Tuesday, September 13, 2011

09132011 - Officer Kenneth Bluew - Arrested For Murder of Pregnant Girlfriend Jennifer Webb



Jennifer Webb Murder Case Links

















Officer Kenneth Bluew was arrested on September 12th for the August 30, 2011 murder of his girlfriend Jennifer Webb and the death of their unborn son, whom Jennifer was pregnant with at the time. Officer Bluew is charged with strangling Jennifer [while he was on duty] and then staging the murder as a suicide.





Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista] has been charged with the August 30th death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.



At the time of her murder, Jennifer Webb was only a few weeks away from giving birth to her son. Officer Kenneth Bluew was the father of Jennifer's unborn child.



Jennifer's due date was September 15, 2011






















SEPTEMBER 12, 2011: OFFICER KENNETH BLUEW ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB

Offender Name: KENNETH TWYMAN BLUEW
Offender ID: 152976
Date of Birth: 01/07/1975
Age: 36
Race: White
Gender: Male
Custody Status: In Custody
Location of Offender: Saginaw County Sheriff's Office


Offender Name: KENNETH TWYMAN BLUEW
Offender ID: 000076701
Date of Birth: 01/07/1975
Age: 36
Race: White
Gender: Male
Custody Status: In Custody
Location of Offender: Bay County Sheriff's Office
















Police officer arrested in connection to murder
WNEM News
Sep 12, 2011
http://www.wnem.com/story/15446550/police-officer-arrested-in-connection-to-murder



Officer Bluew's video arraignment from the jail


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos


SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -A Buena Vista Township Police officer was arrested in connection to the murder of Jennifer Webb and her unborn child. Webb's body was found almost two weeks ago in Buena Vista near a gun range used by law enforcement.

TV5's Liz Gelardi broke the story of the arrest. Sources told her Michigan State Police took the suspect into custody shortly after 6:00 p.m. Monday.

Police took the suspect to the Saginaw County Jail where he was booked and moved to an undisclosed location. The police officer will likely be arraigned Tuesday morning. He is facing multiple charges, including charges related to the murder and death of the unborn child.The Saginaw County Prosecutor has been the only person allowed to comment on this case. He has released very little information, but Gelardi has learned other details surrounding the murder.

Sources told TV5 the police officer was in a relationship with Webb. She was weeks away from giving birth. The officer is also believed to be the father of that child.

Webb's father spoke exclusively to Gelardi. He is relieved police made an arrest.

"It can't say it was joy, it was good it means there is things happening because we was having doubts," said Donald Webb.

The Buena Vista Police Department has suspended the officer.












Interactive map: 
Key places in the Kenneth Bluew case in the death of Jenny Webb
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/interactive_map_key_places_in.html

The map features key places in Kenneth Bluew's career as well as key places in the events leading up to his arrest on Sept. 12.

Bluew is facing charges in the death of Jennifer Webb who was eight months pregnant when she died.






























Buena Vista Township officer accused in pregnant woman's strangling death had 'arrogant' and 'aggressive' demeanor, neighbor says
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/neighbor_officer_accused_in_pr.html

  
Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. JEFF SCHRIER THE SAGINAW NEWS

SAGINAW — A Saginaw Township neighbor said it was a “total shock” to learn Saginaw County investigators charged his neighbor, suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, in the Aug. 30 Buena Vista Township strangling death of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant.

Bluew’s neighbor, Steve, 28, who declined to give his last name, said his neighbor had an “arrogant” and “aggressive” demeanor but was a “relatively good” neighbor.

An unidentified man came to the front door of Bluew’s home Tuesday where a car was parked but declined comment.

It was the night of Sept. 1, a day after Webb’s death, that Bluew’s neighbor said two police vehicles arrived at he home and another neighbor, an acquaintance of Bluew’s, drove him away from the residence.

Bluew’s personal vehicle had been spotted at the address briefly on multiple occasions since Webb’s slaying, according to Steve.

“He came back and got a couple of things,” the neighbor said. “He’d be here; be gone. A couple of days would go by, He’d be back and be gone.”

Steve said it unnerved him to know that a potential homicide suspect had been in such close proximity without his knowledge.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank arraigned Bluew Tuesday on four felony charges, including first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Webb, who was 8 months pregnant.

Bluew also is charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage, or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Frank entered a not guilty plea on Bluew’s behalf and held him without bond.













Sheriff: Police officer charged in pregnant woman's death will be lodged in Gratiot County
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/sheriff_police_officer_charged.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail Tuesday morning. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.



Former Police Chief of Tittabawassee Township Robert Harken, left, stands next to the new Police Chief Kenneth Bluew after being sworn in October, 2006.Jonathon Gruenke The Saginaw News file.




Buena Vista Township police discovered the body of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant, near the Buena Vista Township Police gun range at Hack and North Outer on Aug. 31, 2011. Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in her strangulation death. Gus Barnes, The Saginaw News.



Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail The Saginaw News staff.















Jennifer Webb death
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://photos.mlive.com/saginawnews/2011/09/jennifer_webb_death.html

Buena Vista Township police discovered the body of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant, near the Buena Vista Township Police gun range at Hack and North Outer on Aug. 31, 2011. Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in her strangulation death.



Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail.















Police officer charged with murder
ABC 12 NEWS
Sep 13, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15450811/police-officer-charged-with-murder

Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment



Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment.



Jennifer Webb [Murdered August 30, 2011]



Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas






The Michigan State Police took over the investigation of Jennifer's murder, when the Buena Vista PD believed that Officer Kenneth Bluew was involved.



Rural area where the Buena Vista PD gun range is located [and where Jennifer's body was found]



Buena Vista PD gun range



Bluew's arraignment



Bluew's arraignment














Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
NBC News
September 13, 2011
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573
Officer Kenneth Bluew was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jennifer Webb.


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos



Officer Kenneth Bluew's arraignment



Saginaw Prosecutor Attorney Mike Thomas [left] and Saginaw County Chief Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud [right].



Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas



Officer Kenneth Bluew's video arraignment



Jennifer Webb, who Officer Kenneth Bluew is accused of murdering on August 30th.



Officer Kenneth Bluew's arraignment from the jail.



Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank















Michigan Officer Charged With Pregnant Woman's Death Jennifer Webb Found Dead Aug. 30 Near Saginaw
Click On Detroit
September 13, 2011
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/29167217/detail.html

SAGINAW, Mich. -- A Michigan police officer has been charged in the strangulation death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in August near his department's gun range.

Kenneth Bluew was arraigned by video Tuesday on charges in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Bluew told the court he understands the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered.

He's due back in court Sept. 22 for a preliminary hearing.

Donald Webb said he's glad an arrest has been made, but it doesn't calm him heart.

"In that aspect we're happy. But, like my wife said, my daughter and our grandson is not coming back," he said.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found Webb's body Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw. She was eight months pregnant.

Investigators said Bluew is suspected of being the father of Webb's child and having an ongoing affair with her. He is married.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas said DNA evidence linked Bluew to the crime scene.













Links: Media coverage of Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew charged in strangulation death of Jenny Webb
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/links_coverage_of_buena_vista.html

Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew was arraigned today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30. Webb was eight months pregnant at the time of her death and planned to name her son Braxton James Donald Webb.

Here are a few of the stories circling around the web on the case:

• Police officer charged in death of pregnant woman [WNEM TV5]

• Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb [WEYI NBC25]

• Michigan Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman [WDIV]

• Police Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman [WJBK FOX2]

• Police officer charged with murder [WJRT ABC12]















Woman whose website tracks police violence, including the Kenneth Bluew case: "It's a different kind of afraid"
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/victim_of_officer-involved_dom.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail The Saginaw News staff


Even though she suffered violence at the hands of her law enforcement officer husband, she didn't start blogging about the situation until the police chief in her hometown killed his wife and himself.

"I didn't know know her, I didn't know the police chief, but all I could think was 'How long had she been afraid?,'" said Cloud Writer, a woman whose blog features media reports on domestic violence, homicide and abuse cases involving law enforcement officers from across the country.

Cloud Writer is a pseudonym the woman writes under to protect herself.

Her most recent entries feature Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew and how he facing charges in the death of an eight-months-pregnant Jennifer Webb.

"It's a different kind of afraid, because you can't go to the police," she said from her West Coast home.

Since she began the blog, her site has featured nearly 20 fatal cases involving law enforcement officers in Michigan alone.

But, she said, it's not a rare occurrence, as shown by the thousands of blog entries on her website, Behind the Blue Wall, which the author said she hopes will shine a light on officer-involved domestic violence.
















Who is Kenneth Bluew? 
Buena Vista policeman accused of killing Bridgeport woman once described as 'Rambo-type' law enforcer
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/who_is_kenneth_bluew_buena_vis.html

SAGINAW — While former employers of a Buena Vista police officer accused of murdering a 32-year-old pregnant woman are staying mum, Saginaw News archives show the law enforcer’s career arc in recent years includes one official describing him as a “Rambo-type” officer.

Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges of first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo in connection with the death of Jennifer M. Webb.

Bluew, now suspended from the Buena Vista police force, had two stints in the community.

Saginaw News files show Bluew spent seven years on the Buena Vista police force before Tittabawassee Township hired him as police chief in October 2006.

Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker in 2006 described Bluew as one of his hardest-working detectives.

“I'm sad. Detective Bluew is one of the best in the county,” Booker told The Saginaw News in 2006. “He took 500 cases a year and was steadfast in all

Booker today did not return phone messages from The Saginaw News, seeking comment on Bluew’s arraignment. Booker in recent weeks has referred questions regarding Webb and Bluew to Saginaw County prosecutors.

Bluew worked at Tittabawassee for 15 months until he resigned in January 2008 to return to Buena Vista.

Then-supervisor Kenneth A. Kasper in 2006 said Bluew earned the township job when he emphasized the importance of keeping close ties with the schools — both to ensure security and build trust with young students.

Kasper, 18 months later, told The Saginaw News that Tittabawassee's relative lack of crime likely persuaded Bluew to look elsewhere. “It was a little slow for him,” Kasper had said. “He's more of a Rambo-type officer.”

Bluew seemed to echo that sentiment when he spoke to The Saginaw News in January 2008

“I love this community — the people out here have been more than welcoming — but I believe I'm more suited to (an urban setting),” Bluew had said about Tittabawassee Township. “There were a lot of different emotions that went into the decision. I feel it was the right move for me and my family.”

Bluew, then 33, had said he wouldn’t rule out a return to a police chief position later in his career.

“I learned a lot about leadership in law enforcement here,” Bluew said. “I learned a lot about myself.”

Tittabawassee officials declined comment about Bluew.













Police Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman
FOX News Detroit
September 13, 2011
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-officer-charged-in-death-of-pregnant-woman-20110913-sb



SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan police officer charged with murder in the strangulation death of a pregnant woman whose body was found near his department's gun range was on duty at the time of the killing, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Kenneth Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township, was arraigned by video on charges in the death of Jennifer Webb and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Details of any relationship between Bluew and Webb, 32, weren't immediately clear.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas declined to confirm whether Bluew was the father of Webb's child, saying it was "not germane" to the charges he faces.

Bluew was working as an officer when Webb, who was eight months pregnant, was killed, Thomas said. He said charges were authorized late Monday after Michigan State Police investigators got the results of DNA-related tests.

He "was armed, being a police officer on duty," Thomas said.

Bluew told the court he understood the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered. He's due back in court Sept. 22for a preliminary hearing.

If convicted of the murder charge, he faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found the body of Webb, who lived in Bridgeport Township, on Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw.

Webb's father Donald Webb said his family was letting prosecutors handle the case and didn't want to discuss details.

"I won't say anything that might jeopardize the case," he said.

Bluew has been suspended from his post as an officer. He spent seven years on the Buena Vista police force before Tittabawassee Township hired him as police chief in October 2006, according to archive stories published by The Saginaw News.

Bluew worked in Tittabawassee Township for 15 months until he resigned in January 2008 to return to Buena Vista Township.













Police officer charged with murder
ABC 12 NEWS
September 13, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15450811/police-officer-charged-with-murder

Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment


SAGINAW (WJRT) - (09/13/11) - A Buena Vista Township police officer is behind bars charged with killing a pregnant woman.

Officer Kenneth Bluew, 36, was formally charged in Saginaw County District Court Tuesday morning.

Bluew faces four felony charges, including the most serious offense of first degree premeditated murder.

He is also charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo, and two counts of felony firearms.

Bleuw is accused of killing 32-year-old Jennifer Webb on August 30th.

Her body was found near a gun range in Buena Vista Township the following day.

Webb was eight months pregnant, and friends tell us she was carrying Bluew's child, a boy to be named Braxton.

Prosecutor Mike Thomas reports Bluew was on-duty when the crime took place, and confirms Bluew was at the scene of the murder when another officer found Webb's body.

Thomas says Webb was strangled to death.

He goes on to say Bluew was arrested Monday night after investigators got some DNA-related lab results back from the Michigan State Police Crime Lab.

He then was taken to the Saginaw County Jail, but because of his status as a police officer in the county, it was decided to move Bluew to Bay County for the night.

According to the Saginaw County Sheriff, after Bluew was formally charged in Saginaw he was moved to the Gratiot County Jail.

Bluew is suspended from the Buena Vista Township Police Department at this time.

"The principle upset in this case is the fact that we lost a 32-year-old citizen and a child that could have been born alive and lost their life experiences also. I mean that's the tragedy in this case," said Thomas.

Bluew will be back in court later this month.













Father of pregnant Bridgeport Township woman allegedly killed by Buena Vista police officer: We're letting prosecutors handle it
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
Police officer accused in Webb's death was 'armed,' 'on duty' at time of incident, prosecutor says.

Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features Webb's case.

Read live Saginaw News Twitter feed from this morning's arraignment.



Jeff Schrier The Saginaw NewsSuspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.


BRIDGEPORT TWP. — The father of a slain Bridgeport Township woman said his family won’t comment on news that a Buena Vista Township police officer was arraigned on charges relating to the daughter’s murder.

“We’re letting (prosecutors) handle it,” said Donald Webb, the father of Jennifer M. Webb, the pregnant 32-year-old found dead last month in Buena Vista.

Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges of first degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Donald Webb said he was aware of the charges.

“I won’t say anything that might jeopardize the case,” he said this morning.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said officials determined Webb’s daughter, who was eight months pregnant, was strangled to death before police found her body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.
















Prosecutor: Police officer accused in pregnant woman's death was 'armed,' 'on duty' at time of incident
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_police_officer_accu.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb, who was 8 months pregnant. Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News


SAGINAW — Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” on Aug. 30 when, investigators believe, he strangled a pregnant Bridgeport Township woman to death, said Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.

Bluew, 36, appeared this morning for arraignment before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank via video conference from the Saginaw County Jail.

Frank arraigned Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, on four felony charges, including first-degree premeditated murder in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant. Frank entered a not guilty plea on Bluew’s behalf and held him without bond.

Bluew also is charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage, or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Thomas said investigators determined Webb was strangled to death before Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson found her pregnant body before midnight at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Thomas said that while Webb was strangled to death, investigators believe Bluew was on duty when the offense occurred. Thomas would not confirm whether Bluew was the father of Webb’s child, saying it was “not germane to the charges.”

Bluew said he would hire an attorney.

Thomas said that county Sheriff William L. Federspiel reposed Bluew in the Bay County Jail on Monday.

Thomas said Federspiel will decide where he will house Bluew until Bluew’s Sept. 22 preliminary hearing.

Thomas said investigators were awaiting “DNA-related test results” before charging Bluew. The state police, which investigated the death at the request of Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker, expedited the analysis of the DNA, Thomas said.

The test results came back Monday, and a warrant was issued late Monday, Thomas said.

The prosecutor said he would not comment further on the investigators’ evidence until Bluew’s Sept. 22 preliminary hearing before District Judge Christopher S. Boyd















Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features case of Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew, charged with killing pregnant Bridgeport Township woman
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/website_spotlighting_domestic.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.

SAGINAW — The case surrounding the homicide of a 32-year-old pregnant Bridgeport Township woman appears on a website featuring stories of law enforcers accused of domestic violence

Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges relating to the murder of Jennifer M. Webb, who was eight months pregnant, on Aug. 30.

Bluew's name also is linked with Webb’s murder in “Behind The Blue Wall,” a website aimed at spotlighting domestic violence from law enforcers. 

The website features media reports from unconfirmed sources who state Bluew was a suspect in Webb’s death, along with reports about the victim.

The site’s web master appeared to react to this morning’s news of charges against Bluew.

“... Everything was happening so fast and there was such a dual sense of sadness and joy to hear that he was in a cage,” one message reads. “I'm very careful about saying he DID it but now that he's arrested at least we know that the police have some evidence to back up what I'm sure most of us were already feeling pretty sure of. THANK YOU TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ALL OTHER OFFICES AND AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION, DECISION TO FILE CHARGES, AND DECISION TO ARREST.”

Bluew was charged with first degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said officials determined Webb was strangled to death before police found her pregnant body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.

Thomas said Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police conduct the investigation when he learned one of his police officers was a suspect.















Bay County Jail housed Buena Vista police officer arrested in connection with pregnant woman's death
The Bay City Times
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/09/bay_county_jail_housed_buena_v.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son . Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News

BAY CITY — After being arrested in connection with killing a pregnant woman, a Buena Vista Township police officer spent last night in the Bay County Jail.

Kenneth Bluew was arrested Monday near Detroit and taken to the Saginaw County Jail, where he was booked. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Bay County Jail.

Fellow inmates and guards were kept in the dark as to Bluew's status, said Capt. Troy Stewart, the jail administrator. "We made sure nobody knew he was here," he said.

Stewart said Bluew was taken to Saginaw County for a video arraignment in District Court.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas told The Saginaw News this morning that Bluew will likely be charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo in connection with the Aug. 30 death of Jennifer Webb, 32.

A fellow Buena Vista Township police officer discovered Webb's body near North Outer Drive, near the department's outdoor gun range, Thomas said.

Webb was strangled to death, Thomas said.














Tweets from the courtroom: 
BV Officer Kenneth Bluew arraigned in strangulation death of mother-to-be Jennifer Webb
The Saginaw News
Andy Hoag
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/tweets_from_the_courtroom_bv_o.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.


SAGINAW — Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew is facing arraignment today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank is overseeing this morning’s arraignment.

Webb was eight months pregnant at the time of her death. She planned to name her son Braxton James Donald Webb.

The Saginaw News will update the events in the courtroom in real time on Twitter. Follow the hashtag Bluew, or see an updated chronology of Tweets here.

• In Judge A.T. Frank's court for arraignment for #Bluew, B.V. police officer charged with murder in the death of the pregnant Jenny Webb.

• Arraignment for #Bluew is scheduled for 9 a.m. Judge Frank will arraign Bluew via video conferencing from the Bay County Jail.

• #Bluew is sitting in the jail's arraignment room by himself. Just waiting on the judge, now.

• Correction, #Bluew is in the Saginaw County Jail for arraignment. He's being moved to another arraignment room with the other defendants.

• County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is here for #Bluew arraignment, as is Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Stroud. MSP Det. Al Ogg also here.

• There is no defense attorney here yet for #Bluew, though they don't typically show up for arraignments unless they are hired beforehand.

• Getting started here. B.V. Police Chief Brian Booker also here. Judge reading charges quickly. #Bluew

• #Bluew says understands nature of charges and he will hire attorney. Automatic not guilty plea entered.

• And we are done. Prosecutor Mike Thomas to speak with the media soon.

• Prelim for #Bluew is scheduled for Sept. 22 before District Judge Christopher Boyd.

• Judge Frank ordered #Bluew held without bond. Prosecutor Thomas said it's up to Sheriff Federspiel whether he will be housed in Sag. or B.C.















Saginaw prosecutor: 
Buena Vista police officer killed pregnant Bridgeport woman
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_buena_vista_police.html

Officer Kenneth Bluew



Jennifer Webb


SAGINAW — A Buena Vista Township police officer will face arraignment here today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30, Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said.

Thomas said state police on Monday evening arrested Kenneth Bluew and plan to charge him with first degree premeditated deliberate murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Thomas said officials determined Webb was strangled to death before police found her pregnant body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.

Thomas said Buena Vista police officer Tim Patterson found the body.

Thomas said Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank will oversee this morning’s arraignment.

The prosecutor was unsure when the arraignment would take place.

Thomas said Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police conduct the investigation when he learned one of his police officers was a suspect.

State police collected “evidence samples” that they plan to unveil in court today, Thomas said.














Michigan Officer Charged With Pregnant Woman's Death
Jennifer Webb Found Dead Aug. 30 Near Saginaw

Click On Detroit
Sep 13 2011
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Michigan-Officer-Charged-With-Pregnant-Woman-s-Death/-/1719418/1786774/-/gmhohq/-/index.html

SAGINAW, Mich. - A Michigan police officer has been charged in the strangulation death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in August near his department's gun range.

Kenneth Bluew was arraigned by video Tuesday on charges in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Bluew told the court he understands the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered.

He's due back in court Sept. 22 for a preliminary hearing.

Donald Webb said he's glad an arrest has been made, but it doesn't calm him heart.

"In that aspect we're happy. But, like my wife said, my daughter and our grandson is not coming back," he said.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found Webb's body Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw. She was eight months pregnant. Investigators said Bluew is suspected of being the father of Webb's child and having an ongoing affair with her. He is married.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas said DNA evidence linked Bluew to the crime scene.















Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
Connect Michigan
September 13, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573

A Buena Vista Police Officer has been charged in the murder of a pregnant woman.

Kenneth Blue has been issued premeditated murder charges in the death of Jenny Webb. Prosecutor Mike Thomas says her body was found by Officer Tim Patterson at a police gun range in Buena Vista just before midnight on August 31, 2011.

Prosecutor Thomas says the woman was strangled, and that resulted in the death of her unborn baby as well. He also says that Bluew was armed and on duty when detectives believe he committed the crime.

Webb was eight months pregnant and had already named her child Braxton James.

The woman and child were laid to rest the following Saturday. Friend and family were shocked by the horrendous crime. Edward Davis, a family friend talked to NBC25 on the day of the memorial.
 
Davis stated, "this person not only killed a woman, whoever that person may be but, they took two lives. They took the life of an infant." Webb's former coworker Barry Beer also told NBC25, "It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies."

Michigan State Police took over the investigation when it became apparent that Officer Bluew was a key suspect in the homicide. They analyzed evidence samples and DNA taken from the crime scene.

Officer Bluew has also been charged with Felony Firearm Posession, Intentional Conduct against a Pregnant Individual Resulting in Death and Miscarriage or Stillbirth to a Fetur or Embry. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning.

NBC25 will be in Saginaw County, and will have more details on the story as it develops throughout the day.














Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
NBC News
September 13, 2011
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573

Officer Kenneth Bluew was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jennifer Webb.


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos


BUENA VISTA -- A Buena Vista Police Officer has been charged in the murder of a pregnant woman.

Kenneth Bluew, a man who has served as a police officer since 1999, has been charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jenny Webb. Prosecutor Mike Thomas says her body was found by Officer Tim Patterson at a police gun range in Buena Vista just before midnight on August 31, 2011. Prosecutor Thomas says the woman was strangled, and that resulted in the death of her unborn baby, Braxton James, as well.

He also says that Bluew was armed and on duty when detectives believe he committed the crime. You can read more details on the crime scene and initial reports by clicking here.

Bluew was arraigned Tuesday morning in Saginaw County District Court. Following the video arraignment, Prosecutor Thomas spoke with NBC25 regarding the investigation that led them to the police officer. He says the Michigan State Police were called to help with the investigation shortly after Webb's body was found, given the sensitivity of the case. They took several evidence and DNA samples, and as soon as results were completed, the prosecutor says he moved forward with a warrant for Bluew's arrest. The warrant was issued around 4:45 p.m. Monday, and the suspect was arrested shortly after.

Officer Bluew has also been charged with Felony Firearm Possession, Intentional Conduct against a Pregnant Individual Resulting in Death and Miscarriage or Stillbirth to a Fetus or Embryo.

On the NBC25 Facebook page, much discussion has centered over whether Bluew should be charged with a double homicide, due to the death of the unborn baby. Prosecutor Thomas says the infant's death, per Michigan law, "is not characterized by murder per se, but it is characterized as death or serious injury to a fetus or embryo, and that's the charge that we have issued."

While Bay Justice Defense Attorney Edward Czuprynski isn't representing Bluew, he did come onto the NBC25 Today Show Wednesday to offer some further insight into how cases like this are handled. You can see his interview video below:



The woman and child were laid to rest the following Saturday after the crime. Friends and family were shocked by the horrendous crime. Edward Davis, a family friend talked to NBC25 on the day of the memorial. Davis stated, "this person not only killed a woman, whoever that person may be but, they took two lives. They took the life of an infant." Webb's former coworker Barry Beer also told NBC25, "it's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies."

Prosecutor Thomas says while the allegations against the Buena Vista Police officer are “upsetting, the principal upset in this case is the fact that we lost a 32-year-old citizen and a child that could have been born alive and lost their life experiences also. That’s the tragedy in this case.”

Officer Bluew is scheduled to have a preliminary court hearing on September 22nd. He is currently being held without bond in the Gratiot County Jail and will be brought to the Saginaw County Jail for court appearances. According to the Detroit Free Press, not guilty pleas have been entered for Bluew, and he has been suspended from his job during the investigative and court processes.

We want to hear your reactions. Are you shocked that a police officer is accused in this murder? Leave us your comments below.



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