MICHIGAN OFFICER INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT [ MIOIDV PROJECT ]

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2012-01-26T23:59:00.002-07:00

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MIOIDV. Renee' Harrington. Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence.

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY

2012-01-07T10:22:00.013-07:00

STATE OF MICHIGAN MODEL POLICY. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. [JULY 2009].

Click here to view entire 66 page booklet:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcoles/Model_Policy_2009_286439_7.pdf

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: PURPOSES & GOALS

2012-01-07T10:21:00.001-07:00

"Goals. The goals of this agency's domestic violence response policy are to...Establish arrest as the preferred response to domestic violence..."

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: PROBABLE CAUSE

2012-01-07T10:20:00.001-07:00

"Reasonable cause is defined in Michigan law as synonymous with probable cause...This means that the word of the victim alone, if believed, is sufficient ground for establishing reasonable cause."

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: ARREST

2012-01-07T10:19:00.001-07:00

"Officers responding to the scene of domestic violence SHOULD ARREST the assailant in ALL of the following circumstances:...Probable cause exits to believe a felony has been committed; a misdemeanor assault, assualt and battery, aggravated assault occurred or is occurring..."

"It is recommended that agencies consider establishing a policy of seizing and holding all firearms when responding to a domestic violence scene."

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: IF NO ARREST CAN BE MADE

2012-01-07T10:18:00.004-07:00

"Officers SHALL prepare a written domestic violence report using the standard domestic violence incident report form [MCL 764.15c (2)] whenever they investigate a domestic violence incident."

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: REPORT WRITING

2012-01-07T10:17:00.005-07:00

"Officers SHALL prepare a written domestic violence report after investigating or intervening in a domestic violence incident...SHALL use a standardized reporting form [MCL 764.15c]. Domestic violence incident means an incident reported to law enforcement involving allegations of a crime...regardless whether an arrest was made."

"The responding law enforcement agnecy SHALL retain the completed domestic violence report...The law enforcement agency SHALL also file a copy of the completed domestic violence report with the prosecuting attorney within 48 hours [MCL 764.15c]."

"If factors related to domestic violence are alleged, reasons for the probable cause determination which was made SHALL be stated whether or not a crime has been committed or an arrest has been made."

"Where probable cause exists but no arrest was made, a written incident report documenting the reasons no arrest was made SHALL be prepared."

CHIEF GARY BUCHOLTZ [BAD AXE, MI]. MURDER / SUICIDE: 11/29/2011

2011-11-29T03:00:00.026-07:00

On the evening of November 29th, former Police Chief Gary Bucholtz kidnapped his ex-wife, Rhonda Bucholtz. Police discovered the bodies of Gary and Rhonda in Heb's Inn and Hotel [Mason, MI], the following day. Chief Bucholtz had murdered / shot his wife and then committed suicide.

Police are uncertain as to why Bucholtz drove Rhonda all the way from their hometown of Port Hope...

...to the town of Mason [almost two hundred miles away].

The Michigan State Police are involved in the ongoing investigation.

Sadly, this is not the first tragedy Rhonda's family has recently faced. On November 20th, Rhonda's nephew Brent Tinsley [Ubly, MI], was murdered. The case is still under investigation.[See news articles below].

Mason police discover murder-suicide
Former police chief abducted his wife and put her in restraints in Port Hope
Written by Laura Misjak
Dec. 4, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111204/INGHAM01/112040428/Mason-police-discover-murder-suicide?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7C%7Cs
MASON - The Huron County sheriff and Mason investigators say a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and secured her with restraints and drove her to a Mason motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope in a Mason motel while conducting a welfare check Nov. 29. Rhonda Bucholtz had several gunshots to the face and her estranged husband had a single shotgun would to his head.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in the Thumb region.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared on Nov. 28.

A minivan belonging to the couple was parked outside the motel room where a man and woman were found shot to death, officials said.

Mason police last week ruled the deaths a murder- suicide, and in a prepared statement last Thursday revealed that a variety of restraints were used on Mrs. Bucholtz.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," said Mason police Chief John Stressman. "We are still processing the evidence."

Family members reported that the couple had been having marital difficulties and they were concerned for their well-being, according to the sheriff's office.

On Nov. 29, Mason police contacted the Huron County sheriff's office, saying that the murder-suicide possibly involved the missing Huron County couple.

The couple checked into a room at Heb's Inn & Motel, on North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at 3 a.m. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman said.

At about 2:30 p.m., police were called to the motel for a welfare check, where they found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Police say bodies are former Bad Axe police chief and wife
Posted: Dec 03, 2011 9:57 AM CST
Updated: Dec 03, 2011 10:43 AM CST
By Kim Yonick
http://www.wnem.com/story/16179700/police-say-bodies-are
MASON, MI (WNEM) - Police said the bodies found inside a motel room are that of a former Bad Axe police chief and his wife.

Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz were found shot to death at a Mason Motel room.

Police said Gary Bucholtz took his wife from their home, restrained her in the car and shot her several times in that motel.

He then turned the gun on himself.

The investigation is ongoing, but police said they may never know why the couple ended up in Mason.

Police say former Bad Axe police chief shot wife in face multiple times at Mason motel
12:07 AM, Dec. 2, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111202/NEWS03/312020012/Police-say-former-Bad-Axe-police-chief-shot-wife-face-multiple-times-Mason-motel?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CBusiness%7Cs
MASON — The former Huron County police chief who authorities say shot and killed his wife before killing himself inside a motel room had abducted her using “a variety of implements of restraint,” officials said.

The bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were found Tuesday inside a room at Heb’s Inn & Motel.

Rhonda Bucholtz died from multiple handgun wounds to her face, according to a news release from Mason police.

Gary Bucholtz, who was a police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years, died from a single shotgun wound to his head, police said.

Several “implements of restraint” were found inside the couple’s minivan and in the motel room, police said. Rhonda Bucholtz was found with an ankle restraint secured to one leg with the other end lying unsecured, police said.

Investigators believe Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted inside her Port Hope home. There was evidence she was restrained and concealed inside the minivan, police said.

How and why the couple ended up in Mason may never be known, the news release said.

Police release more details in Mason murder-suicide
5:58 PM, Dec. 1, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111201/NEWS01/312010009/Police-release-more-details-in-Mason-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
MASON — The former Huron County police chief who authorities say shot and killed his wife before killing himself inside a motel room had abducted her using “a variety of implements of restraint,” officials said today.

The bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were found Tuesday inside a room at Heb’s Inn & Motel. Rhonda Bucholtz died from multiple handgun wounds to her face, according to a news release from Mason police.

Gary Bucholtz, who was a police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years, died from a single shotgun wound to his head, police said.

Several “implements of restraint” were found inside the couple’s minivan and in the motel room, police said. Rhonda Bucholtz was found with an ankle restraint secured to one leg with the other end lying unsecured, police said.

Investigators believe Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted inside her Port Hope home. There was evidence she was restrained and concealed inside the minivan, police said.

How and why the couple ended up in Mason may never be known, the news release said.

Police Believe Man Who Shot Wife and Then Himself is Former Police Chief
Posted On: 12/1/2011
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=312318&cID=1

A Michigan Sheriff says investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife, then shot and killed her before killing himself.

Mason Police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz in a Lansing area hotel while conducting a welfare check on Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, the couple lived in Port Hope.

Family members called police after the couple went missing on Monday night.

Ex-Bad Axe Police Chief Gary Bucholtz Killed Self, Estranged Wife: Huron County Police Say
First Posted: 12/ 1/11 12:51 PM ET
Updated: 12/ 1/11 01:49 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/bucholtz-murder-suicide_n_1122969.html

Authorities in Michigan are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a former local police official and his estranged ex-wife.

Mason police say that they discovered two bodies late Tuesday night in a Lansing-area motel room, one allegedly belonging to retired Bad Axe police chief Gary Bucholtz and the other to his former spouse, Rhonda Bucholtz, according to a press release obtained by the Huffington Post.

Authorities began searching for the pair late Monday night after Bucholtz family members contacted the Huron County Sheriff's office.

"Apparently, they had not been heard from since approximately 9 p.m. on Monday," Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson told the Huron Daily Tribune. "Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months. They were worried about the couple's well-being."

Hanson alerted regional law enforcement agencies to that the couple was missing.

Around 11:00 pm, Tuesday, Hanson received notification from Mason Police Department officials of a shooting incident approximately 110 miles southeast of Bad Axe, possibly involving the missing divorced couple.

"They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot," Hanson said.

Gary, 58, and Rhonda, 38, were parents of a five-year-old child, according to Bay City Times.

Police believe that Gary Bucholtz shot his ex-wife before killing himself, according to ABC-12.

As of Wednesday evening, the Ingham County Medical Examiner was still processing evidence and completing the identification process.

Current Bad Axe Police chief addresses apparent murder-suicide of predecessor, wife
Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 12:00 PM
By Cole Waterman The Bay City Times The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/12/current_bad_axe_police_chief_a.html

BAD AXE — The current chief of the Bad Axe Police Department has issued a brief statement regarding the apparent murder-suicide of former chief Gary E. Bucholtz and wife Rhonda L. Bucholtz.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Gary and Rhonda and we will support them during their time of grieving," Chief David Rothe said in the release. "We respect the family's privacy and will have no further comment at this time."

Bodies believed to be the Bucholtzes' were found in Heb's Inn in Mason Tuesday afternoon. Relatives reported they had not seen the Port Hope couple since around 9 p.m. Monday night.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson has said it appeared the couple died in their motel room from gunshot wounds. Evidence indicated Gary Bucholtz, 58, kidnapped his 38-year-old wife from Huron County, Hanson said.

The Mason Police Department is handling the investigation. Confirmation of the bodies' identities is to be released later today, pending the completion of autopsies.

Ex-Bad Axe police chief suspected of killing wife, self
December 01, 2011 7:49 AM
http://www.wwmt.com/news/police-1398966-self-axe.html

MASON, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan sheriff says investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Lansing-area motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in Michigan's rural Thumb region.

The motel is about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson says relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared Monday night.

Hanson tells the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe that investigators suspect Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted from Huron County and taken to the motel.

Report: Police say Huron County husband kidnapped wife before murder-suicide in Mason
Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 7:34 AM
Updated: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 11:13 AM
By Brandon Howell MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/12/report_police_say_huron_county.html

Police say a pair of murder-suicide victims found dead in a Mason motel Tuesday was a married couple from Huron County. Police believe the husband kidnapped the wife.

UPDATE: Police believe the pair is former Bad Axe police chief Gary Bucholtz and his wife Rhonda.
--
Police say a husband and wife found dead in what's been ruled a murder-suicide Tuesday in Mason were from Port Hope in Huron County.

WILX reports Mason police, who have been working with the Huron County Sheriff's Office, believe the man kidnapped his wife. They were both reported missing by their family Tuesday afternoon.

The pair was found dead at Herb's Inn along Cedar Street. WLIX reports the couple had been having marital problems.

It was the second murder-suicide in Mason in just a matter of days.

A man and woman were found dead on Thanksgiving at their home in the 400 block of Hanna Road. In that case, authorities said Timothy Hendricks, 53, used a pistol to shoot and kill his ex-wife, Deborah Hendricks, 62, before killing himself.

Both were found dead in a home in the 400 block of Hanna Road late Thursday.
WLIX reports the Ingham County Medical Examiner has yet to positively identify the victims of Tuesday's murder-suicide. Positive identification is expected on Thursday or Friday.

Ex-Police Chief Suspected Of Killing Wife, Self
December 1, 2011 7:26 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/01/former-police-chief-suspected-of-killing-wife-self/

MASON (AP) - Investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Lansing-area motel, where he fatally shot her and himself, a sheriff said Wednesday.

Mason police found bodies believed to be those of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years. The city has about 3,500 residents and is county seat of Huron County at the tip of Michigan’s heavily agricultural Thumb region. The motel is about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing and about 110 miles southeast of Bad Axe.

The Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe reported that Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared. He said they had apparently not been heard from since about 9 p.m. Monday.

“Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” Hanson said. “They were worried about the couple’s well-being.”

The sheriff said Mason police contacted him late Tuesday.

“They advised they were working on an incident that possibly involved our missing couple,” Hanson said. “They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot.”

He said the investigation produced evidence “suggesting the female may have been abducted” from Huron County and that it appeared both died in the Mason motel room from gunshot wounds in a possible murder-suicide.

Mason Police Chief John Stressman said the room at Heb’s Inn & Motel was booked at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman told the Lansing State Journal.

Stressman said investigators will confirm the man and woman’s identities through dental records and DNA tests. They will look at autopsy results to confirm they died of gunshot wounds, he said.

“It’s still an open investigation and we’ve still got a lot of legwork to do,” Stressman said.

Mason Motel Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide
Thursday, December 01, 2011 5:58 a.m. EST
http://big921.com/news/articles/2011/dec/01/mason-motel-deaths-ruled-murder-suicide/

MASON, Mich (WLMI) Police in Mason have confirmed the bodies of a man and woman found Tuesday in a motel died in a murder-suicide.

Officials say it appears the former police chief of Bad Axe—in Michigan’s Thumb—abducted his estranged wife and drove her to Heb’s Inn on North Cedar and shot her, then himself.

Officials in Huron County say family members contacted the Sheriff’s Department after Gary Bucholz and his wife, Rhonda, disappeared Monday night.

Police rule deaths murder-suicide
Former Bad Axe police chief suspected of killing wife, self
11:13 PM
Nov. 30, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111201/NEWS01/112010311/Police-rule-deaths-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
MASON - The Huron County sheriff said that investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Mason motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in the Thumb region.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared on Monday night.

A minivan belonging to the couple was parked outside the Mason motel room where a man and woman were found Tuesday shot to death, officials said.

Hanson told the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe that investigators suspect that

Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted from Huron County and taken to the Mason motel.

Mason police have ruled the deaths a murder- suicide.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," said Mason police Chief John Stressman. "We are still processing the evidence."

Family members reported that the couple had been having marital difficulties and they were concerned for their well-being, according to the sheriff's office.

On Tuesday night, Mason police contacted the Huron County sheriff's office, saying that the murder-suicide possibly involved the missing Huron County couple.

The couple checked into a room at Heb's Inn & Motel, on North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman said.

At about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the motel for a welfare check, where they found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Missing persons case could have ties to a murder-suicide
Posted: Nov 30, 2011 10:52 PM CST
Updated: Dec 01, 2011 10:16 AM CST
By ABC12 News Team
http://www.abc12.com/story/16160902/missing-person-case-could-have-ties-to-a-murder-suicide

HURON COUNTY (WJRT) -
(11/30/11) - A missing persons search out of Huron County could be linked to what investigators are calling a suspected murder-suicide case in Ingham County.

The Huron County Sheriff's Department says Gary Bucholtz and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were last seen Monday evening. Family members reported them missing Tuesday afternoon, expressing concern over marital issues between the couple.

Detectives were contacted by the Mason Police Department, south of Lansing, about two people found dead in a motel room. A van belonging to the Bucholtz's was parked in the lot.

Both victims died from gunshot wounds and a positive identification is pending.
Mason Police say it appears the man shot the woman and them himself

More details emerge regarding apparent murder-suicide involving former Bad Axe Police chief, wife
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 7:13 PM
Updated: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 9:28 PM
By LaNia Coleman The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/11/more_details_emerge_regarding.html

BAD AXE — Huron County investigators say they believe a man and woman found dead in an Ingham County motel room are a former Bad Axe Police chief and his wife.

Gary E. Bucholtz, 58, and his 38-year-old wife, Rhonda L. Bucholtz, were reported missing by family members who were “very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

The couple, from Huron Township, are parents of a 5-year-old child.

Hanson could not comment on the nature of the nature of the couple’s troubles.

Local authorities were searching for the couple Tuesday when police in Mason, a town about 14 miles south of Lansing and 180 miles southwest of Port Hope, notified Hanson that they’d found the Bucholtz’s Chevrolet Uplander minivan in the parking lot of a motel where an apparent murder-suicide had occurred.

According to reports, Mason police suspect that Gary Bucholtz kidnapped his wife from somewhere in Huron County.

The couple reportedly checked into Heb’s Inn about 3 a.m. and were found dead of gunshot wounds about 12 hours later.

The Ingham County medical examiner has yet to make a positive identification.

Rhonda Bucholtz is an aunt of Brent Tinsey, the 20-year-old Ubly man who was found shot to death Nov. 20 in Sanilac County. The investigation into Tinsey's death is ongoing.

Gary Bucholtz’s brother is Gagetown Police Chief Gene Bucholtz.

BREAKING: Former Bad Axe Police Chief dies in what’s believed to be murder/suicide
By STACY LANGLEY
Huron Daily Tribune
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 6:24 PM EST
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2011/11/30/news/local_news/doc4ed6bb39d3c17439737926.txt

MASON — Police are investigating a possible abduction that ended in a murder/suicide involving former Bad Axe Police Chief Gary E. Bucholtz and his estranged wife.

Bucholtz, who served as Bad Axe Police Chief for 10 years, and his wife, Rhonda, were found dead inside a motel room in Mason just southeast of Lansing on Tuesday afternoon. The Mason Police Department is handling the investigation, which is still on-going as of press time.

What is known at this time is a search for the couple began earlier this week by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said Undersheriff Ron Roberts was contacted by family who reported the couple had been missing since Monday.

“Apparently, they had not been heard from since approximately 9 p.m. on Monday. Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months. They were worried about the couple’s well-being,” said Hanson.

Police began following up on leads in an effort to attempt to track down the couple Tuesday afternoon.

“Leads were also followed up by the Bad Axe City Police Department, the Port Austin Village Police Department, the Michigan State Police in Sandusky and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office,“ Hanson said about their attempts to locate the couple. “We were able to uncover some new information, but nothing led to the whereabouts of the missing couple.”

At approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Hanson said he updated the ‘Be on the Look-out’ B.O.L (LEIN Broadcast), which was asking for law enforcement agencies in the state for information about Bucholtz and his wife.

“At 11:20 p.m., I was contacted by the Mason Police Department. They advised they were working on an incident that possibly involved our missing couple. They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot,” said Hanson, who added Mason police had been working this incident since roughly 3 p.m. Tuesday and they were processing the scene and attempting to positively identify the deceased.

“Mason police advised the investigation into the couple’s death was suggesting the female may have been abducted from our county,” said Hanson.

“It appeared both died in the Mason motel room from gunshot wounds, possibly the result of a murder/suicide. Due to those wounds, the Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office may need another day to wrap up the identification process.”

Hanson said the matter remains under investigation.

Mason Murder-Suicide Followed Kidnapping
Missing couple from Port Hope in Huron County believed to be victims in a murder-suicide Tuesday in Mason. Man was former police chief.
Posted: 5:58 PM Nov 30, 2011
Updated: 10:03 AM Dec 1, 2011
Reporter: Jason Colthorp
Email Address: jason.colthorp@wilx.com
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/Mason_Murder-Suicide_Followed_Kidnapping_134787333.html

The victims in Tuesday's murder-suicide in Mason appear to be a married couple from Port Hope, a city right on Lake Huron in the thumb.

The Mason Police Department has been working with the Huron County Sheriff's Office and they believe the woman was kidnapped by her husband.

Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz-- who were having marital problems-- were reported missing by family Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. At the same time, 180 miles away, Mason police were discovering the bodies at Heb's Inn on Cedar Street.

Investigators discovered the Uplander mini-van in the parking lot belonged to the couple reported missing via a statewide alert system.

Gary Bucholtz was the former police chief in Bad Axe for 10 years.

Police say they checked in at 3 a.m. that morning and were found at 2:30 p.m. when no one answered the door.

The Ingham County Medical Examiner still has to positively identify the victims. That should be done Thursday or Friday.

Missing Port Hope couple believed dead in Mason motel room
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 5:32 PM
Updated: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 5:34 PM
By LaNia Coleman The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/11/missing_port_hope_couple_belie.html

BAD AXE — Huron County investigators say they believe a man and woman found dead in a Mason motel room are a Port Hope-area couple reportedly missing since Monday.
Gary E. and Rhonda L. Bucholtz of Huron Township were reported missing by family members who were “very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

Undersheriff Ron Roberts, six deputies and Hanson began following leads, as did police in Bad Axe and Port Austin, state police from the Sandusky Detachment and St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies.

“We were able to uncover some new information but nothing lead to the whereabouts of our missing couple,” said Hanson.

About 11 p.m. Tuesday, deputies put out a statewide be-on-the-lookout alert for the couple, said the sheriff.

Roughly 20 minutes later, police in Mason, located southeast of Lansing, advised that they found the couple’s Chevrolet Uplander van in the parking lot of a motel where an apparent murder-suicide had occurred earlier that day, said Hanson.

Mason police had been investigating the deaths since about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

As of this morning, positive identification still had not been made.

Mason investigators believe the woman was abducted from Huron County, said Hanson.

Both people died of gunshot wounds, he said.

Mason deaths ruled murder-suicide
4:48 PM, Nov. 30, 2011
Updated 4:41 p.m.
Written by Laura Misjak
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111130/NEWS01/111300332/Mason-deaths-ruled-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Police and investigators are on the scene Tuesday night in the driving snow in Mason at the site of the shooting deaths of a man and woman. The deaths are being investigated as homicides. Rod Sanford Lansing State Journal.

MASON -- Police have ruled the deaths of a man and woman found at a Mason motel Tuesday afternoon as a murder-suicide.

Both died of gunshot wounds, said Chief John Stressman.

Preliminary autopsy results could not confirm the identity of the couple, Stressman said, and dental records or DNA will be examined tomorrow to determine their identities.

The two checked into Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street, at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. check-out time, Stressman said.

MASON - Police continue today to investigate the suspicious deaths of a man and woman who were found at a Mason motel Tuesday afternoon.

Mason police Chief John Stressman said police are still trying to confirm the identities of the two and the deaths are being investigated as suspicious. An autopsy is scheduled but Stressman didn't know if it would be completed today.

Police were called to Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check, and found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," Stressman said. "We are still processing the evidence and trying to get in touch with the family members if they are who we think they are."

Police believe the two died of gunshot wounds, but are waiting on autopsy results to confirm that, Stressman said.

"It's still an open investigation and we've still got a lot of legwork to do," he said.

Authorities treating 2 deaths at Mason motel as homicides
12:43 AM, Nov. 30, 2011
Written byKevin Grasha
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111130/NEWS01/111300318/Authorities-treating-2-deaths-at-Mason-motel-as-homicides?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Police and investigators are on the scene Tuesday night in the driving snow in Mason at the site of the shooting deaths of a man and woman. The deaths are being investigated as homicides. / ROD SANFORD/Lansing State Journal.

MASON - Police are investigating the shooting deaths of a man and woman whose bodies were found Tuesday afternoon in a motel room.

Mason police Sgt. Ed Hude said the deaths were being treated as homicides, although investigators were still trying to sort out what happened.

The victims, a white man and white woman, were found after police were called about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127.

Employees at the motel declined to comment.

The motel is made up of two buildings.

Police tape Tuesday surrounded a section of the second building.

A parked minivan was backed up at an angle to one room.

The Michigan State Police crime scene investigators were called in to assist.

Man, woman found fatally shot at motel in Mason
Posted On: 11/29/2011
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=312111&cID=2

MASON, Mich. (AP) — Police say they're investigating the fatal shootings of a man and a woman at a Lansing-area motel.

Police didn't immediately release the names of the victims, who were found dead about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Lansing State Journal says (http://on.lsj.com/rGxdBu ) officers discovered the bodies when they conducted a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel. It's about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing.

A state police crime scene investigation unit is assisting local authorities.

Mason police investigate deaths of 2 gunshot victims
6:20 PM, Nov. 29, 2011
Written by Kevin Grasha
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111129/NEWS01/311290004/1002/NEWS01?odyssey=obinsite

UPDATED 5:14 P.M. MASON -- Police are investigating the shooting deaths of a man and woman found this afternoon as suspicious.

"We are treating it as a homicide until we know differently," said Sgt. Ed Hude.

The victims, a white man and white woman, were found after police were called about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127.

Police on scene are waiting on a search warrant and the Michigan State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Report: Police investigating another murder-suicide in Mason
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 4:51 PM
By Angela Wittrock MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/11/report_police_investigating_an.html

Police haven't released details about the victims yet.

Police in Mason are investigating a possible murder-suicide Tuesday, the second in less than a week.

Television station WILX reported that the victims were found dead in a room at Herb's Inn on Cedar Street. The ages and genders weren't released.

A man and woman were found dead Thursday at their home in Mason. Ingham County Sheriff's authorities ruled it a murder-suicide.

In that case, authorities said Timothy Hendricks, 53, used a pistol to shoot and kill his ex-wife, Deborah Hendricks, 62, before killing himself.

Both were found dead in a home in the 400 block of Hanna Road late Thursday.

MURDER OF BRENT TINLEY [RHONDA'S NEPHEW]: NOVEMBER 20, 2011.

UPDATE: Police release name of shooting victim
Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 10:08 AM EST
By STACY LANGLEY
Tribune Staff Writer
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2011/11/23/news/local_news/doc4ecd0c2c9e06d202862217.txt

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP — Police have released the name of the 20-year-old former Bad Axe High School student who was shot Sunday, but they are not releasing the details surrounding the shooting.

When troopers from the Michigan State Police post in Caro were dispatched to a location on Spencer Road in Sanilac County, they found Brent Michael Tinsey dead from a gunshot wound, according to F./Lt. Mitch Krugielki.

Police initially reported that Tinsey was from Argyle, but in a follow-up news release to the Tribune they reported Tinsey had an Ubly address.

“The matter remains under investigation. We have been in contact with the prosecutor’s office in Sanilac County, but the final report has not yet been submitted,” said Krugielki who added additional information will not be released until the matter has been further investigated.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sanilac County Sheriff Office, Michigan State Police-Bridgeport Crime Laboratory and Sanilac County EMS.

Name of man fatally shot in Sanilac County released
9:30 AM, Nov. 23,
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20111123/NEWS05/111123008/Name-man-fatally-shot-Sanilac-County-released-?odyssey=nav%7Chead

The Michigan State Police has released the name of a man fatally shot Sunday in Austin Township but haven’t released any other details about the incident.

Rescue crews responded to a shooting on Spencer Road about 6:30 p.m. where Brent Michael Tinsey, 20, of Ubly was pronounced dead.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Jeff Hook at the Caro post said no other details were being released, including the nature of the shooting or if a suspect was in custody or being sought.

Police originally said Tinsey was from Argyle.

A message was left for MSP Detective Brian Ferguson.

Authorities investigate Sanilac shooting
Submitted by Compmanager
November 23, 2011 – 9:30 am
http://www.tuscolatoday.com/index.php/2011/11/23/authorities-investigate-sanilac-shooting/

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP — Troopers from the Michigan State Police Caro post are investigating a shooting that killed a 20- year-old Ubly man.

Troopers were dispatched to an unknown shooting on Spencer Road in Austin Township, Sanilac County. Brent Tinsey, who has a listed Ubly address, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting is still under investigation by Michigan State Police.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sanilac County Sheriff Office, Michigan State Police – Bridgeport Crime Laboratory and Sanilac County EMS.

State police release ID of man, 20, fatally shot in Sanilac County; investigation continues
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: November 23, 2011 - 7:04 am
Last Updated: November 23, 2011 - 7:04 am
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/dc51d6ea9520457c8273ed684c8e0e76/MI--Sanilac-County-Killing/

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities in Michigan's Thumb have released the name of a 20-year-old man who was fatally shot over the weekend.

WLEW-AM reports (http://bit.ly/uXqvuC ) that Michigan State Police have identified the man killed Sunday as Brent Tinsey of the unincorporated community of Argyle.

Police say he was killed in Sanilac County's Austin Township, about 45 miles east of Bay City. The investigation into his death was ongoing.

Rhonda Bucholtz murder; murder-suicide in Mason MI; Bad Axe Michigan; Port Hope Michigan murder; Chief Gary Bucholtz; domestic violence; officer involved domestic violence murder; murder of Brent Tinsey, Argyle Michigan.

MICHIGAN STATE TROOPER GREGORY FILPUS [CALUMET POST]

2011-11-09T15:20:00.004-07:00

Michigan State Trooper charged with child abuse
Posted: 11.14.2011 at 2:32 PM
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=686338
HOUGHTON COUNTY -- A Michigan State Police trooper is facing serious charges in Houghton County.

In a statement released by the Calumet Post, State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arrested on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff's Department for child abuse, 4th degree, and domestic violence.

Filpus was arraigned last Wednesday and his pretrial date is set for November 30. The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges.

State trooper arrested
Posted by Hans Ahlstrom
November 14th, 2011
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/11/14/state-trooper-arrested
Houghton – A Michigan State Police trooper is facing child abuse and domestic violence charges.

According to the ‘WLUC-TV6’ website, a statement from the Calumet post says State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arraigned last week on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department for ‘child abuse, 4th degree’ and ‘domestic violence.’

The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges. His pretrial date is set for November 30.

State Trooper from Calumet Post Arrested
Mon 11/14/11 2:13PM
http://www.tv5and10.com/news.php?id=3024
A Michigan State Police trooper assigned to the Calumet Post finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

Police say 41-year-old Gregory Filpus of Pelkie was arrested last Wednesday by the Houghton County Sheriff's Department on two separate misdemeanor warrants.

Filpus is charged with 4th-degree child abuse and domestic violence.

He joined the Michigan State Police in 1993, and he's currently suspended, with pay, pending the outcome of the charges.

Filpus is free on personal recognizance.

His pre-trial is set for November 30th.

State trooper arrested
Posted by Hans Ahlstrom
November 14th, 2011
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/11/14/state-trooper-arrested
Houghton – A Michigan State Police trooper is facing child abuse and domestic violence charges.

According to the ‘WLUC-TV6’ website, a statement from the Calumet post says State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arraigned last week on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department for ‘child abuse, 4th degree’ and ‘domestic violence.’

The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges. His pretrial date is set for November 30.

Copper Country MSP trooper layoffs reversed
November 7, 2009
By Garrett Neese, DMG Writer
http://www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/507348/Copper-Country-MSP-trooper-layoffs-reversed.html
CALUMET - Michigan State Police posts in the Copper Country will benefit from the recall of 55 state troopers who had been laid off in June.

The Calumet and L'Anse posts will both get at least one trooper back, said Trooper Greg Filpus of the L'Anse post.

"That's going to provide a lot of relief for us," he said. "It's nice having that additional help. That's going to improve the coverage, and I think those benefits are obvious."

The 55 troopers will be recalled based on seniority on Nov. 16. In May, MSP spokeswoman Shanon Akans said 18 of the troopers to be laid off were from the December 2004 graduating class, with the rest coming from the next graduating class in 2008.

"Hopefully they'll all come back eventually, but we'll just have to wait and see," Filpus said.

State Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, applauded the news.

"It's good that they're being brought back, but this budget is tough. There are cuts all over," he said. "Hopefully the number they brought back are sufficient until the economy comes back."

The troopers are part of a group of 100 laid off in June due to state budget constraints.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved a budget last month that included hiring back 55 troopers. Granholm had halted plans on Wednesday to rehire the troopers pending a review of state tax receipts.

With the recall, there will be 1,000 troopers in the state.

MURDER CASE AGAINST OFFICER KEN BLUEW [JENNIFER WEBB]

2011-10-21T22:46:00.031-06:00

Articles on Jennifer Webb's murder are in chronological order: scroll to the bottom of this post for the latest updates in the case.

Special thanks to the media in covering this case. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Michigan State officials and domestic violence agencies chose to not address Officer Involved Domestic Violence during Awareness Month. With the media covering Jennifer's murder, they are in essence making Officer Involved Domestic Violence front page news this month. The media is doing what state officials and advocacy groups did not want: giving voice to OIDV.

Thank you,

Renee'

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. It is believed that Officer Kenneth Webb was the father of Jennifer's unborn child.

ALSO SEE:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2011.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/08/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2010.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-and-officer-ken.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/investigation-into-jennifer-webbs.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-kenneth-bluew-buena-vista-pd.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-bluews-arrest-for-jennifer.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-ken-bluew-arrested-pictures.html

BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com

Expert: Investigators likely to probe career of Kenneth Bluew, Buena Vista policeman accused of strangling pregnant woman
Published: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 8:15 AM
Updated: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 11:42 AM
By Justin L. Engel The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/expert_investigators_likely_to.html

SAGINAW — Other aspects of the law enforcement career of Kenneth T. Bluew, the Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing a 32-year-old pregnant woman last month, likely will come under review now that Bluew is accused of committing a crime while on duty, one expert says.

Robert A. Verry is a New Jersey-based law enforcement consultant who has testified as a police expert in New Jersey’s Superior Court cases.

He said an investigation with evidence similar to Bluew’s case — where an officer is accused of committing a crime while on duty and who was one of the first responders to the crime scene — typically would prompt investigators to probe the accused law enforcer’s police record for other abuses.

“If, by chance, there is something in his personnel jacket that surrounds abuse (of police powers), that may be the case,” Verry said of other incidents prosecutors could cite during any potential trial. “I’m sure, in a general sense, they are going to dissect his personnel file.”

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said he would not comment on whether investigators are probing Bluew’s background as a law enforcer.

Correct protocol
Bluew, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony relating to the strangling of Jennifer M. Webb, a Bridgeport Township woman.

Webb’s body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight on Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Channel 12, WJRT, earlier this month reported Bluew said he was one of the officers who found Webb’s body.

Thomas said Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” when Webb was strangled, although the prosecutor would not comment on how or when Bluew inserted himself into the crime scene as a police officer.

When investigators realized Bluew was a suspect, Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police detectives take over the case, Thomas said.

Verry said, based on the publicly known details, Booker followed correct protocol by calling in outside help.

Now detectives and prosecutors working the investigation likely will review Bluew’s record as a law enforcer, Verry said.

If questionable cases are found, prosecutors could send that evidence to the case’s judge for review, he said.

“It’s not automatic that (the judge would allow it) because personnel files are closed,” he said. “That’s really up to the judge, to see what is and what is not able to be released.”

Verry said the accusations surrounding Bluew mirror a 1995 case where a New Orleans police officer killed three people while on duty and returned to the scene of the crime afterward.

Verry, the founding member and president of New Jersey’s Internal Affairs Association, has been involved in more than 1,000 police misconduct investigations during his 23-year law enforcement career, his online biography states.

He wrote this year’s “Mechanics of a Police Internal Affairs Investigation.

Preliminary hearing postponed for suspended police officer charged in pregnant woman's death
Published: Monday, September 19, 2011, 12:29 PM
Updated: Monday, September 19, 2011, 3:29 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/preliminary_hearing_postponed_1.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News].

SAGINAW — The suspended Buena Vista Township police officer charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation death of the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb will have to wait until next month to hear prosecutors’ evidence against him.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, appeared late this morning before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd for his pre-hearing conference.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, hired Saginaw attorney Rod O’Farrell to defend him.

O’Farrell made his first appearance for Bluew today, however, so he has yet to receive most of the discovery material that prosecutors possess. As a result, Boyd postponed Bluew’s preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Thursday.

The preliminary hearing is intended for the judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Bluew is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Boyd scheduled a new pre-hearing conference for Oct. 3, at which point O’Farrell and county Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey D. Stroud will meet to determine whether the discovery disclosure process is complete. Boyd then would schedule a preliminary hearing.

The 32-year-old Webb’s body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb and that “the death of the child was predictable,” Thomas said.

The prosecutor said investigators believe Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” when the incident occurred.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he were to be acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today in the Gratiot County Jail.

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew leaves the courtroom after his pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew, right, and his attorney Rod O'Farrell listen during Bluew's pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

Preliminary hearing for suspended police officer charged in pregnant woman's death set for Oct. 20
Published: Monday, October 03, 2011, 4:22 PM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/preliminary_hearing_for_suspen.html

SAGINAW — Authorities are scheduled to present their evidence against the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb on Oct. 20.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, appeared today for a prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd.

Prior to speaking in the courtroom, the judge met with Bluew’s attorney, Rod O’Farrell, and county Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas to discuss discovery and scheduling issues.

After meeting for at least 30 minutes, Boyd and the attorneys came back to the courtroom and said they expected any outstanding discovery materials to be delivered before an Oct. 20 preliminary hearing date they discussed in Boyd’s chambers.

The preliminary hearing is intended for the judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb. Webb was eight months pregnant.
County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has said investigators believe Bluew was on duty during the killing.

Bluew first appeared before Boyd on Sept. 19 with O’Farrell and waived his right to have a preliminary hearing within 14 days of his arraignment to allow O’Farrell more time to prepare. He appeared today in a similar orange and white Gratiot County Jail jumpsuit, speaking only quietly after the conference with O'Farrell.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he is acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today at the Gratiot County Jail.

Buena Vista officer Kenneth Bluew's wife files for divorce, lawyer wants Bluew freed from jail prior to his murder trial in Jennifer Webb's death
Published: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 9:29 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/buena_vista_officer_kenneth_bl.html

Kenneth Bluew, right, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department officer accused of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb, appears in Saginaw County District Court at a pre-hearing conference Sept. 19 with his lawyer, Saginaw attorney Rod O'Farrell. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Maintaining there’s a “substantial likelihood” suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew will be acquitted of a first-degree murder charge in the strangulation death of Jennifer M. Webb, a defense attorney wants Bluew released from jail prior to trial.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township, is being held without bond in the Gratiot County Jail, accused of murdering Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township, who was eight months pregnant.

Bluew also is charged with assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and with two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

But Bluew’s attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, wants Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd to release Bluew from jail to stay with Bluew’s cousin, Sonya Lass, prior to any trial on the criminal charges.

In a motion dated Monday, O’Farrell states that Bluew’s wife has filed for divorce, but asks the judge to allow the suspended police officer to stay with Lass while Bluew’s whereabouts are monitored electronically via a telephone line. The motion doesn’t state Lass’ place of residence.

Saginaw County Circuit Court records show Lisa M. Bluew filed for divorce from Kenneth Bluew on Sept. 21.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has declined to share whether Bluew was the father of Webb’s unborn child, saying it is “not germane to the charges.” Webb was a 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate who worked in customer service at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc.

Bluew was armed and on duty, investigators believe, when he strangled Webb, according to Thomas.

A hearing on Bluew’s request for pre-trial release is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, the same date and time for Bluew’s preliminary exam before Boyd.

O’Farrell states Bluew has no criminal record, adding that Bluew is “married and has one child who lives in Saginaw Township and that while (Lisa Bluew) has now filed for divorce the presence of his wife and child in Saginaw County would act to assure his presence for all future court proceedings and compliance with all conditions for pre-trial release.”

Before his arrest in connection with the slaying of Webb — whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista police gun range — Bluew “was active in coaching his son in sports activities” and took part in other community activities, according to O’Farrell’s motion.

The motion states Bluew’s father was a police officer for the city of Detroit for 28 years before his death in 2006. Kenneth Bluew, a former football player for Saginaw Valley State University, “continues to maintain a close relationship with his mother and cousins who live in Michigan,” and Bluew’s mother has retained O’Farrell on behalf of her son, according to the motion.

Bluew’s mother and other relatives would make sure Bluew attends future court proceedings and complies with any conditions Boyd might impose if the judge releases Bluew from jail prior to trial, according to the motion.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank ordered Bluew to be held without bond when Bluew was arraigned on the criminal charges Sept. 13.

O’Farrell claims there’s a “substantial likelihood” Bluew will be acquitted of criminal charges against him.

The motion states Bluew worked for the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department from 1997 until he was hired by Buena Vista in 1999, and notes Bluew later served as Tittabawassee Township police chief from 2006 to 2008, before he returned to work for Buena Vista.

Bluew has been suspended without pay as a result of the criminal charges against him, according to the motion.

Saginaw News reporter to cover suspended police officer's hearing on murder charge live on Twitter
Published: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 4:05 PM
Updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 4:20 PM
By The Saginaw News staff
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/saginaw_news_reporter_to_cover.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his Sept. 19 prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [File. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Saginaw News reporter Andy Hoag will be live on Twitter covering Thursday’s preliminary hearing for the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, is scheduled to appear before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at 9:30 a.m. for the hearing, where Boyd will hear prosecutors’ evidence against Bluew and determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Hoag will be providing coverage of the hearing via Twitter. Click here to follow Hoag’s courtroom coverage.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb. Webb was eight months pregnant. County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has said investigators believe Bluew was on duty during the killing.

Boyd also will determine whether he will grant Bluew’s request for pre-trial release, which his attorney, Rod O’Farrell, asked for Monday.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he is acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today at the Gratiot County Jail.

Follow Andy Hoag on Twitter @SNAndyHoag

Live Twitter coverage of suspended police officer's hearing on murder charge to begin at 9:30 a.m.
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 8:09 AM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/live_twitter_coverage_of_suspe.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his Sept. 19 prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [File. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Follow live coverage of this morning’s preliminary hearing for the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb by following Saginaw News Reporter Andy Hoag.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, is scheduled to appear before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at 9:30 a.m. for the hearing, where Boyd will hear prosecutors’ evidence against Bluew and determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Hoag will be providing coverage of the hearing via Twitter. Click here to follow Hoag’s courtroom coverage.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

ANDY HOAG, SAGINAW NEWS COURT REPORTER TWITTER ACCOUNT: http://twitter.com/#!/SNAndyHoag

Andy Hoag
@SNAndyHoag
Courts Reporter for @saginawnews
http://connect.mlive.com/user/ahoag/index.html

Tweets from the courtroom: Preliminary hearing for BV Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused in pregnant woman's death
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 9:28 AM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 11:59 AM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/tweets_from_the_courtroom_prel.html
SAGINAW — Saginaw County prosecutors will lay out their evidence today against suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew, accused of strangulation and killing of Jennifer M. Webb and her unborn son while on duty.

Bluew's preliminary hearing, during which Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd will consider if enough evidence exists to take Bluew to trial, begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Saginaw County Governmental Center.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Webb, 32, whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista gun range, as well as assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony. Webb was eight months pregnant.

Kenneth T. Bluew looks over at his attorney, Rod O'Farrell, during Bluew's preliminary hearing today. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• Packed courtroom for Kenneth Bluew's preliminary hearing. Mostly family members, possibly some of them Bluew's.

A family member wears a bracelet honoring Jenny Webb and her unborn son, Braxton, during a morning court hearing. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• They've brought Bluew into the courtroom. He's seated in a brighter version of the Gratiot County Jail orange and white jumpsuit.

• Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas is handling the prosecution, first time I've seen him handle a case in the courtroom in 2.5 years.

• First witness is Andrea King, Jenny Webb's friend. They have been friends for 12 years, saw each other on "daily basis"

• King: "She was so excited about that baby." Chose the name Braxton for her son.

• Webb got to King's house about 5:30 pm on Aug. 30, the day that Bluew is accused of killing Webb.

• Webb and King "just hung out," had dinner. Webb started to leave about 8:15 pm. Webb said she had to go meet "Ken."

• Boyd doesn't allow the statement, though, so Thomas now is asking her about her knowledge about Webb's pregnancy to establish background.

• King says she heard name "Ken Bluew" from Webb, but Boyd won't allow anything further than that because it's hearsay.

• King begins to tear up when Thomas shows her picture of Webb on day that King gave birth to twins.

• Thomas shows King a necklace, part of their evidence, and King says it's Webb's favorite necklace, the one she was wearing that night.

Andrea King, a friend of Jennifer Webb, identifies a necklace held by Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas that Webb was wearing the last time King saw her alive. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• I imagine Thomas will have another witness say where the necklace was found.

• Thomas shows King a picture of Webb's silver Aztek vehicle. He doesn't mention where the pic is taken. Another witness should tie that up.

• King: Webb said she was going to "Outer Drive." Webb's body was found on North Outer in Buena Vista Township near the BV police gun range.

• Bluew's attorney, Rod O'Farrell, performs a short cross-examination. King tells Thomas that was the last time she saw Webb alive.

• Next witness, David Sian, who works for Old Dominion Freight Line. On Aug. 30, company located on North Outer in Buena Vista.

• Sian worked that night. Was getting his truck ready at about 8:50, when Buena Vista police car came through lot patrolling.

• Common practice for BVPD cars to come through. After going through lot, car turned right onto Outer Drive.

• Sian says police car traveled north after patrolling lot.

• Sian left to make his run to Indiana at 9 pm.

• O'Farrell now doing his cross, essentially asking the same questions as Thomas, just a little more specific. Sian's story stays the same.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas looks at a photo of Jennifer Webb during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Sian: State police called him next day to speak with him.

• Next witness is Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson, who discovered Webb's body.

Buena Vista officer Tim Patterson describes scene in aerial photo showing North Outer and Hack where the body was discovered. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Patterson has worked for BVPD for just over 6 years, also has worked for Vassar PD and SVSU PD and the County Juvenile Center.

• Bluew was a detention youth care specialist when Patterson was a supervisor at the Juvenile Center.

• Patterson "at times" was Bluew's supervisor. Patterson worked at Juvenile Center 5.5 years.

• Patterson began at BVPD in 2005. Bluew was a detective there at the time.

• Patterson now a patrol officer, Bluew was a patrol officer after coming back from serving as Chief of Tittabawassee Twp. PD.

• Their shifts overlapped. Bluew learned how to control people with pressure point control. A way to control suspects w/o injury.

• Patterson began working Aug. 30 about 10 pm.

• Bluew one of two other officers working that night. Patterson saw the other officer at the department, saw Bluew's vehicle at department

• Patterson: Central Dispatch was "radio checking" officers, which they do if they haven't heard from an officer in an hour.

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond.

• Patterson typed message to Bluew, to tell him Central Dispatch was trying to contact him. Patterson added audible alarm in message.

• Patterson: radio check and his message to Bluew were between 10:20-10:30 pm

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond to his message. "It happens from time to time."

• Patterson went looking for Bluew. While looking, heard other officer try to contact Bluew on inter-department radio channel.

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond to officer's attempt.

• Patterson eventually heard Bluew contact other officer, they told him Dispatch was trying to get ahold of him.

• Patterson: there was "somewhat of an ongoing issue" with Bluew not answering calls, wanted to talk to him about it.

• Patterson went looking for Bluew at dead end of North Outer, where somebody could "disappear without disappearing."

• Patterson had caught Bluew sleeping on the job in that area before.

• Patterson: On Outer, saw reflection of vehicle lights. Vehicle facing east.

• Outer dead ends at Hack, also where gates to police gun range, BV Wastewater Treatment Plant, General Motors property.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas, right, questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [By Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Car that Patterson saw was east on Hack, facing gate to gun range.

• The vehicle that Patterson saw was Webb's Pontiac Aztek.

• When Patterson arrived and saw Aztek, saw Bluew's patrol vehicle. Bluew pulled up beside Aztek

• Patterson walked toward Aztek, Bluew did same, said "how do you want to do this?" Patterson thought he meant how to approach Aztek.

• Patterson: Bluew's vehicle was behind tree lines, not visible from North Outer, before pulling up to Aztek after Patterson did.

• Patterson: Bluew was "sweating, heavily" ... "sweating bullets"

• Patterson: Bluew said "there's a body."

Becky Torrez, 35, of Carrollton Township, friend of Jennifer Webb. sits in court during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Patterson: body partly in ditch, looked like something sticking out of her neck. Bluew stood behind him.

• Patterson: a cord was hanging from Aztek's roof rack and was wrapped around body's neck. Realized nothing sticking out of neck.

• Patterson called in death as a suicide.

• Patterson: Bluew's body language was unusual. "He was not acting right."

• Patterson taped off scene, told Bluew to start taking pictures of scene.

• Patterson: Aztek registered to Donald Webb of Bridgeport.

• Asked Bluew and other officer who arrived if they had grabbed body's identification, but that was only thing Patterson asked of Bluew.

• Patterson: Cord around Webb's neck was an extension cord.

• Thomas showing Patterson pictures from the scene, taken by Bluew.

• Patterson: Bluew located apparent suicide note in Webb's purse. Webb's ID also found in her purse.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas, right, questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. Thomas is holding Webb's driver's license. [Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Patterson: "suicide note" was type written, only said "Jenny" at end, wasn't signed.

• Patterson: Webb's "lips were turning blue, she was foaming at the mouth. There were no signs of life at all."

• Lots if run of the mill questions right now from Thomas, not much of note.

• As soon as I say that, Patterson says he learned from other officer that Bluew knew Webb but Bluew didn't elaborate how.

• Patterson: Didn't find out Bluew knew Webb until 15-20 minutes after finding body. Bluew didn't tell Patterson while they investigated.

• Patterson: BVPD Sgt. Sean Waterman asked Bluew how he knew Webb, Bluew said he'd known her for years, met her at a bar in BV.

• Patterson: Bluew "evasive" in his answers about Webb.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [By Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]
• Patterson helped Waterman operate Webb's touchscreen phone, looked at recent calls. One was "Ken Cop Boo."

• Patterson: Two calls, one about 2 hours before body found, another 3 hours before. Seeing contact in phone was "rather shocking."

• "boo," of course, is a pet name some use for their love interests.

• Patterson heard Bluew tell Waterman that he tried contacting Webb.

• Patterson says he became "uneasy" when hearing Bluew said he tried calling her, "with the way things were adding up"

• Patterson told Waterman something didn't seem right.

• Patterson: Bluew eventually left scene to assist another officer with a breaking and entering incident.

• Patterson: Webb's body removed from scene by a funeral home director.

• Patterson had to cut cord to remove her from scene. Cut cord about halfway up, he says.

• Patterson: bruises observed on Webb's body underneath her arms near her biceps.

• Patterson: bruises on inside of biceps.

• Boyd calls for a recess, likely just to take a break. Been about 2 hours of testimony so far. Will be back soon.

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• Boyd now meeting with attorneys in his chambers. With the lunch hour approaching, maybe they're figuring out the rest of today's schedule.

• And we're back in session, Patterson still on stand.

Family friend Jan Wiles, of Spaulding Township wears a photo of Jennifer Webb while listening to testimony during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Webb. Jeff Schrier

• Patterson: back at dept, he and Bluew typing up reports. Bluew had some darkening and swelling under his right eye, didn't have it before.

• Patterson: After Waterman spoke with Webb's next of kin, state police called in to investigate.

• Patterson: at end of shift, Bluew took his uniform in a laundry bag to his truck. Never saw Bluew do that before.

• Thomas done with questioning, now it's O'Farrell's turn.

• Bluew responded to calls from Dispatch, other officer seven minutes after first check went out.

• Patterson: when Bluew responded, sounded like he had just woke up. Officers can nap, but must first receive permission from a supervisor.

• Patterson: Bluew told him he had arrived just before Patterson, had to turn around. Bluew didn't have headlights on, just spotlight.

• O'Farrell going over Patterson's testimony, which stays the same.

• O'Farrell asks if they treated scene as suicide entire night. Patterson: "I had my suspicions."

• O'Farrell done, now Thomas with a few brief follow-up questions.

• Boyd recesses hearing for lunch. We will return at 1:45.

• Back in the courtroom, next witness is BVPD Officer Sarah Sylvester, who was other officer calling for Bluew and was on scene.

• Sylvester and Bluew ate take out for dinner. At the time, Bluew did not have black eye or swelling under eye that Patterson noticed later.

• Sylvester doesn't believe Bluew had band aid on his right index finger. Bluew did have it after Webb's body was found.

• Sylvester confirms radio checking of Bluew, alert tones. Sylvester called Bluew on his cell, didn't get an answer.

• Sylvester: Bluew responded "sometime later”.

• Sylvester: "It's habit for some employees not to answer their radio checks."

• Sylvester, who has medical background, went to scene to assist in possible suicide.

• Sylvester: on scene, Bluew was "sweating profusely," had red marks in white part of right eye.

• His right eye was the same eye that he ended up having swelling under.

• When Sylvester saw body, could tell she was deceased.

• Sylvester: Bluew grabbed Webb's purse from her vehicle, said there was a note on top of it.

• Sylvester: note was suicide note, she can't remember if Webb signed it.

• Sylvester: when Bluew saw Webb's ID, he turned around, put his hands on his knees and looked like he was going to vomit.

• Sylvester: Bluew said, "I know this girl." Bluew didn't explain how, then Sgt. Waterman arrived shortly after.

• Sylvester left scene shortly after to respond to calls but came back when Patterson called and said they saw Bluew's number in Webb's phone.

• Sylvester: Patterson said he was "nervous," and had "unsnapped his gun" and wanted Sylvester to return.

• Sylvester called for backup at a B&E scene, wanted Bluew to leave scene to let Patterson and Waterman to investigate.

• Sylvester: felt the Webb scene was "a hot scene." She said she told Bluew she thought someone was in house at B&E scene.

• That wasn't true. Sylvester said Bluew was rubbing one of his hands as if he was in pain.

• Sylvester: officers were under a "gag order" almost immediately after incident.

• Sylvester is done now. Next up is BVPD Sgt. Sean Waterman.

Sgt. Sean Waterman, Buena Vista Township Police Department testified at suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News The Saginaw News]

• Patterson called Waterman in, said it was a suicide.

• Waterman describes scene, same description as other officers.

• Patterson told Waterman that Bluew knew Webb. Bluew told Waterman he knew her for about 10 years, "that they would talk from time to time."

• Bluew didn't tell Waterman the last time he saw or talked with Webb.

• Waterman looked at Webb's recent calls to try to approximate cause of death.

• As soon as Waterman saw "Ken Cop Boo's" number, he knew it was Bluew.

• Waterman: Webb called Bluew at about 8:30 and 8:45, then Bluew called her about 8:50. All calls lasted less than a minute.

• Bluew admitted to talking to her, said he talked to her all the time, and this time was checking on her.

• Bluew shakes his head in disagreement as Waterman says he admitted to talking to her.

• One of the first, if not the first, time he has had any kind of reaction to testimony.

• Contacted Medical Examiner's office, because he felt it was a suicide. ME office contacted funeral home.

• Waterman: the electrical cord was intertwined with Webb's necklace, mentioned earlier by King. Webb also had blood coming from her nose.

• Waterman went to Webb's parents' home in Bridgeport to tell them of Webb's death. Waterman becomes emotional as he recalls conversation.

• He told parents how she was found, that it looked like suicide. The parents said there was no way it could be suicide.

• Parents told Waterman that Bluew was father of unborn child. Waterman said he "became sick to my stomach."

• Waterman no longer felt death was a suicide. Parents told him that Webb was going to see Bluew that night.

• Waterman looked in Webb's bedroom at the house, and it looked like the room of an expecting mother.

• Parents said they thought Bluew knew child was his, that Webb was going to seek help of the county Friend of the Court when time was right.

• Waterman called BVPD Chief Brian Booker to tell him of developments, that they would need state police to investigate.

• Waterman saw Bluew at department after speaking with Webb's parents, but didn't say anything to him.

• O'Farrell now questioning Waterman.

• Waterman: bruises on inside of Webb's arms "didn't look fresh." Blood in her nose likely result of strangulation.

• Again, not anything new from Waterman on cross-examination.

• O'Farrell done, now Thomas with some follow-up.

• Waterman: neither he, nor Patterson or the funeral director caused bruises.

• Back in recess. Back shortly.

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Back in court. County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud appears to be handling the state police crime lab experts.

• Boyd just admitted two lab reports. Not sure what the nature of the reports are, but hope to find out.

• Next witness, Valerie Bowman, a forensic scientist for the state police. Part of a crime scene response team.

Valerie Bowman, state police forensic scientist, left, is questioned as a witness by Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud, right, during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Bowman assembled a team to investigate scene. Team arrived at 9 am.

• Re: Stroud, this is the first time I've seen him handle a case in court since, if I recall correctly, the Roger Kelly murder trial in 2009.

• And when I say "handle in court" re: Thomas and Stroud, I mean actually taking testimony.

• Thomas handled the prosecution of Marcie Rousseau, the Freeland teacher, and the Bronner's vandals.

• Bowman using blown-up images of the location to orient herself before beginning to describe her activity.

• Bowman located a blood stain and a charm from a necklace to the west of the crime scene, across Outer Drive on along Hack Road.

• Also found a cigarette butt in the same location.

• These items were found in the driveway to the BV Wastewater Treatment plant, which is off Hack to the west of Outer.

• Bowman: Test results showed the blood stain was human blood. She packaged it for further testing.

• Bowman sent the jewelry charm for testing, as well as the cigarette butt.

• Bowman attended autopsy. Collected blood sample, fingernail swabs from Webb for DNA testing.

• She's not at liberty to testify to the results because she didn't conduct the tests. That's where the admitted reports come in.

Valerie Bowman, state police forensic scientist, left, is questioned as a witness by Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Collected a blood sample from the fetus for testing.

• Bowman also seized cord from Webb's neck, her necklace, and her clothes.

• Bowman: Blood was found on Webb's bra. She also found some weeds, debris, and the tip of a latex glove in her clothes.

• Saw blood stain on glove tip.

• Tip of glove was about an inch long. Not latex, but another material. Bowman refers to it as an "exam glove."

• Bowman: human blood on inside of glove, human saliva on the outside of the glove tip.

• This testimony might explain Thomas' focus on Bluew having a band aid on his right index finger.

• Bowman: Edges of glove tip not cut by some sort of incision tool. More ragged edges.

• Bowman also examined Webb's Aztek. Saw "blueish or purplish" stain on exterior of passenger side. There was a "possible presence" of blood.

• One of the admitted reports is one regarding the stain on the vehicle. Still nothing said on record as to results of tests.

• Bowman: fingerprints lifted from exterior if vehicle where the stain was.

• Bowman examined cord in vehicle, found possible blood on cord.

• Bowman: possible blood found on socket end of cord.

• Bowman: it was human blood on cord, forwarded for testing.

• Bowman: human blood also on "gear selector" near vehicle's dashboard.

• Bowman: also a blood stain on the inside of the front driver's side door.

• Bowman: blood stain also on rear seat.

• Bowman also examined BVPD patrol car that Bluew was driving that night. A box of exam gloves was in the trunk. Similar color to glove tip.

• Bowman: blood stain on steering wheel of Bluew's patrol car.

• Bowman: Three items taken from a yellow bag in vehicle: t-shirt, police pants, socks. T-shirt and pants were "clean."

• Bowman: pants appeared to have been laundered. Scent of detergent or fabric softner from shirt.

• Bowman: Yellow bag has a tag attached with Bluew's name.

• On a later date, another shirt and pants given to her. Appeared to be same size.

• Bowman: 2 human blood stains on pants.

• Body armor also submitted to Bowman. Blood stain on vest, too.

• Bowman also obtained "buckle swab" of Bluew's inner mouth, sent for testing.

• O'Farrell on cross, now.

• Bowman: blood stain found in treatment plant driveway was not spattered or dropped from a high level. But that's all she can say about it.

• Bowman: two spatter-type stains: one in vehicle, one on t-shirt. Other stains were "transfer" stains, like coming in contact w/ blood.

• Bowman says it is possible to spread blood by touching it, then inadvertently or intentionally touching other items.

• Another lull here, as Bowman isn't saying anything new or different than on direct examination.

• Bowman is done. Boyd concludes the hearing for the day. Attorneys headed to chambers to discuss when to continue.

• The hearing will continue tomorrow, Friday, at 10 a.m. Check MLive either later today or tomorrow morning on details of how to follow live.

Court spectator assures suspended Buena Vista Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused of murdering Jennifer Webb, that 'It'll be OK.'
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 1:52 PM
Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 1:52 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/court_spectator_assures_suspen.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — With only the center aisle of a Saginaw County courtroom separating them, supporters of suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew and of Jennifer M. Webb — the woman Bluew is accused of murdering — wiped away tears during Bluew’s preliminary exam Thursday morning.

Bluew himself was anything but stoic, too, during the hearing before a standing-room-only audience of about 45 people in front of District Judge Christopher S. Boyd, frequently whispering in the ear of his defense attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, during testimony.

During a court recess Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township wheeled his chair around to scan the audience with his eyes, mouthing words to supporters he spotted behind him.
“It’ll be OK,” one woman said to Bluew, a former Tittabawassee Township police chief, accused of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township, who was eight months pregnant.

During the same recess in Boyd’s courtroom, several supporters gave prolonged hugs to Dawn Webb — the late Jennifer Webb’s mother — as she stood up during the break.

Boyd heard testimony this morning from three witnesses as he tries to determine whether there’s probable cause to order Bluew to trial on charges of first-degree murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

Testimony was set to resume at 1:45 p.m. before Boyd, who presided this morning before a packed courtroom, with as many as seven spectators standing against the back wall at times because court benches were filled up.

The late Webb’s parents, Donald and Dawn Webb, along with others including her sister, Angela, sat in the front row behind Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud.

The front row on the other side of the courtroom — behind Bluew — was reserved for police officers. Several officers identifying themselves as Michigan State Police employees occupied the front row, but declined comment when asked if they were there to support Bluew, who has worked for the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department in addition to working for the Tittabawassee Township and Buena Vista Township departments.

Thomas said he expects to call Buena Vista Township Police Department Sgt. Sean Waterman and Officer Sara Sylvester this afternoon. Thomas said he doesn’t believe the exam will finish today.

At today's hearing, friends and relatives of the late Jennifer Webb, including Webb’s onetime baby sitter, Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, wore badges — pinned to their shirts or sweaters — bearing Webb’s photo.

Wiles wiped tears from her eyes in a hallway outside court during a recess in testimony, but declined comment.

Other supporters wore bracelets in Webb’s memory, and one spectator wore a T-shirt bearing words and a photo commemorating Webb.

New details revealed in case against officer accused of murder
Posted: Oct 20, 2011 7:57 AM CDT Updated: Oct 20, 2011 2:41 PM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter
http://www.wnem.com/story/15738782/police-officer-charged-with-murder-to-appear-in-court?clienttype=printable

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police officer Ken Bluew was in court Thursday morning for a preliminary exam.

Bluew is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn child.

Webb was eight months pregnant when her body was discovered in late August near a police shooting range.

According to court documents acquired by TV5, Bluew's attorney has requested Pre-Trial release of his client. Furthermore, his wife has filed for divorce. If Bluew is released, he would be staying with his cousin Sonya Lass.

Bluew has a long law enforcement history in the Mid-Michigan area. He was employed with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department from 1997 until being hired by Buena Vista in 1999. He served as the Chief of Police for Tittabawassee Township from 2006 until February 2008, when he returned to the Buena Vista Police Department.

WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi was in the courtroom all morning and tweeted new information in the case. Several witnesses were expected to testify against Bluew, including the Buena Vista Township Police Chief.

Here are her tweets verbatim:
--Jenny Webb's best friend is on the stand testifying. She was the last person to see Webb alive. Prosecutor Mike Thomas held up evidence - Jenny Webb's favorite necklace. Her friend said she wore it the night she died.

--Employee from trucking co on Outer Dr taking stand. It is located near site where Webb's body was found. Trucking employee says he saw a Buena Vista Police car in the area that night, heading North.

--Buena Vista Police Officer is testifying. He was working that evening of Aug 30th. Officer on the stand is describing a period of time when central dispatch could not reach Officer Bluew.

--BV Officer Patterson says when he drove to Outer Dr he saw Officer Bluew. Says Bluew was "sweating bullets."

--Shocking: Officer Ken Bluew, the one who is charged with murder, took pics of the crime scene. At the time police thought it was a suicide.

--Prosecutor Thomas is showing pics of a deceased Jenny Webb with an extension cord around the neck. Pics taken by Officer Bluew.

--It took 15-20 mins after Jenny Webb's body was discovered before anyone realized Bluew knew her. He didn't say so until asked.

Revelation that BV Officer Kenneth Bluew fathered Jennifer Webb's unborn child sickened colleague who told her parents she killed herself
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 6:19 PM
Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 7:38 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/revelation_that_bv_officer_ken.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

SAGINAW — After Buena Vista Police Department Sgt. Sean Waterman came to the Bridgeport Township home of Donald and Dawn Webb the night of Aug. 30 to tell them their pregnant daughter, Jennifer, had died of an apparent suicide earlier that evening, they had a revelation for him.

Waterman testified Thursday in Saginaw County District Court the Webbs told him “there was no way possible” that Jennifer Webb, 32, killed herself and that Kenneth Bluew — Waterman’s fellow Buena Vista officer, whose phone number was listed as “Ken Cop Boo” on Webb’s cell phone — was the father of her unborn son.

“I actually got pretty sick to my stomach, actually,” Waterman testified when Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas asked his response to the Webbs’ statements about Bluew, a 36-year-old married man from Saginaw Township who once served as the Tittabawassee Township police chief.

“I was thinking this was no longer a possible suicide,” said Waterman, who said the Webbs also told him they believed Bluew knew he was the father because Jennifer Webb “had made a decision to go to the Friend of the Court to get some assistance when the time was right.”

Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd is trying to decide whether there’s probable cause to send Bluew to trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Webb. Bluew also is charged with assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and with two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

The preliminary exam, which drew a standing-room-only audience of up to about 45 people, will continue Friday at 10 a.m. in front of Boyd.

Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson testified he went looking for Bluew, who was on duty and not responding to radio calls. He saw a Pontiac Aztek, Webb’s car, where North Outer meets Hack in Buena Vista Township. Moments later, he saw Bluew pull up from behind some trees in his patrol car behind Webb’s car before 11 p.m. that night.

Patterson testified he, accompanied by Bluew, found Webb’s lifeless body resting in “an indentation” near the top of a nearby drainage ditch, with an extension cord wrapped around her neck and attached to the roof rack of her vehicle.

Patterson testified he called Saginaw County Central Dispatch to report an apparent suicide. He said he noticed Bluew was sweating.

“To me, it looked like he was sweating bullets, like he had just (exited) a shower,” Patterson said.

Waterman testified he learned at the scene that Bluew knew Webb, and when he questioned Bluew about it, the officer said the pair were friends and Bluew told him he’d known her for about 10 years. But Waterman also testified he examined Webb’s cell phone at the scene and noticed two calls from Webb’s phone to Bluew’s cell phone, at 8:28 p.m. and 8:43 p.m., with a third call from Bluew’s phone to Webb’s phone at 8:48 p.m.

Donald Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s father, took off his glasses and wiped away tears in the front row of the gallery as Waterman testified about visiting Jennifer Webb’s room at the Webbs’ home on the night Waterman told them their daughter was dead. Waterman’s voice caught in his throat and he paused as he related how he told the parents about their daughter’s death.

“There was baby stuff everywhere in there,” said Waterman, while Dawn Webb softly patted her husband on the back and Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, who once babysat Jennifer Webb, also dabbed at tears.

During a break in testimony Thursday afternoon, courtroom spectator Becky Torrez, 35, of Carrollton Township, who said she grew up across the road from Jennifer Webb, said Webb eagerly awaited the birth of her son and planned to name him Braxton.

“She would have made a great mom, especially for a boy,” Torrez said. “She was very into sports.”

Torrez said Webb was an avid fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines, including the football team. She said Jennifer Webb told her less than two weeks before her death that Bluew was the father of the child.

Torrez, like some other spectators in court Thursday, wore a badge featuring a photo of Jennifer Webb. Other supporters wore blue rubber bracelets with the yellow words in “memory of Jenny and Braxton,” and at least one spectator wore a T-shirt bearing words and a photo commemorating Webb.

Andrea King, describing herself as a close friend of Webb for about 12 years, testified Webb had nicknamed her soon-to-be-born son “Little Man.”

“She was ecstatic, ecstatic” about the pending birth, King said. “Anybody just looking at her could tell.”

Valerie Bowman, a forensic scientist at the State Police Crime Laboratory in Bridgeport Township, testified she found a ragged tip of an exam glove among Webb’s clothes, and detected saliva on the outside of the glove tip and human blood on the inside.

Bowman also testified she found human blood on the steering wheel of Bluew’s police car and detected human blood in Webb’s Pontiac Aztek on the gear selector, driver’s side door, rear seat and possibly the vehicle exterior.

Bluew, clad in a two-piece orange-and-white inmate outfit with “Gratiot County Jail” printed on the back, frequently whispered in the ear of his defense attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, during testimony Thursday.

During a court recess, Bluew turned his chair around to scan the audience with his eyes, mouthing words to supporters he spotted behind him.

“It’ll be OK,” one woman told him.

Tweets from the courtroom: Day two of preliminary hearing for BV Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused in pregnant woman's death
Published: Friday, October 21, 2011, 9:13 AM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 2:24 PM
By Gus Burns The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/tweets_from_the_courtroom_day.html

Suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew arrives in the courtroom for day two of his preliminary hearing

SAGINAW — Day two testimony in the preliminary hearing for suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew, accused of strangulation and killing of Jennifer M. Webb and her unborn son while on duty, resumes Friday.

Bluew's preliminary hearing, during which Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd will consider if enough evidence exists to take Bluew to trial, begins at 10 a.m. at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Webb, 32, whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista gun range, as well as assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

Webb was eight months pregnant.

Read here for Twitter updates throughout the proceedings or follow @saginawnews or @SNAndyHoag on Twitter.

• Several people in attendance are wearing T-shirts depicting Jennifer Webb. At the bottom they say Jenny & Braxton.

• Bluew entered in shackles and an orange and white striped jail uniform. Bluew winked at someone in the crowd.

• The prosecution called Lisa Ramos, a forensic specialist in biology at the state police DNA lab in Lansing. Stroud questioning.

Lisa Ramos, a DNA processor with the state police Lansing biology unit, testifies during the second day of the preliminary hearing at the Saginaw County Governmental Center. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Testimony is technical, related to process of DNA collection and testing.

Judge Christopher S. Boyd listens to testimony during the second day of the preliminary hearing of suspended Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Ramos: Results of DNA testing of fetus and Bluew were "consistent that he was the father."

• Ramos: Bluew's DNA found in swab of Webb's fingernails.

• Ramos: DNA tests of blood on exterior passenger side of Bluew's patrol car and steering wheel match Bluew's DNA.

• Ramos: Sample of blood stain from driveway at scene matched Webb's DNA.

• Ramos: DNA test of blood sample taken from Webb's "purple bra" matched Bluew.

• Ramos: Result of sample from exam glove finger tip from scene could not exclude Bluew or Webb.

• Ramos: 1 in 350,000 chance or more that this is not a mix of Webb and Bluew DNA.

• O'Farrell , for Bluew, has begun cross-examination.

• Ramos: Tests she conducted did not identify body source, such as saliva, blood, sweat.

• Ramos: Testing does not identify age of DNA source.

• Defense has no further questions. Prosecution calls State Police Detective Sgt. Jason Teddy from East Tawas Post.

State police Det. Sgt. Jason Teddy of the Tawas post testifies during the second day of the preliminary hearing of suspended Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew at the Saginaw County Governmental Center. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Dispatched to scene in Buena Vista Township from home at 3:30 a.m. and later interviewed Bluew at BV police interview room.

• Teddy said he learned that Bluew left headquarters mid-shift with a "yellow laundry bag." Interview occurred at conclusion of Bluew's shift.

• Teddy: Bluew said he was "conducting general patrol." Discovered Webb's vehicle facing east at Hack and N. Outer.

• Teddy: Fellow officer Patterson arrived. Together they approached with lights on. "We've got a body" Bluew said.

• Teddy: Bluew said he entered vehicle to obtain ID. Opened piece of paper, an "obvious suicide note," before opening purse for ID.

• Teddy: Bluew said he last spoke to Webb day prior, last saw her weeks prior and in "cop mode" didn't recognize her car.

• Teddy: Bluew, when asked about sex with Webb, said: "I never had sex with that woman."

• Teddy: Bluew said Webb's pregnancy wasn't any of his business and he did not know who the father was.

• Teddy: Bluew said facial and arm scratches he had were from playing with his bulldog prior to shift.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud holds a photo showing one of Bluew's injuries during testimony in the second day of the Bluew's preliminary hearing. Jeff Schrier.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud displays a photo of Bluew's left forearm showing a tattoo. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Bluew paused for "number of minutes" before signing DNA test consent form.

• Teddy: As Bluew signed, he said: "I can tell you one thing guys, I did in fact sleep with her."

• Teddy: Bluew said they had sex once, while off duty, "some time ago," possibly January.

• Teddy: Bluew said his wife knew of and was OK with Bluew and Webb's "friendship".

• Teddy: During subsequent search at Bluew's home, police seized a uniform from Bluew's truck that he said didn't fit anymore.

• Court is amidst a five-minute recess.

• Teddy said Bluew submitted fingerprints days after Webb's death and had a "divot" and "deep bruising" on right index finger.

• From a distance, bruising beneath Bluew's right index finger nail is still visible.

• O'Farrell asks if finger photographed when Teddy first saw it during fingerprints. Teddy said no.

• Teddy said he asked about finger. Bluew told him he slammed it in a door.

• O'Farrell said a photo of one of Bluew's tattoos also shows his right hand with index finger concealed by "raggedy" Band-Aid.

Bluew's attorney, Rod O'Farrell, show photos of Bluew's injuries to State Police Det. Sgt. Jason Teddy during cross examination. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Uniform seized from Bluew's personal vehicle appeared "used".

• O'Farrell ended cross-examination.

• Prosecution calls Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani, left, testifies about autopsy photos while questioned by Prosecutor Michael Thomas. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas is questioning Virani.

• Virani: Webb's body had scratch on left cheek, bruise on right jaw, bruising both arms, dislocated right hand, blood from nose, marks on neck.

• Virani: Cord with slip-knot still attached to neck when Webb's body arrived.

• Virani: I removed a 32- to 36-week-old fetus. It was a "viable" male baby.

• Virani: "Her cause of death was a neck compression... Not a total strangulation." Cause was pressure to neck and chest.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani explains to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas how a chokehold caused the death of Jennifer M. Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Virani: There was no internal neck injury. Cord was applied "later on after she died." It was a homicide.

• Thomas admitted autopsy photos of Webb. Bluew glanced but looked away as O'Farrell reviewed them.

• O'Farrell did not request to see a photo of the fetus, which Thomas handed to Judge Boyd as evidence.

• O'Farrell cross-examining. Virani concluded a "choke hold" caused Webb's death.

• Virani: A person administering choke hold would likely exhibit "some, minimum to quite a bit, injury" from victim fighting back.

• Virani: Bruising was "fresh," from at or around the time of death.

• Virani: Continuous choke hold could kill a person in three to five minutes.

• Virani demonstrated the theoretical choke used by Bluew on O'Farrell.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani demonstrates a choke hold on Defense Attorney Rod O'Farrell during second-day preliminary hearing testimony. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• There were laughs when Virani joked about choking the attorney for real.

• Virani: Fetus lives two to three minutes upon mother's death.

• The prosecution has no more witnesses.

• Boyd has bound all counts over to the Circuit Court based on presence of "probable cause".

• Now to the matter of Bluew's bond. Thomas "strenuously" urges against Bluew's pretrial release. Boyd agrees. Court adjourned.

Day 2: Prelim for officer charged with murder
Posted: Oct 21, 2011 8:03 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 21, 2011 2:24 PM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter -
http://www.wnem.com/story/15765571/prelim-for-officer-charged-with-murder-continues

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -

Suspended Buena Vista [MI] Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, who is charged with the August 30, 2011 murder of Jennifer Webb.

Jennifer Webb was eight months pregnant at the time she was murderded. DNA tests have confirmed that Officer Kenneth Bluew [charged in her murder] was the father of her unborn son.

The preliminary exam for a police officer accused of killing a pregnant woman continues Friday.

Ken Bluew is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Jenny Webb and her unborn baby. Webb's body was found in late August near a police shooting rage in Buena Vista Township.

--Read TV5 reporter Liz Gelardi's tweets from the courtroom below--
Several witnesses took the stand Thursday, including several officers who were working with Bluew the night Webb's body was found. Bluew was also on duty.

Officer Tim Patterson and Ken Bluew discovered her body in a ditch at the end of Outer Driver. When police arrived on the scene they initially though Webb's death was a suicide. Earlier that night there was a period of time when central dispatch could not reach Bluew's patrol car via radio.

Several photographs of the crime scene were admitted for evidence. Bluew took most of the pictures.

Police moved Webb's body and car before realizing the pregnant woman did not kill herself. When officers notified Webb's parents of her death they told police Ken Bluew was the father of the unborn baby. At that time police reestablished "what was left of the scene."

Detectives also found Webb's cell phone. One testified the call log showed three calls between Webb and Bluew the night of her death.

Bluew is currently suspended from the Buena Vista Police Department without pay.

Here are Liz's tweets from the court hearing today, they are in chronological order newest to oldest:

--Defense attorney is trying to get Bluew released while he awaits trial. Judge will not allow it.

--Judge: Probable cause, case will be bound over for trial.

--Dr. Virani leaves stand. I think they're wrapping.

--Prosecutor Thomas redirects with a question about baby. He asked how long would fetus survive after mom's death. Virani says 2-3 mins.

--What is going on in this courtroom? The defense attorney just asked Dr. Virani to demonstrate a choke hold on him. Didn't see that coming.

--Bluew is shaking his head. I'm pretty sure he mouthed 'what are you doing.'

--During cross exam defense is trying to argue physical findings match those of a hanging. Webb family members are shaking their heads.

--Dr. Virani says bruises on Webb's body were fresh. He thinks it happened at or around time of death.

--Dr. Virani says Webb's cause of death is neck compression & consistent with someone likely using a "choke hold" to kill her.

--When Webb's body was found there was an electrical cord tied around her neck. Dr. Virani can tell it was put around her neck after she died.

--Dr. Virani says this is not a suicide. It is a homicide.

--Tears from Jenny Webb's family & friends as the autopsy is described. I can't imagine what it's like for them to hear this.

--Dr. Virani says when he examined the baby it was full term. He says baby was viable if it had been delivered.

--Dr. Virani testifies Webb had bruises below the cheek & on her arms. He says her right wrist was dislocated.

--Taking the stand now - Dr. Kanu Virani. He is a forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy.

--MSP went to his truck to get the uniform. There was one in the laundry bag & another uniform stuffed under a seat.

--When Bluew arrived back at the police dept he took his uniform off, put it in a laundry bag & put in his truck. MSP asked for uniform.

--During the interview with Det Teddy, Bluew denied having sex with Webb but before they took his DNA he paused & said I slept with her.

--MSP detective says he noticed marks on Blue's face during their interview.

--Central dispatch could not reach Bluew for a period of time the night of Webb's death. Bluew told investigators it was on a diff channel.

--During interview Bluew told detective he did not have sex with Webb. He "adamantly denied it."

--Prosecution: Did Bluew ever tell you why his blood would be on victim or her car? Detective: No.

--Bluew told the detective he did not go near the body. Also explained that he entered Webb's car through front passenger door to get her ID.

--Detective says blood & necklace were about 100 yards from the area where car was found.

--MSP detective interviewed Bluew early Wednesday morning after Webb's body was found.

--Defense asked very few questions in cross exam. Next person on the stand is a Michigan State Police Detective.

--Defense is cross examining MSP DNA Expert.

--This DNA stuff can get pretty technical, trying to break it down. Expert says DNA from Bluew was found in Webb's car.

--Expert testifies blood on Jenny Webb's bra belongs to Bluew.

--DNA from Webb's fingernails show samples from her own DNA & Bluew's.

--Lab also tested blood in the street. Blood belongs to Jenny Webb.

--Lab tested blood on Bluew's police body armor, uniform pants & a steering wheel. Results show blood belongs to Bluew.

--MSP DNA expert testifies that Ken Bluew is the father of the unborn baby. She used some technical terms but basically he is a match.

--Expert tested for paternity. Explaining DNA profiles. She has not said results yet.
--DNA expert is explaining the process MSP uses for this type of evidence.

--First witness called: Lisa Ramos. She is with the Michigan State Police Lab & processes DNA.

--In court. Prelim resumes at 10am. Jenny's family & friends are wearing [commemorative] shirts.

Friend of late Jennifer Webb on Officer Kenneth Bluew being ordered to stand trial on murder charge: It's 'what we were praying for'
Published: Friday, October 21, 2011, 3:48 PM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 3:59 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/friend_of_late_jennifer_webb_o.html

Jan Wiles, of Spaulding Township, second from left, a friend of the late Jennifer Webb, gets a hug after Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd bound Kenneth Bluew over for trial. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.]

SAGINAW — The fact Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew has been ordered to stand trial on a charge of murdering pregnant Jennifer M. Webb is “what we were hoping for, what we were praying for,” said Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, who once babysat Webb, following Bluew’s preliminary hearing this afternoon.

Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd found probable cause exists for Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township to stand trial on the murder charge and on a charge of assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo.

The judge also ordered Bluew — who was on duty when Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township was slain Aug. 30 — to stand trial on two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

“They got a lot more evidence than I thought they had. It’s a pretty strong case,” Donald Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s father, told The Saginaw News during a break in today’s testimony.

“Most of what (prosecutors) presented, I didn’t know about ahead of time,” Webb said.

After Bluew was ordered to stand trial for the slaying of Webb, and after a court officer handcuffed his wrists to lead him from the courtroom, he turned toward supporters in the gallery and nodded twice, but didn’t mouth any words or wink as he had done earlier in the hearing, which began Thursday morning.

Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Jason Teddy testified today that Bluew eventually admitted in an interview to having sex with Webb after initially “adamantly” denying it. Teddy, who stared in Bluew’s direction a number of times while testifying against him, also said Bluew told him Webb had “hinted” that Bluew was the father of her unborn son.

Seated at the defense table in court, Bluew shook his head several times in apparent disagreement with testimony from forensic pathologist Dr. Kanu Virani, who told the court he believes someone killed Webb by approaching her from behind and applying a “chokehold” on the woman, who was eight months pregnant.

Virani testified Webb died due to “neck compression” and not because of “ligature strangulation” by hanging herself with an extension cord, though Buena Vista police initially classified her death as a suicide.

Thursday’s testimony included statements from Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson, who said he found Bluew alone at the scene of Webb’s death on the night of Aug. 30 where North Outer dead ends at Hack.

Patterson testified he, accompanied by Bluew, found Webb’s lifeless body resting in “an indentation” near the top of a drainage ditch, with the extension cord wrapped around her neck and attached to the roof rack of her Pontiac Aztek.

But Virani, who performed the autopsy on Webb, testified Webb had a dislocated right wrist and bruises on both arms in addition to a ligature mark around her neck. The doctor also said he found bleeding underneath Webb’s skin in the area of her chest, consistent with someone applying pressure on her chest while also applying pressure to her neck.

At defense attorney Rod O’Farrell’s request, Virani demonstrated — using O’Farrell as a pretend victim — how the doctor believes someone killed Webb.

When Virani testified about finding the fetus inside Webb’s body during the autopsy, Dawn Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s mother, placed her head on Donald Webb’s shoulder, shaking her head back and forth, and covering her mouth with her hands.

Other supporters of the late Jennifer Webb wiped away tears as Virani described a “viable baby” who had died inside Jennifer Webb.

Wiles sat with other supporters of Webb and members of the Webb family. She said it was “hard to hear” Virani’s testimony about what happened to Jennifer Webb.

“I’ve known her ever since she was born,” Wiles said after Thursday’s hearing. “She wasn’t my daughter, but she was just like my daughter.”

Officer Kenneth Bluew; Buena Vista Police Department, Michigan; Murder of Jennifer Webb, Michigan; Officer Involved Domestic Violence; News coverage of Kenneth Bluew murder trial.

SENATOR LAUTENBERG MARKS 15 YEARS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN

2011-09-30T22:59:00.004-06:00

U.S Senator Frank Lautenberg [NJ]

Newsroom: Press Releases
Lautenberg Marks 15 Years of Domestic Violence Gun Ban
Law Has Protected Families and Victims by Stoping 200,000 Gun Sales to Abusers
Lautenberg Press Office, 202-224-3224
Friday, September 30, 2011
http://lautenberg.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=334241&

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) marked 15 years since legislation he authored was signed into law to prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from buying or possessing firearms. Since it was enacted in 1996, the law has succeeded in keeping guns out of the hands of spousal and child abusers on approximately 200,000 occasions.

“Over the past 15 years, this law has made a significant impact on the lives of innocent women and children. Instead of living in fear, domestic violence victims have protections from gun violence as they rebuild their lives,” Lautenberg said. “The law is plain and simple: If you are convicted of assaulting your wife or beating your child, we are not going to allow you to arm yourself with a gun. Common-sense laws like this have made our country safer and I will continue working in Washington and fighting the gun lobby to protect our families from gun violence.”

The Domestic Violence Gun Ban was approved in Congress and signed into law in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. This law specifically bans the shipment, transport, sale or ownership of guns by individuals convicted of domestic violence.

Sen. Lautenberg is a leader in Congress for responsible gun safety measures. Earlier this year, he introduced a package of three common-sense bills that would ban high-capacity gun magazines, close the gun show loophole, and keep deadly weapons out of the hands of criminals and terrorists.

ALSO SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN; THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

18 U.S.C. § 921: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN; THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT

2011-09-14T10:49:00.008-06:00

SEE ALSO:
MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

Intention of the Lautenberg Amendment: To prevent people convicted of domestic violence crimes from owning / possessing firearms. This law applies to even police officers and military personnel. No one was exempt under this law. Thus, if a law enforcement officer was convicted of a domestic violence assault...even a misdemeanor...they would lose their right to own/ posses a firearm and would thus no longer be able to work as a police officer.

The execeptions to this law: 18 U.S.C. § 921 B(33) (i) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter, unless— (I) the person was represented by counsel in the case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and (II) in the case of a prosecution for an offense described in this paragraph for which a person was entitled to a jury trial in the jurisdiction in which the case was tried, either (aa) the case was tried by a jury, or (bb) the person knowingly and intelligently waived the right to have the case tried by a jury, by guilty plea or otherwise. (ii) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter if the conviction has been expunged or set aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored (if the law of the applicable jurisdiction provides for the loss of civil rights under such an offense) unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.

MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE FOR THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT IS MCL 769.4A. CURRENTLY, IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, POLICE OFFICERS ARE HAVING THEIR ASSAULTIVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMES SET ASIDE UNDER MCL 769.4A . THIS ALLOWS THE OFFICER TO RETURN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT...NO MATTER HOW ASSAULTIVE THEIR CRIME WAS...OR THE HARM THEY CAUSED THEIR VICTIM[S]

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT

2011-09-14T10:40:00.006-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (EXCERPT)
Act 175 of 1927
769.4a Assault on spouse, former spouse, individual with child in common, dating relationship, or household resident; plea or finding of guilty; deferral of proceedings and order of probation; previous convictions; adjudication of guilt upon violation of probation; mandatory counseling program; costs; circumstances for entering adjudication of guilt; discharge and dismissal; limitation; nonpublic record; definitions.

Sec. 4a.
(1) When an individual who has not been convicted previously of an assaultive crime pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, a violation of section 81 or 81a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 and 750.81a, and the victim of the assault is the offender's spouse or former spouse, an individual who has had a child in common with the offender, an individual who has or has had a dating relationship with the offender, or an individual residing or having resided in the same household as the offender, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused and of the prosecuting attorney in consultation with the victim, may defer further proceedings and place the accused on probation as provided in this section. However, before deferring proceedings under this subsection, the court shall contact the department of state police and determine whether, according to the records of the department of state police, the accused has previously been convicted of an assaultive crime or has previously availed himself or herself of this section. If the search of the records reveals an arrest for an assaultive crime but no disposition, the court shall contact the arresting agency and the court that had jurisdiction over the violation to determine the disposition of that arrest for purposes of this section.

(2) Upon a violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(3) An order of probation entered under subsection (1) may include any condition of probation authorized under section 3 of chapter XI of the code of criminal procedure, 1927 PA 175, MCL 771.3, including, but not limited to, requiring the accused to participate in a mandatory counseling program. The court may order the accused to pay the reasonable costs of the mandatory counseling program. The court also may order the accused to participate in a drug treatment court under chapter 10A of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.1060 to 600.1082. The court may order the defendant to be imprisoned for not more than 12 months at the time or intervals, which may be consecutive or nonconsecutive and within the period of probation, as the court determines. However, the period of imprisonment shall not exceed the maximum period of imprisonment authorized for the offense if the maximum period is less than 12 months. The court may permit day parole as authorized under 1962 PA 60, MCL 801.251 to 801.258. The court may permit a work or school release from jail.

(4) The court shall enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided in this chapter if any of the following circumstances exist:
(a) The accused commits an assaultive crime during the period of probation.
(b) The accused violates an order of the court that he or she receive counseling regarding his or her violent behavior.
(c) The accused violates an order of the court that he or she have no contact with a named individual.

(5) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person. Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime.

(6) There may be only 1 discharge and dismissal under this section with respect to any individual. The department of state police shall retain a nonpublic record of an arrest and discharge and dismissal under this section. This record shall be furnished to a court or police agency upon request pursuant to subsection (1) or to an office of prosecuting attorney for the purpose of showing that a defendant in a criminal action under section 81 or 81a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 and 750.81a, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 81 of that act has already once availed himself or herself of this section or for the purpose of determining whether the defendant in a criminal action is eligible for discharge and dismissal of proceedings by a drug treatment court under section 1076

(5) of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.1076.

(7) As used in this section:
(a) "Assaultive crime" means 1 or more of the following:
(i) That term as defined in section 9a of chapter X.
(ii) A violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90g.
(iii) A violation of a law of another state or of a local ordinance of a political subdivision of this state or of another state substantially corresponding to a violation described in subparagraph (i) or (ii).

(b) "Dating relationship" means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: Add. 1978, Act 353, Imd. Eff. July 14, 1978 ;-- Am. 1980, Act 471, Eff. Mar. 31, 1981 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 68, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 208, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 220, Eff. Jan. 1, 2005 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 663, Imd. Eff. Jan. 10, 2007

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES

2011-09-14T10:35:00.006-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81 are misdemeanor assault criimes. Under the Lautenberg Amendment / 18 U.S.C. § 921, a person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence assault cannot posses / own a firearm. However, under MCL 769.4a, a person charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence offense / MCL 750.81 can enter a guilty plea [under MCL 769.4a], resulting in the charges being dismissed. The guilty plea entered is not considered a conviction, "...for purposes of disqualifications...imposed by law upon conviction of a crime". [i.e. Domestic Violence Gun Ban under the Lautenberg Amendment /18 U.S.C. § 921].

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.81 Assault and battery; penalties; applicability to individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with MCL 380.1312 of the revised school code; “dating relationship” defined.

Sec. 81.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who assaults or assaults and batters an individual, if no other punishment is prescribed by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) or (4), an individual who assaults or assaults and batters his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(3) An individual who commits an assault or an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has previously been convicted of assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, under any of the following, may be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(4) An individual who commits an assault or an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has 2 or more previous convictions for assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, under any of the following, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(5) This section does not apply to an individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with section 1312 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1312.

(6) As used in this section, “dating relationship” means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 75081 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 64, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 270, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 462, Imd. Eff. Jan. 10, 2001 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 189, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 190, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002
Former Law: See section 29 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5739; CL 1871, § 7538; How., § 9103; CL 1897, § 11498; CL 1915, § 15220; CL 1929, § 16736; Act 167 of 1879; and Act 54 of 1929.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES

2011-09-14T10:34:00.002-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a are felony assault crimes. Under the Lautenberg Amendment / 18 U.S.C. § 921, a person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence assault cannot posses / own a firearm.

However, under MCL 769.4a, a person charged with a felony domestic violence offense / MCL 750.81 can enter a guilty plea [under MCL 769.4a], resulting in the charges being dismissed. The guilty plea entered is not considered a conviction, "...for purposes of disqualifications...imposed by law upon conviction of a crime". [i.e. Domestic Violence Gun Ban under the Lautenberg Amendment /18 U.S.C. § 921].

When MCL 769.4a was first enacted, only persons facing misdemeanor domestic violence charges could plea under this law. At that time, a person convicted of a felony domestic violence offense could not plea to a misdemeanor offense in order to take advantage of having their conviction dismissed.

Around the time of the enactment of the Federal Domestic Violence Gun Ban [18 U.S.C. § 921/ Lautenberg Amendment:[ http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html], Michigan Legislators amended MCL 769.4a [ http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html ], to include felony domestic violence charges.

In the state of Michigan, it is all too prevalent for law enforcement officers who are facing felony domestic violence laws, to be protected from the effects of the Lautenberg Amendment, under MCL 769.4a. While this leaves the victims of OIDV unprotected, it allows officers who plead guilty to felony dv charges, to regain possession of their guns and to return to duty as police officers.

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.81a Assault; infliction of serious or aggravated injury; “dating relationship” defined.

Sec. 81a.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who assaults an individual without a weapon and inflicts serious or aggravated injury upon that individual without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), an individual who assaults his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household without a weapon and inflicts serious or aggravated injury upon that individual without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(3) An individual who commits an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has 1 or more previous convictions for assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household, in violation of any of the following, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(4) As used in this section, “dating relationship” means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: Add. 1939, Act 237, Eff. Sept. 29, 1939 ;-- CL 1948, 750.81a ;-- Am. 1994, Act 65, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 270, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 190, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a

2011-09-14T10:33:00.005-06:00

Do the crime, but not the time with MCL 769.4a.

See also:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

Section Act 175 of 1927
769.4a
Discharge and dismissal of assaultive domestic violence crimes:

"7) As used in this section:
(a) "Assaultive crime" means 1 or more of the following:
(i) That term as defined in section 9a of chapter X.
(ii) A violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90g."

MCL 750.81 to 750.90g include the following assaultive crimes, that can be dismissed under MCL 769.4a:

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
Chapter XI
ASSAULTS

750.81: Assault and battery; penalties; applicability to individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with MCL 380.1312 of the revised school code; “dating relationship” defined.

750.81a: Assault; infliction of serious or aggravated injury; “dating relationship” defined.

750.81b: Enhanced sentence; provisions.

750.81c: Threats or assault against employee of family independence agency; violation; penalty; other conviction; “serious impairment of body function” defined.

750.81d: Assaulting, battering, resisting, obstructing, opposing person performing duty; felony; penalty; other violations; consecutive terms; definitions.

750.81e: Assault or battery of employee or contractor of public utility; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; other violations; definitions.

750.82: Felonious assault; violation of subsection (1) in weapon free school zone; definitions.

750.83: Assault with intent to commit murder.

750.84: Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

750.85: Torture; felony; penalty; definitions; element of crime; other laws.

750.86: Assault with intent to maim.

750.87: Assault with intent to commit felony not otherwise punished.

750.88: Assault with intent to rob and steal; unarmed.

750.89: Assault with intent to rob and steal; armed.

750.90: Sexual intercourse under pretext of medical treatment.

750.90a: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as felony; intent.

750.90b: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as crime; intent.

750.90c: Gross negligence against pregnant individual as crime.

750.90d: Conduct proscribed under MCL 257.625(1) or (3) involving accident with pregnant individual as felony; penalties.

750.90e: Conduct as proximate cause of accident involving pregnant individual as misdemeanor; penalty.

750.90f: Applicability of MCL 750.90 to 750.90e; “physician or other licensed medical professional” defined.

750.90g: “Infant protection act” as short title of section; legislative findings; prohibited acts; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; definitions.

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

RECOGNITION FOR CLOUDWRITER OF BEHIND THE BLUE WALL

2011-09-13T12:49:00.003-06:00

Cloudwriter of Behind The Blue Wall: www.behindthebluewall.blogspot.com

Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features case of Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew, charged with killing pregnant Bridgeport Township woman
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 9:28 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:17 AM
By Justin L. Engel The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/website_spotlighting_domestic.html

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.
Related topics: Jenny Webb, Kenneth Bluew, Saginaw County crime

VIDEO: MURDER CASE AGAINST OFFICER KEN BLUEW [ JENNIFER WEBB ]

2011-09-12T22:47:00.000-06:00

PLEASE RESPECT OFFICER BLUEW'S WIFE AND SON

2011-09-12T22:46:00.013-06:00

I received the following comment:

"Anonymous has left a new comment on your post INVESTIGATION INTO JENNIFER WEBB'S MURDER:
I applaud your website, but please remember Officer Bluew has a wife and child who are also innocent victims in this terrible tradegy."

My response:
Please keep in mind that Bluew's wife and child were also victimized by Bluew's brutal and selfish act. Officer Bluew's crimes are in no way a reflection of who is wife and child are...and likewise, they should not be judged or forced to pay for Bluew's actions.

I believe that it is fair to say that none of us understand the horrible turmoil and emotional nightmare that they are both enduring. We need to respect them and what they are going through. Those in the community need to support, respect, protect, and love Bluew's wife and child, just as much [if not more] than before. They need you more now than ever before...

OFFICER KEN BLUEW ARRESTED: PICTURES

2011-09-12T22:45:00.009-06:00

OFFICER BLUEW'S ARREST FOR JENNIFER WEBB'S MURDER: VIDEOS

2011-09-12T22:40:00.018-06:00

OFFICER KENNETH BLUEW [BUENA VISTA PD] ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB

2011-09-12T22:36:00.035-06:00

ALSO SEE:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-case-against-officer-ken-bluew.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2011.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/08/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2010.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-and-officer-ken.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/investigation-into-jennifer-webbs.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-kenneth-bluew-buena-vista-pd.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-bluews-arrest-for-jennifer.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-ken-bluew-arrested-pictures.html

BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2011/09/mi-buena-vista-police-officer-bluews.html

OFFICER KENNETH BLUEW WAS ARRESTED ON SEPTEMBER 12th. HE WAS THE BOYFRIEND OF JENNIFER WEBB AND THE FATHER OF JENNIFER WEBB'S UNBORN SON. JENNIFER WEBB WAS MURDERED AUGUST 30, 2011.

Officer Kenneth Bluew, "...is facing multiple charges, including charges related to the murder and death of the unborn child...." [WNEM NEWS]

"Kenneth Blue has been issued premeditated murder charges in the death of Jenny Webb...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..." [Connect Mid Michigan]

Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
by Allison Hillaker
Posted: 09.13.2011 at 6:01 AM
Updated: 09.13.2011 at 11:20 PM
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 Bluew 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.

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.

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."

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.

Police Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman
Updated: Tuesday, 13 Sep 2011, 9:10 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 13 Sep 2011, 10:36 AM EDT
myFOXDetroit.com
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 in death of pregnant woman
Posted: Sep 12, 2011 11:11 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 13, 2011 8:01 PM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter -
By Brandon Allendorfer, Internet Managing Editor -
By Tom Plahutnik, Web Editor/Producer -
http://www.wnem.com/story/15446550/police-officer-arrested-in-connection-to-murder

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -
A Buena Vista Township 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 a law enforcement gun range.

Kenneth Bluew was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder, felony firearm and assault of a pregnant individual resulting in death of a fetus. He faces the charges in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb and the unborn child.

Webb's body was found on Aug. 31 in Buena Vista near a gun range used by law enforcement, which is just east of Saginaw.

TV5's Liz Gelardi broke the story of the arrest. Sources told her Michigan State Police took Bluew into custody just after 6 p.m. Monday in the greater Detroit-area.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas 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 Bluew 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.

Thomas said Bluew was at the scene of the crime the following day in an official capacity. "He was acting as part of his duty," said Thomas. "Obviously what Mr. Bluew was doing before is going to be the subject of this preliminary examination."

Webb's father told Gelardi he is relieved police have 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.

Michigan State Police were assigned to the investigation after Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker learned that Bluew was a suspect. The department has suspended the officer.

TV5 has learned that the Gratiot County Jail will house Bluew until his trial.

Sheriff Rick Beracy tells TV5 that Bluew is not the first officer they've housed for
another county, and that he will not get any special treatment at the jail because of his law enforcement history.

It's not known at this time if Bluew had a lawyer.

He was arraigned Tuesday morning.

Bluew served as the Chief of Police in Tittabawassee Township before taking the job in Buena Vista Township.

His next court date is Monday.

Michigan Officer Charged With Pregnant Woman's Death
Jennifer Webb Found Dead Aug. 30 Near Saginaw
POSTED: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
UPDATED: 7:01 pm EDT 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.

Police officer charged with murder.
Posted: Sep 13, 2011 10:31 AM CDT
Updated: Sep 13, 2011 5:27 PM CDT
By Rebecca Trylch
ABC 12 NEWS
http://www.abc12.com/story/15450811/police-officer-charged-with-murder
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.

Buena Vista Township officer accused in pregnant woman's strangling death had 'arrogant' and 'aggressive' demeanor, neighbor says
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:42 PM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:49 PM
By Gus Burns The Saginaw News
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
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:12 PM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:43 PM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
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.

Sheriff: Police officer charged in pregnant woman's death will be lodged in Gratiot County
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:12 PM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3:43 PM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/sheriff_police_officer_charged.html
SAGINAW — The suspended Buena Vista police officer charged in the Aug. 30 homicide of a pregnant Bridgeport Township woman will be lodged at the Gratiot County Jail, says Saginaw County Sheriff William L. Federspiel.

The sheriff said he believed his deputies transported Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, to Gratiot County shortly after his arraignment this morning.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the strangulation death of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant. He also is charged with assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Bluew initially was lodged in the Saginaw County Jail on Monday evening, and then transported to the Bay County Jail. Saginaw County deputies transported him back to Saginaw “early this morning” for his arraignment and were to transport him out afterward, Federspiel said.

“It’s our standing policy,” the sheriff said. “It’s not because of Bluew. It has everything to do with the fact that ... because (a police officer) has arrested people who are lodged in our jail, it’s a security factor. It poses a risk for us, it poses a risk for Bluew, and it poses a risk for our inmates.”

Woman whose website tracks police violence, including the Kenneth Bluew case: "It's a different kind of afraid"
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 2:22 PM
By Kathryn Lynch-Morin The Saginaw News
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
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 11:49 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 1:31 PM
By Justin L. Engel The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/who_is_kenneth_bluew_buena_vis.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.

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.

Saginaw prosecutor: Buena Vista police officer killed pregnant Bridgeport woman
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 8:18 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 12:22 PM
By Justin L. Engel The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_buena_vista_police.html

Officer Kenneth Bluew

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.

Prosecutor: Police officer accused in pregnant woman's death was 'armed,' 'on duty' at time of incident
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:11 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 11:31 AM
By Andy Hoag. The Saginaw News.
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_police_officer_accu.html

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 Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb, who was 8 months pregnant.

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.

Bay County Jail housed Buena Vista police officer arrested in connection with pregnant woman's death
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 9:04 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:48 AM
By Cole Waterman The Bay City Times
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.

Father of pregnant Bridgeport Township woman allegedly killed by Buena Vista police officer: We're letting prosecutors handle it
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:30 AM
By Justin L. Engel . The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/father_of_pregnant_bridgeport.html

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.

Tweets from the courtroom: BV Officer Kenneth Bluew arraigned in strangulation death of mother-to-be Jennifer Webb
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 8:51 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:17 AM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
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.

Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
by Allison Hillaker
September 13, 2011. 6:01a.m.
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.

In the meantime, for the original story and its updates, click this link.

THANK YOU, MICHIGAN STATE POLICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU, TO ALL THE WONDERFUL AND DEDICATED NEWS REPORTERS, FOR NOT LETTING THE PUBLIC FORGET JENNIFER AND HER UNBORN SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Police officer arrested in connection to murder
Posted: Sep 12, 2011 11:11 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 13, 2011 12:03 AM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter
http://www.wnem.com/story/15446550/police-officer-arrested-in-connection-to-murder
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.

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
https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/detailsAction.do?siteId=23005&agency=72&id=152976&searchType=offender

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
https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/detailsAction.do?siteId=23005&agency=9&id=000076701&searchType=offender

INVESTIGATION INTO JENNIFER WEBB'S MURDER

2011-09-09T01:29:00.015-06:00

JENNIFER WEBB FACEBOOK PAGE

2011-09-07T12:00:00.005-06:00

MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB AND OFFICER KEN BLUEW'S CONNECTION

2011-09-04T17:42:00.005-06:00

MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB [AUGUST 30, 2011] : VIDEOS

2011-08-30T21:22:00.003-06:00

MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB [AUGUST 30, 2011]

2011-08-30T20:55:00.003-06:00

On August 31, 2011, the Buena Vista Township Police Department [MI] found Jennifer Webb's body in an area near the department's firing range. Jennifer was eight months pregnant.

* A special thank you to Cloudwriter for her assistance with this post *
http://www.behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/PoliceDomesticViolence

Police officer who found pregnant woman's body identified
Posted: Sep 01, 2011 5:25 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 01, 2011 5:56 PM CDT
By Terry Camp - email
http://www.abc12.com/story/15379740/police-officer-who-found-pregnant-womans-body-identified

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -
(09/01/11) - While police are still saying very little about the suspicious death of a pregnant Saginaw County woman, one of the woman's friends talked to ABC12 and gave us possible insight as to why the police and prosecutor's investigation remains shrouded in mystery.

Investigators spent several hours near a Saginaw County gun range Wednesday.

Friends of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb say she confided in them about her relationship with a married Buena Vista Township Police Officer. It is the same officer who found her body.

"She was the happiest person in the world," an unidentified friend said.

ABC12 heard the same description from a number of people who knew Webb.

Her bosses at P.F. Markey in Saginaw Township say she was one of the best employees at the company and her friends say she was very excited about the upcoming birth of her baby. The baby boy was due in a few weeks.

Webb was found dead near a gun range in Buena Vista Township right around midnight Tuesday night.

Buena Vista Township police officers were first on the scene, reporting a possible suicide, but the investigation was immediately turned over to the Michigan State Police.

Today, we also spoke to the Buena Vista Police Officer who found her body. Ken Bluew told ABC12 that he in fact found Webb's body, but that's all he wanted to say about the incident.

Webb's friends, including the one we spoke to, tell us she and Bluew were romantically involved.

"Jennifer and I were very close friends and she shared all the details with me about everything that was going on in their relationship," the friend said.

Webb told her friend that Bluew was the father of her unborn child. "They met privately, she found she was pregnant, shared it with him," she said.

The location where Webb's body was found also played a part in their relationship. "To my knowledge, that's where they met previously and that's where they met and discussed issues like child support and taking care of the baby in the future," the friend said.

Investigators will not confirm any of this.

When ABC12 talked with Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker Thursday, he was asked what Bluew's status was with the department and if is he still on duty or suspended. Booker's only comment was that he doesn't comment on the status of any Buena Vista Township police officer.

An autopsy has been done, but a cause of death has not been released.

So far, investigators will only call Webb's death suspicious.

Candlelight vigil held Friday night in Bridgeport
September 02, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=658093

BUENA VISTA TWP. -- Jenny Webb's family and friends gathered at the Bridgeport Township Pavillion Friday night for a candlelight vigil to remember Webb and her unborn son Braxton.

"Vivacious, energetic, spontaneous. Just a beautiful person," said family friend Deb Nussear, who had known Jenny since she was a little girl.

The Saginaw County prosecutor is now labeling the death of Webb and her unborn child as a homicide investigation, and investigators are not revealing much about the case.

"We're waiting on Michigan State Police crime lab reports, results, and toxicology reports," says Michael Thomas, Saginaw County prosecutor.

It's been several days since Jenny Webb's body was found. An autopsy is complete, but the findings are still not known.

Co-workers, family, and friends visited the W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel to pay respects to the family of the 32 year old Webb.

Thomas would not comment about suspects but says witnesses are being cooperative. Detectives are working late into the evening. Troopers are speaking directly with Webb's family who remain guarded and grieving.

Thomas says, "It's a tragedy. It's as serious a situation as you can find. A young lady who was going to be giving birth shortly and had a baby that most likely would have survived and so basically we've lost two people here."

Webb's funeral is Saturday at 4:00PM.

She had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.

Webb posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"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," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.

Family speaks out on pregnant woman's homicide
Updated: Sep 02, 2011 3:49 PM CDT
SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM)
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter
By Tom Plahutnik, Web Editor/Producer
http://www.wnem.com/story/15386242/family-speaks-out-on-pregnant-womans-homicide

Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas

Family and friends are remembering Jenny Webb, the pregnant woman whose body was found outside a police gun range in Buena Vista Township.

Visitation was underway most of Friday at a Saginaw Township funeral home. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding her death, answers that police aren't giving up.

WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi spoke to some family members of Jenny's to see if they know anything else.

"It's just not the same, it's just not my sister who was always the one that was there and the one that I could talk to and cry to and just sit with, it's just, it's going to be hard," said Angie Webb, Jennifer's sister.

The pain is still real and emotions are raw for Angie as she talks about her 32-year-old sister, Jennifer Webb.

Angie Webb tells TV5 her sister was a ray of sunshine, her best friend, and she can't begin to make sense of her sudden death.

"We're all still in a fog, it hasn't really I mean its hit us but it hasn't, it's just unreal," said Angie.

Police found Jennifer Webb's body early Wednesday morning in Buena Vista Township.

At the time they called her death suspicious. Now the Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas, has labeled her death a homicide.

Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death.

TV5 asked the family if they could tell us anything else about what happened.

"We really, honestly, don't know what happened," said Angie. "We have our ideas of what happened, but we want the MSP and the prosecutor to be able to do their jobs."

Angie believes foul play is involved, the prosecutor says he is treating the death as a homicide.

Family and friends say they'll wait for the truth to come out.

In the meantime, they're remembering a woman who touched their lives and the baby they never had a chance to meet.

"It's just so unfair, two wonderful people were taken from us and it's just so unfair," said Angie.

The candle light vigil is tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Pavilion behind the township offices.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at W.l. Case Funeral Home

WNEM SLIDESHOW:

The investigation continues into the death of Jenny Webb, a 32 year-old pregnant woman whose body was found near a Buena Vista Township police gun range... [WNEM]

Webb was reportedly 8 months pregnant. The photos printed here are with permission from her family [WNEM]

The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is investigating the case. [WNEM]

An autopsy was performed Wednesday afternoon, but the medical examiner is not releasing the cause of... [WNEM]

According to a profile at Classmates.com, Webb graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and went to Delta College from 1997 to 1999, and Saginaw Valley State University from 1999 to 2002...[WNEM]

She didn't deserve it, there [were] problems that could have been solved other ways," said family friend Rose King. "It's very sad for all of us that knew her, that at 32 years old, she was taken away from us this way," said Rose's husband, Bob...[WNEM]

Funeral set for pregnant Bridgeport woman found dead in Buena Vista
Published: Friday, September 02, 2011, 7:32 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/funeral_set_for_pregnant_bridg.html

Jennifer M Webb

SAGINAW TWP. — Funeral arrangements are set for Jennifer M. Webb, the 32-year-old pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

Family and friends can attend Webb’s funeral at 4 p.m. Saturday at W.L. Case and Co., Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw in Saginaw Township.

An obituary for the Bridgeport Township woman describes her as “the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life."

“She thoroughly enjoyed being with people,” reads the obituary, which described Webb as a fan of hunting and camping.

The 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, her obituary states.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”

Crime & Courts
Death of Pregnant Michigan Woman Deemed Suspicious
Published September 02, 2011
FoxNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/02/death-pregnant-michigan-woman-deemed-suspicious/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C92428

The mysterious death in Michigan of a pregnant woman close to giving birth has sparked a police investigation into the death, which is being described as suspicious.

The woman, whom acquaintances have identified as 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, was expected to give birth next month, MyFoxDetroit.com reported. Police have yet to publicly identify her.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," neighbor Steve Wobig told the TV station.

Her body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township, near the police department's gun range.

Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor said it now is being looked at as a suspicious death, MyFoxDetroit.com reported.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved. The prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

Autopsy results are pending.

Webb's obituary in the Saginaw News says she enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as Michigan football.

"Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like yo knew her all your life," the obituary reads.

Jennifer Webb, whose body was found early Wednesday in rural Michigan, is shown in this photo she posted on social networking sites and was included in her obituary.

A pregnant woman was found dead in this rural area of Saginaw County, Michigan.

Jennifer Marie WEBB

www.casefuneralhome.com

WEBB, Jennifer Marie of Bridgeport, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 31, 2011, age 32 years. Jennifer was born in Saginaw, Michigan April 12, 1979, the daughter of Donald and Dawn (Loth) Webb. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and had attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. She had been employed at Andersen Logistics and was currently working for P. F. Markey. Jennifer was an avid Michigan football fan. She enjoyed hunting and camping. Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life. She thoroughly enjoyed being with people. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Donald and Dawn Webb; her grandmother, Norma Loth; a brother, Jeffrey (Heather Zoellner) Webb; a sister, Angela Webb; nieces and nephew, Kayley Jo Colling, Cass City, Hunter and MacKenzie Webb; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and hundreds of friends. The funeral service will take place 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2011 at W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Ronald Sinclair will officiate. Friends may call at the chapel on Friday from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Jennifer Webb's death being treated as homicide 'until we can determine it's something else,' prosecutor says
Published: Friday, September 02, 2011, 2:20 PM
Updated: Friday, September 02, 2011, 2:20 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/jennifer_webbs_death_being_tre.html
Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has identified a woman found deceased Tuesday night in Buena Vista Township as 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, saying he’s “treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else.”

The body of Webb, of Saginaw, who was about eight months pregnant according to Thomas, was found near North Outer Drive where it ends north of Hack.

Thomas said her body was discovered Tuesday night but he declined to say who found her.

“We know what the manner of death is, but we’re not releasing that at this time,” Thomas said. “We want to make sure, in our witness interviews, that the information we’re getting is based upon facts and evidence and knowledge of the event, and not what they read in The Saginaw News or from watching Channel Whatever.”

The prosecutor declined to comment when asked if investigators have a suspect. He said the investigation of Webb’s death “will continue through the weekend from our end and from the police end.”

Michigan State Police are investigating the incident. Earlier this week, they had described the death as "suspicious."

The prosecutor said authorities are waiting for further results of laboratory tests done by Michigan State Police forensic scientists, “and we don’t have them yet.”

“Per our Saginaw County death investigation procedure, we’re treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else,” Thomas said.

Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide?
September 02, 2011
http://solariasun.com/6063/jennifer-webb-murder-or-suicide/
Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide – Questions are being asked if Jennifer Webbs death was a murder or suicide after body was found near a Michigan police shooting range.

8 months pregnant, Jennifer Webb’s death was initially thought to be a suicide, but authorities have turned toward a murder motive when friends argued the 32 year old Michigan woman would never take her own life.

“She was excited she was going to have a baby,” neighbor Steve Wobig told a local TV station.

Jennifer’s body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County’s Buena Vista Township, near the police department’s gun range.

Reports from Michigan news sources state Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor has now classified it as a suspicious death.

Compounding the mystery is the prosecutors use of Michigan State Police investigators called in to take over the case from Saginaw deputies, perhaps occuring due to a police officer being involved in the suspicous death. When questioned regarding this change in investigative personnel the prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim. Autopsy results are pending.

Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Gun Range in Saginaw County
Updated: Thursday, 01 Sep 2011, 10:37 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 01 Sep 2011, 8:55 PM EDT
By TARYN ASHER
WJBK myFOXDetroit.com
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-probe-death-of-pregnant-saginaw-area-woman-20110901-wpms
SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) - The woman, who lived in Saginaw County, was expected to give birth next month. Neighbors said she was very excited about it. That is why what appeared first as a suicide investigators now believe is something now much different.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," said Steve Wobig.

He told us his neighbor, Jennifer Webb had recently celebrated her baby shower. She was so thrilled about the arrival of her new baby, she even posted the ultrasound image as her Facebook profile picture.

Then word came the 32-year-old mother-to-be was found dead.

Tuesday night, Webb's body was discovered nearly Freeway and South Outer Drive, a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township near the police department's gun range that is frequented by officers.

Buena Vista Township Police responded to what at first was a suicide call, but now according to the Saginaw County prosecutor is being looked at as a suspicious death.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved.

Although the prosecutor claims no arrests have been made and refused to comment on a suspect, sources told FOX 2 an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

An autopsy has been completed, but officials still haven't released the results.

One thing is clear, this was an unexpected death for a woman excited to bring a new life into the world.

Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Saginaw
Victim Is 32-Year-Old Jenny Webb
POSTED: Thursday, September 1, 2011
UPDATED: 5:04 pm EDT September 1, 2011
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/29053161/detail.html

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Buena Vista Township police said the body of a pregnant woman has been found near a gun range.

The body was found early Wednesday morning near North Outer Drive.

Police have not released the name of the victim, but Local 4 has learned it is 32-year-old Jenny Webb, who was eight months pregnant.

An autopsy has been performed, but Webb's cause of death has not been released.
Police have confirmed that a decision was made to have Michigan State Police handle the investigation.

Police probe death of pregnant Saginaw-area woman
Associated Press
1:10 p.m. CDT, September 1, 2011
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-pregnantwoman-dea,0,5883522.story

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich.— Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in Saginaw County.

Officials haven't released the victim's name, but the owner of an industrial supply company tells The Saginaw News (http://j.mp/pRXZmM ) that she was one of his employees, Jenny Webb of Bridgeport Township.

Jim Terry owns P.F. Markey Inc. and says Webb was increasingly excited about the impending birth of her first child, who was due within a month.

Buena Vista Township police Chief Brian Booker says police found the body early Wednesday near his department's gun range, which is just east of Saginaw.

State police are calling the death suspicious but haven't released details.

'When she smiled, the whole office smiled': Employer of pregnant victim found in Buena Vista remembers Bridgeport woman
Published: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 1:01 PM Updated: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 3:54 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/when_she_smiled_the_whole_offi.html

A photo on Classmates appears to show the same Jenny Webb media reports indicate was found dead Wednesday in Buena Vista Township.
SAGINAW TWP. — Jenny Webb “never had a down day” and wore a “fabulous smile” that could light up the room, her former boss says.

While officials have yet to confirm her identity, media reports indicate Bridgeport Township's Webb was the pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

The day before, she was working as a customer service employee at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc., 2880 Universal, the company’s owner said.

“She was probably the most energetic, happy employee we had,” said Jim Terry, who owns the company which distributes cutting tools, abrasives and other industrial supplies. “She had a fabulous smile. When she smiled, the whole office smiled.”

Terry said Webb particularly was excited in recent months as she readied to have her first child, which was due within a month.

“She was very upbeat about the pregnancy,” Terry said. “She was excited to have the baby.”

He said Webb was “family-oriented,” although she was not married yet.

Terry said Webb, who worked at the office for two years, was a “big” University of Michigan football fan despite never attending the Ann Arbor school.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas this morning said he was waiting for state police detectives, who had been working the case early this morning, before relaying more information about the victim.

He has yet to confirm the victim was Webb.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”

Body found near North Outer in Buena Vista Township was a pregnant woman, prosecutor says
Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 9:00 PM
Updated: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 12:07 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/body_found_near_north_outer_in.html
BUENA VISTA TWP. — The body found in Buena Vista Township early this morning was that of a pregnant woman, according to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

No suspect is in custody in connection with the death, according to Thomas. who declined to discuss whether investigators have a suspect.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.” The woman’s identity has not been released.

Thomas said an autopsy occurred today on the woman’s body, but he said results aren’t being released and said investigators are waiting on results of toxicology tests done on the body.

Booker said he could share no further details. The chief said it was a “mutual decision” to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township’s last homicide in July. The chief declined to provide further explanation.

Woman's body found at gun range
by NBC25 Newsroom
Posted: 08.31.2011 at 3:08 PM
Updated: 1 hr, 46 mins ago
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=658093

Jennifer Webb, murdered. She was 8 months pregnant with her son Braxton James Donald Webb.

Saginaw Co. prosecutor confirms woman was pregnant
BUENA VISTA TWP. -- A Saginaw County woman, who was due to give birth in just a few weeks, was found dead at a police gun range in Buena Vista Township early Wednesday morning.

Jenny Webb had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.
The Buena Vista Township Police Department has handed the investigation over to Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is already reviewing evidence. He made a rare appearance at the scene Wednesday.

Thomas is not releasing any details except to say the woman was late in pregnancy.

In the meantime, NBC25 is learning more about Jenny Webb through her online activity. Before her Facebook page was closed to the public it showed she had more than 300 friends and was expecting the birth of her first child Sept. 23rd.

She posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"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," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.

The owner says he can still see Jenny's smiling face.

He says he feels sorry for the family who has to deal with two tragedies, the death of a daughter and a grandchild.

As for Beer, he says he still can't believe Jenny is gone.

"It's just a tragedy . It's hard to put into words. She'll by missed by many, many people."

According to an obituary, funeral service is planned for September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, located at 4480 Mackinaw Road. Ronald Sinclair will officiate.

Suspicious death reported in Buena Vista Township
Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 1:19 PM
Updated: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 2:31 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/suspicious_death_reported_in_b.html

State police trooper blocks access to Outer north of Freeway in Buena Vista Township.
BUENA VISTA TWP. -- State police investigators are revealing few details regarding a body discovered in Buena Vista Township but are calling the death "suspicious."

Police discovered the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends at Hack, north of Freeway and west of the Buena Vista Township Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

State police blocked access to the crime scene at the intersection of Freeway and North Outer. Representatives on scene declined comment and referred all inquiries to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.

Booker, who arrived on scene early Wednesday after the body was discovered, said he could share no further details.

He said it was a "mutual decision" to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township's last homicide in July. Booker declined to provide further explanation.

The victim's identity and apparent manner of death have not been revealed.

WNEM, Channel 5, previously reported that State Police Crime Lab personnel were on scene.

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Murderer-former cop asks to die free

2011-05-10T12:34:00.001-06:00

Fmr. GRPD officer who killed wife dies: woodtv.com

Clarence Ratliff's family was asking he be freed
Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jun 2011, 7:12 PM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 01 Jun 2011, 11:08 AM EDT
By Tony Tagliavia
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Clarence-Ratliff-dies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - About a month after his family filed to have him released from prison because he was dying of cancer, a former Grand Rapids police officer who shot his wife in 1988 in her courthouse chambers died in a federal prison hospice unit, a prison officer told 24 Hour News 8 on Wednesday.

Clarence Ratliff, 75, died Saturday morning at the unit inside the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, N.C., the officer said.

More than 22 years earlier, on Oct. 18, 1988, Ratliff entered the courthouse chambers of his wife -- Judge Carol Irons -- and shot her. Irons died.

Ratliff's family was asking that the 75-year-old be released from prison so he could spend his last days with them in his former home along the Muskegon River.

"The family's contention is, enough is enough," lawyer John Smietanka told 24 Hour News 8 last month. "He needs to die at home."

Smietanka said at the time that Ratliff was bed-ridden, could not speak and would not offend again.

But ultimately, the 75-year-old served the entire sentence handed down June 12, 1989, by then-Judge Dennis Kolenda: Life.

"You struck close to a mortal blow to the peace, dignity and safety of this community," Kolenda said during sentencing. "Then, when this community in the person of police officers came to the rescue of the person you had mortally wounded, you attempted to kill them. I can imagine no worse crime."

Ratliff and Irons were going through a divorce. The former officer's defense was that he was too drunk to have known what he was doing, according to archived 24 Hour News 8 reports. Ratliff was convicted of manslaughter for killing his wife and assault with intent to murder for shooting at the fellow officers who responded.

That prompted protests, with one speaker expressing outrage that "the murder of a woman is considered less serious than shooting at and missing two men."
The assault charges eventually led to the life sentence.

One of Irons' friends, lawyer Diann Landers, told 24 Hour News 8 that she believes this "is what life in prison means."

Another friend, Judge Sara Smolenski, said while she too opposed Ratliff's release, she does not find any joy or peace in his death.

"The whole experience has been just horrendous for her family, for their family," she said. "It's really never over because it's something you live with your whole life."

Smietanka called Ratliff's death the end to a very sad story.