police were called to a home in the 2500 block of Odawa Trail around 11:00 a.m., after hearing reports of shots fired.
Greg Poulson, Deputy Chief of the Fruitport Fire Department, says two people left the home bleeding profusely. When officers arrived and entered the home, they found two people dead and two others who had suffered from gunshot wounds.
A 53-year-old man, who is believed to be the suspect, and a 10-year-old girl were found dead at the scene.
A 60-year-old woman and a 7-year-old girl were also injured. At last check, both are in stable condition at Helen DeVos Hospital.
Deputy Chief Poulson also says there were quite a few people living inside of the home, with some living in the upstairs area and others residing in the basement.
Police say the shooting is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute. Neighbors are in disbelief that something like this could happen in their neighborhood.
Meeks said she didn’t know the family personally, but they seemed like any other normal family.
"So my, my neighbor had actually talked to him a couple times. Their dogs had gotten loose and gotten to my yard a couple of times. But other than that, like, they just seemed like a pretty normal family, just working," she said.
To have such a tragedy happen on Father's Day, however, means the date reserved for celebration has now changed a Fruitport family forever.
“It breaks my heart that the children were involved in all things and I don't really have any words, it's just heartbreaking,” said Meeks.
Fruitport Police tell us they hadn’t received any previous complaints from the home, and there is no danger to the public at this time.
Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent Jason J. Kennedy released the following letter Monday in response to the shooting:
"Dear parents, guardians, students, staff, and community:
"In an effort to communicate with you, I wanted to share the following information. Yesterday, public safety officials confirmed the passing of a Fruitport Community Schools student at a home in our District. The student attends Edgewood Elementary School. These are the only details that have been shared with the District at this time, as the matter is under investigation by law enforcement officials.
"Our heartfelt thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased in this horrific tragedy. In addition, we know that this tragedy has impacted many of our families and students who live in the surrounding neighborhood where the tragedy took place. There are also staff members who worked closely with the students in this family that are impacted. As our community grieves the loss of life, please know that our District is here to support those in need.
"We know that there are far-reaching impacts from this tragedy, and we want those in our community to know that we are here to support each of you. Yesterday, the District began working with members of our Emotional Support Team, the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, and Health West to develop emotional support plans to assist those in need. Members of the District's crisis response team will be available on an as-needed basis by contacting the District's Central Office at (231) 865-3154. If you or your child need emotional support, please call the number above and support will be scheduled to meet your needs.
"Please know that we care deeply about all of our students, families, staff members, and those impacted by this devastating tragedy in our community. We are here to help and hope that you will take the time to hug your loved ones a little closer."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence's 24-hour help line at 800-848-5991.
For those who seeking mental health help or are considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
ORIGINAL STORY: 2 killed, 2 wounded in Fruitport Township shooting
