Police officer held for murder of wife Lori DeKleine found dead in home;
Holland's Ken DeKleine faces open murder charges
Holland Sentinel
January 12, 2008
http://hollandsentinel.com/stories/011208/local_20080112001.shtml
A Holland police officer is in custody under suspicion of murdering his wife, according to police.
Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement when paramedics responded to a medical emergency just before 7 p.m. Thursday at her home at 229 Calvin Ave.
Her husband, Officer Ken DeKleine, was arrested Friday evening. He will be arraigned on an open murder charge Monday in Holland District Court.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said Friday night that he was aware the DeKleines were having marital problems. He said that for the past several months, DeKleine had not been living with Lori and their two children and that the separation had a "traumatic impact" on DeKleine.
The couple was in the process of getting a divorce, he said.
Kruithoff said this event has come as a shock to the department.
"He always shared his personal issues, but with this he obviously suppressed his feelings," he said. "Because if we had seen alarms going off, we would have taken action."
The specific cause of death was not released.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police are investigating the death because the accused is a Holland police officer. Sheriff Gary Rosema could not be reached for comment.
Investigators found several inconsistencies at the scene, a police statement said. After inspecting evidence and conducting interviews, they took DeKleine into custody Friday.
The death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy was performed Friday, according to a statement.
An 13-year veteran of the department, DeKleine also spent most of 2005 in Iraq, training police officers there.
Kruithoff said DeKleine had never been charged with domestic violence and that the only discipline against him during his time as an officer with the Holland police was "a couple of cruiser accidents."
In a 2005 interview, Kruithoff said DeKleine was a well-respected and well-liked member of the department, calling DeKleine, "caring," "compassionate" and a "great cook."
DeKleine was a 2nd lieutenant in the National Guard but resigned in 1994 to join the Holland Police Department.
On at least two occasions, DeKleine told reporters the hardest part of his experience in Iraq was being away from his wife and two teenage children, Bre and Christopher.
In a 2006 interview, Lori DeKleine said she recorded all of the children's activities while her husband was in Iraq.
"Not being able to share them with Ken -- that was hard," she said.
Facts:
Victim: Lori DeKleine, 43. She was a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and worked at the church as publications editor.
Suspect: Ken DeKleine, Holland police officer.
Facts: Lori DeKleine's body was found Thursday in the basement at 229 Calvin Ave. in Holland. An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police determined the death was a homicide. Ken DeKleine was taken into custody Friday.
What's next: Ken DeKleine will be arraigned Monday in Holland District Court.
Marriage status: Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said Friday night that he was aware the DeKleines were having marital problems.
Quote: "He always shared his personal issues, but with this he obviously suppressed his feelings. Because if we had seen alarms going off, we would have taken action," Kruithoff said.
Obituary: Lori DeKleine's obituary is on A5.
Holland police officer arrested in wife's death
Grand Haven Tribune
Jan 12, 2008
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/344368409148104.bsp
A Holland police officer is in custody under suspicion of murdering his wife, according to police.
Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement when paramedics responded to a medical emergency just before 7 p.m. Thursday at her home in the 200-block of Calvin Avenue.
Her husband, Holland officer Ken DeKleine, was arrested Friday evening. He will be arraigned on an open murder charge Monday in Holland District Court.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said Friday night that he was aware the DeKleines were having marital problems. He said that for the past several months, Ken DeKleine had not been living with Lori and their two children and that the separation had a "traumatic impact" on him.
The couple was in the process of getting a divorce, he said.
Kruithoff said this event has come as a shock to the department.
"He always shared his personal issues, but with this he obviously suppressed his feelings," he said. "Because if we had seen alarms going off, we would have taken action."
The specific cause of death was not released.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department and Michigan State Police are investigating the death because the accused is a Holland police officer.
Sheriff Gary Rosema could not be reached for comment.
Investigators found several inconsistencies at the scene, a police statement said. After inspecting evidence and conducting interviews, they took DeKleine into custody Friday.
The death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy was performed Friday, according to a police statement.
A 13-year veteran of the department, DeKleine also spent most of 2005 in Iraq, training police officers there.
Kruithoff said DeKleine had never been charged with domestic violence and that the only discipline against him during his time as an officer with the Holland police was "a couple of cruiser accidents."
In a 2005 interview, Kruithoff said DeKleine was a well-respected and well-liked member of the department, calling him, "caring," "compassionate" and a "great cook."
DeKleine was a 2nd lieutenant in the National Guard, but resigned in 1994 to join the Holland Police Department.
On at least two occasions, DeKleine told reporters the hardest part of his experience in Iraq was being away from his wife and two teenage children, Bre and Christopher.
In a 2006 interview, Lori DeKleine said she recorded all of the children's activities while her husband was in Iraq.
"Not being able to share them with Ken — that was hard," she said.
Officer arrested in connection with death of estranged wife
Detroit Free Press
The body of Lori DeKleine, 43, was found Thursday, police said. Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, was arrested Friday night and held on an open murder charge after an autopsy ruled her death a homicide, police said.
Ken DeKleine was being held today at the Ottawa County Jail, said Michigan State Police, who were called to investigate along with the sheriff's department because Ken DeKleine is a city police officer.
An arraignment was scheduled for Monday.The body of Lori DeKleine, a publications editor at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, was found by one of her children, WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids reported.Holland police Chief John Kruithoff told the Holland Sentinel that the DeKleines were separated.
"There were a lot of things that didn't make it appear a natural death," Kruithoff told The Grand Rapids
Holland cop arrested in wife's death
The Grand Rapids Press
January 12, 2008
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1200122131152460.xml&coll=6HOLLAND -- A Holland police officer was arrested Friday for the alleged murder of his estranged wife, who was discovered dead in the couple's home while he was at a department training session, Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said.
Kenneth DeKleine, 44, is accused of killing 43-year-old Lori DeKleine in the couple's Holland Heights home, Kruithoff said Friday night. She was discovered dead by a relative Thursday night in the basement of the home they once shared on Calvin Avenue.
"Ken and Lori had a strained relationship and had been separated," Kruithoff said. "It was a troubled marriage. The problems, I don't know, and we'll never know what happened to bring this on."
Ken DeKleine was at the department headquarters downtown when a 911 call was placed by a family member, Kruithoff said. The chief contacted the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department to conduct the investigation.
DeKleine, a 13-year member of the force who was assigned to a community policing position, remains in the Ottawa County Jail. He is expected to be arraigned Monday on an open murder charge in Holland District Court.
As police arrived on the scene Thursday about 6:50 p.m., the indication was that Lori DeKleine's death was not natural, nor was it a suicide, Kruithoff said. He would not disclose how the mother of two died, but said an autopsy had determined it to be a homicide.
"From the very beginning, it just didn't look good. There were a lot of things that didn't make it appear a natural death," Kruithoff said. "It's been a very emotional day here, a very hard day.
"Everyone's stunned, shocked and in disbelief. Ken's been everybody's friend and a very recognizable part of this community."
Kruithoff said inconsistencies in his officer's story raised suspicion.
"It's tough when it's one of your own," he said. "As law enforcement officials, we have to put that aside and we did that. It doesn't make it easier."
Kruithoff deferred other comment to Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema, who could not be reached Friday night.
Popular in the community, DeKleine had been lauded by residents for his work in the department's community policing program.
A few years ago, he took a leave of absence from the department and went to Iraq, working for a private security contractor and serving as an international police liaison officer. He supervised those who trained Iraqi officers and also mentored a provincial police chief there.
In an alumni profile with Calvin College, DeKleine, a 1987 graduate, said differences in the mind-set between Americans and Iraqis continued to baffle him during his time there.
"They do want to make their country more secure," DeKleine said in the profile, "but their tribal mentality is very difficult to overcome. If a crime occurs within a tribe, it doesn't get reported, but if a crime occurs across two tribes, they consider it a blood debt. Tribes have been killing back and forth for 50 years over a stolen horse."
During Ken DeKleine's stint overseas, the community rallied around his wife and children. In May 2005, Lori DeKleine and the couple's two teenagers were invited to ride on a city float in the Tulip Time festival's famed Muziekparade.
Lori DeKleine is survived by her children, Breanne and Christopher, both teenagers. She was the publications editor at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. A church leader there declined to speak about her death, and her family could not be reached for comment.
Holland police officer arrested in wife's death
WSBT News, Southbend
Jan 12, 2008
http://www.wsbt.com/news/michigan/13732167.htm
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — A city police officer who is a 13-year veteran of the department has been arrested in the death of his estranged wife, whose body was found at a home earlier in the week, police said.
The body of Lori DeKleine, 43, was found Thursday, police said. Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, was arrested Friday night and held on an open murder charge after an autopsy ruled her death a homicide, police said.
Ken DeKleine was being held Saturday at the Ottawa County Jail, said Michigan State Police, who were called to investigate along with the sheriff's department because Ken DeKleine is a city police officer.
An arraignment was scheduled for Monday.
The body of Lori DeKleine, a publications editor at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, was found by one of her children, WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids reported.
Holland police Chief John Kruithoff told the Holland Sentinel that the DeKleines were separated.
"There were a lot of things that didn't make it appear a natural death," Kruithoff told The Grand Rapids Press.
Holland cop arrested in wife's slayingChronicle News Service
January 12, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/holland_co_arrested_for_allege.html
HOLLAND -- A Holland police officer was arrested Friday for the alleged murder of his estranged wife, who was discovered dead in the couple's home while he was at a department training session, Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said.
Ken DeKleine, left, was arrested Friday after his wife, Lori, shown at right, was found dead at home Thursday night.
Kenneth DeKleine, 44, is accused of killing 43-year-old Lori DeKleine in the couple's Holland Heights home, Kruithoff said Friday night. She was discovered dead by a relative Thursday night in the basement of the home they once shared on Calvin Avenue.
"Ken and Lori had a strained relationship and had been separated," Kruithoff said. "It was a troubled marriage. The problems, I don't know, and we'll never know what happened to bring this on."
Ken DeKleine was at the department headquarters downtown when a 911 call was placed by a family member, Kruithoff said. The chief contacted the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department to conduct the investigation.
DeKleine, a 13-year member of the force who was assigned to a community policing position, remains in the Ottawa County Jail. He is expected to be arraigned Monday on an open murder charge in Holland District Court.
As police arrived on the scene Thursday about 6:50 p.m., the indication was that Lori DeKleine's death was not natural, nor was it a suicide, Kruithoff said. He would not disclose how the mother of two died, but said an autopsy had determined it to be a homicide.
"From the very beginning, it just didn't look good. There were a lot of things that didn't make it appear a natural death," Kruithoff said. "It's been a very emotional day here, a very hard day.
"Everyone's stunned, shocked and in disbelief. Ken's been everybody's friend and a very recognizable part of this community."
Kruithoff said inconsistencies in his officer's story raised suspicion.
"It's tough when it's one of your own," he said. "As law enforcement officials, we have to put that aside and we did that. It doesn't make it easier."
Kruithoff deferred other comment to Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema, who could not be reached Friday night.
Popular in the community, DeKleine had been lauded by residents for his work in the department's community policing program.
A few years ago, he took a leave of absence from the department and went to Iraq, working for a private security contractor and serving as an international police liaison officer. He supervised those who trained Iraqi officers and also mentored a provincial police chief there.
In an alumni profile with Calvin College, DeKleine, a 1987 graduate, said differences in the mind-set between Americans and Iraqis continued to baffle him during his time there.
"They do want to make their country more secure," DeKleine said in the profile, "but their tribal mentality is very difficult to overcome. If a crime occurs within a tribe, it doesn't get reported, but if a crime occurs across two tribes, they consider it a blood debt. Tribes have been killing back and forth for50 years over a stolen horse."
During Ken DeKleine's stint overseas, the community rallied around his wife and children. In May 2005, Lori DeKleine and the couple's two teenagers were invited to ride on a city float in the Tulip Time festival's famed Muziek parade.
Lori DeKleine is survived by her children, Breanne and Christopher, both teenagers. She was the publications editor at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. A church leader there declined to speak about her death, and her family could not be reached for comment.
Friend: Slain woman feared husbandThe Grand Rapids Press
January 12, 2008
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/friend_slain_woman_feared_husb.html
HOLLAND --The wife of a Holland police officer now accused of murdering her was afraid of him and had a personal protection order to keep him away, a neighbor said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, the next-door neighbor of Lori DeKleine, 43.
Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, is expected to be arraigned Monday in Holland District Court on a charge of open murder for his wife's death. Her body was found late Thursday in her Calvin Avenue home in the Holland Heights neighborhood by her teen son.
The arrest and death stunned many in the community, including retired officers who know DeKleine well and described him as an easy-going cop known to defuse tough situations.
He was the last anyone suspected in something like this, retired Sgt Mark Bos said. Officers knew they could count on him.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame. Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
Paauwe said Lori DeKleine took out the protection order against her husband several months ago. He was asked to leave the home, and did, sometime after Christmas 2006, she said.
The DeKleines, the parents of two Holland Christian High School students, were well-known in the community and at their church, Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori was publications editor.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at the church, with visitation 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Officer Arrested
WILX News, Jackson MI
Jan 12, 2008
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/13736417.html
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) -- A city police officer who is a 13-year veteran of the department has been arrested in the death of his estranged wife, whose body was found at a home earlier in the week, police said.
The body of Lori DeKleine, 43, was found Thursday, police said. Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, was arrested Friday night and held on an open murder charge after an autopsy ruled her death a homicide, police said.
Ken DeKleine was being held Saturday at the Ottawa County Jail, said Michigan State Police, who were called to investigate along with the sheriff's department because Ken DeKleine is a city police officer.
An arraignment was scheduled for Monday.Holland police Chief John Kruithoff told the Holland Sentinel that the DeKleines were separated."
There were a lot of things that didn't make it appear a natural death," Kruithoff told The Grand Rapids Press.
Neighbors say officer charged with killing his wife had restraining order against himWZZM News / Channel 13
Jan 11, 2008
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86142
Holland – While a Holland police officer sits in jail, new information sheds light on a marriage neighbors say was falling apart.
Police arrested Officer Ken DeKleine for killing his wife Thursday night in the couple's home.
Police say on January 10th they responded to a medical emergency in the 200 block of Calvin Avenue. When they arrived at the home they found 43-year-old Lori DeKleine dead in the basement. At first it was thought Lori DeKleine committed suicide, but police say the evidence pointed elsewhere."
Based on the evidence that investigators had and the interview, Ken DeKleine was charged with open murder," says Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Kruithoff says the couple had been having marital problems, which Ken DeKleine had been open and honest about.
"Ken's been very open about the difficulties he's had with his wife, it's not a secret, and the results of this event are very shocking and disturbing to us."
The chief says it's been difficult for everyone involved, including his police force. "When people find out about this, it will be disturbing to everyone who knows Ken, because this absolutely is a person you wouldn't expect this from."
Neighbors agree, but say they shouldn't be surprised. Saturday, a neighbor close to the DeKleines told WZZM 13 News their marital problems had been on-going. She says Ken DeKleine moved out of the home in February 2007 and Lori had taken a restraining order out against him.
"I do know she was a little scared of him," says the neighbor. "There was a restraining order, he did violate that once."
Ken DeKleine was taken into custody Friday and charged with open murder. He will be arraigned in the 58th District Court on those charges Monday. The Ottawa County Prosecutor and investigators will also meet Monday to determine more specific charges.
Saturday afternoon family gathered outside the home, knowing first and foremost they need to take care of Ken and Lori's children Bre and Chris; both students at Holland Christian High School.
"Both sides of the family have come together and are really trying to work through this and make sure they're doing what's in the best interest of the kids," says Brad Ward, a spokesman for the family.
And in the face of tragedy, Lori's neighbor also knows the teenagers need support more than anything."(Lori) lived through her children, absolutely loved them. Just keep them real close to your heart, and many prayers for them because they're going to need them."
Ken DeKleine is a 1987 graduate of Calvin College. He recently served a one year tour in Iraq as an international police liaison officer. Lori DeKleine is a 1986 graduate from Calvin College and worked at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation for DeKleine begins Sunday from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., and from 7:00p.m. To 9:00p.m. at the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Her memorial service will be Monday at 1:00p.m.
Update: Friend says slain woman feared husband
Muskegon Chronicle
January 13, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/update_friend_says_slain_woman.html
HOLLAND --The wife of a Holland police officer now accused of murdering her was afraid of him and had a personal protection order to keep him away, a neighbor said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, the next-door neighbor of Lori DeKleine, 43.
Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, is expected to be arraigned Monday in Holland District Court on a charge of open murder for his wife's death. Her body was found late Thursday in her Calvin Avenue home in the Holland Heights neighborhood by her teen son.
The arrest and death stunned many in the community, including retired officers who know DeKleine well and described him as an easy-going cop known to defuse tough situations.
He was the last anyone suspected in something like this, retired Sgt Mark Bos said. Officers knew they could count on him.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame. Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
Paauwe said Lori DeKleine took out the protection order against her husband several months ago. He was asked to leave the home, and did, sometime after Christmas 2006, she said.
The DeKleines, the parents of two Holland Christian High School students, were well-known in the community and at their church, Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori was publications editor.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at the church, with visitation 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday.
Slain wife feared officer, friend says
The Grand Rapids Press
January 13, 2008
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1200208554281170.xml&coll=6
HOLLAND -- To neighbors and fellow officers, Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine was almost perfect -- polite, sociable, a devoted Christian and good at his job.
But to his estranged wife, he had become a threatening presence, a friend and neighbor of Lori DeKleine said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, devastated after learning late Thursday that Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement.
She was so concerned she had a personal protection order against her husband, a 13-year respected police veteran now facing a murder charge in a slaying that has stunned the community.
The order was supposed to keep him away, although Paauwe remembered one instance when he came too close to the Calvin Avenue home and police were called to the scene.
"This is just mind-blowing," Paauwe said. "I think there had been some pushing and shoving, but I never thought it would come to this."
Ken DeKleine, 44, was the father of two teens with his wife. He was to be arraigned Monday on an open murder charge in Holland District Court.
The news shocked former colleagues, who knew DeKleine as an easygoing cop who could defuse tough situations.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," retired Sgt. Mark Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame.
Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
With 33 years in police work, Bos figured little could surprise him.
"I was just drained, unbelievable. This was just a tremendous shock." he said.
Lori DeKleine's body was discovered about 6:50 p.m. Thursday by her teenage son, Christopher, who called 911. Police investigated whether her death might be a suicide, but an autopsy and inconsistencies at the scene pointed at homicide.
Ken DeKleine was arrested late Friday. The cause of death was not released, and Ottawa County Medical Examiner David Start, who performed the autopsy, referred questions to police.
Relatives of the DeKleines were at the couple's home Saturday afternoon to collect clothes and other items for the children, Breanne and Christopher, both Holland Christian High School students. The DeKleines' home is across from Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori worked as publications editor and the couple still attended even while separated.
Family members declined comment.
A Holland Heights CRC elder said the congregation was in shock.
Brad Ward said both Lori and Ken were involved in youth and Sunday school programs.
"They were well-respected, a great family. There's a lot of grief right now," he said, asking the community to pray for the family.
Lori was a member of Focus Plus, a support group for attention-deficit disorder, served on the Holland Christian Schools Tuition Assistance Board and had been a teacher at Borculo Christian School.
Ken DeKleine moved out of the family's home sometime after December 2006, neighbor Victoria Paauwe said. She said she believed the personal protection order was issued the next summer.
"I don't think he wanted the divorce," said Paauwe, who also described Ken as a "nice guy" and the first person to greet her when she moved in 18 months ago.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights CRC, 836 E. Eighth St. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to the DeKleine children's education fund.
Many wonder what went wrong
Police officer in custody for wife's death
Holland Sentinel News
January 13, 2008
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/011308/local_20080113004.shtml
Lori DeKleine had always been an active church member. Last Sunday, she went to services at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. So did her husband, Ken. They attended separately.
Ken DeKleine, a Holland police officer for 13 years, is now in the Ottawa County Jail, accused of killing Lori, 43, at her home Thursday on Calvin Avenue. His arraignment on open murder charges will be Monday at Holland District Court.
Neighbors and family are coping with the circumstances surrounding what one person called "a really nice couple."
"The family is going through a tremendous amount of shock and grief right now," said Brad Ward, an elder for the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and family spokesman.
Lori had been a part-time secretary for the church, in charge of putting together its newsletter. The church, 836 E. Eighth St., is across the street from the DeKleine home.
Ward did not say where the DeKleines' two children were staying. Both children attend Holland Christian High School.
Principal Troy Stahl described Friday as "a difficult day."
He said a school-wide prayer was held Friday morning for the DeKleine family and that counselors are available for students and staff.
Lori had been a part of the high school's Theatre and Arts Program for several years, becoming its board president in the past year.
"She was very involved in anything her kids were involved with," Stahl said.
"She was someone who wanted to be a part of their lives."
Neighbor Craig Bouwman remembers watching the couple's two teenage children help Ken DeKleine carry boxes to a car parked across the street from the DeKleine home last summer.
It was the first sign that indicated to Bouwman that the DeKleines' marriage was in trouble, he said.
In August, Bouwman said he ran into Ken DeKleine at a campground on Lake Michigan Drive, where DeKleine confirmed that he and Lori were separated.
"He said him and Lori were no longer together," Bouwman said Saturday. "He was very quiet and somber about it."
Bouwman said that during his six years living on the corner of Calvin Avenue and East Eighth Street, he had known the DeKleines to be "a really nice couple."
Ken DeKleine was the first person to welcome him to the neighborhood when he first moved in, Bouwman recalled.
But something changed in the relationship after DeKleine returned from a 2005 stint as an international police liaison officer in Iraq.
"I think when he came back from Iraq, things fell apart," he said.
A former member of the National Guard, DeKleine graduated from officer training and became a 2nd lieutenant before he resigned from the Guard in 1994 to become a police officer.
In an April 2007 interview with The Sentinel, DeKleine said he had gained a deeper appreciation for the United States and that the hardest part about being in Iraq was the separation from his wife and children.
Jerry Vandenberg, who lives several houses down from the DeKleine home, was surprised to see half a dozen police cars outside the DeKleine home Thursday night.
"They were there until I went to sleep at 1 a.m.," he said. "The next day, I saw state police parked outside and everything was lit up with spotlights in the garage."
A few who saw DeKleine regularly said they had not seen any indication that he was upset.
Chris Robinson, owner of Washington Avenue Minit Mart, 434 Washington Ave., said DeKleine would come into the convenience store about once a week on duty just to see how things were going, he said.
"He'd talk to us for at least 20, 30 minutes each time," Robinson said Saturday. "He didn't seem like anything was bothering him."
Cashier Becky McConville said she had never seen DeKleine in a bad mood during any of his visits to the store and that she frequently talked with him about her children.
A memorial service for Lori DeKleine is 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church.
Police line tape remains in place at 229 Calvin Avenue Saturday morning. Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement Thursday night. Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine, Lori's husband, is currently being held on suspicion of murdering her, and will be arraigned on an open murder charge Monday in Holland District Court
Church grieves slain member; cop to be arraigned
The Grand Rapids Press
January 14, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/church_grieves_slain_member_co.html
HOLLAND -- As family and friends gather today to bury Lori DeKleine -- allegedly killed by her estranged police officer husband -- parishioners at their church struggled to understand.
"We loved them both so much," said Linda Bylsma, a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. "We are still in shock."
Today's services for Lori DeKleine will come as 13-year Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine is expected to be arraigned on an open murder charge. He has been in the Ottawa County Jail since his arrest Friday.
Sunday morning worship services at the church focused heavily on the tragedy as a counselor from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services spoke to parishioners about their grief.
"We were just focusing on being a (church) family on Sunday," Bylsma said. "It was just a time of sharing."
Ken and Lori DeKleine were in the process of getting a divorce, and he moved out of the home almost a year ago. Lori DeKleine, 43, had a court order requiring her husband to stay a certain distance from the home, although a neighbor said he disobeyed it at least once.
Police were called to the residence, but state criminal records show Ken DeKleine, 44, was never charged with a violation.
Lori DeKleine worked on the church newsletter in the congregation office, and Ken DeKleine remained active in the church, even after the couple's separation.
"We want to be there for Lori's family, but we want to be there for Ken, too," she said. "And we know not everyone is going to be ready yet to be there for Ken.
"You can't even imagine something like this," she said.
Randy Johnson, Lakeshore services director for Pine Rest, said parishioners are trying to handle "some pretty intense emotions and thoughts.
"A lot of people are trying to cope with this by trying to make sense of it but, most of the time, there is no logic to this kind of tragic event," he said.
The DeKleine's two children, Bre and Christopher, are students at Holland Christian High School.
Holland Christian Schools Superintendent Glenn Vos said the school is preparing to deal with the loss in the long term.
Sunday night, counselors were to spend time with students in need of a familiar face, and additional crisis and counseling teams were to be at school today.
While the school has dealt with the loss of students and family members in the past, dealing with an act of alleged violence is different, he acknowledged.
"We do not have a lot of experience in this arena. By God's grace, it's not something we deal with often," he said.
"There is another layer of grief for kids. There's anger ... there's frustration and, I think, sometimes you have to deal with that differently.
"There's a potential trial, and there's all kinds of things," Vos said. "(This) is a long-term process, and we're trying to prepare ourselves to do that."
A neighbor of the DeKleines said Lori DeKleine "lived for her children." She served on the school's Theater Arts Patrons board.
Officer Arraigned For Wife's Murder
WWMT Channel 3 News/ Kalamazoo
January 14, 2008
http://www.wwmt.com/news/holland_1346237___article.html/officer_ken.html
HOLLAND (NEWS CHANNEL 3) - A 13-year-veteran of the Holland Police Department has been arraigned on Open Murder charges for the death of his wife.
It all started on Thursday evening when Holland Police were called to the home of Officer Ken DeKleine on an emergency medical call. The Officer's estranged wife, Lori DeKleine, had been found unresponsive in the basement by one of the couple's two children.
After autopsy results came back and police conducted many interviews, Officer DeKleine was arrested on Open Murder charges Friday evening.
Professionally, everything seemed alright for the DeKleines. Ken was a well-liked community policing officer with the Holland Police Department, and Lori worked part-time for their church Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
But on a personal level, their was a lot of strain on their relationship. Even before Newschannel 3 profiled Officer DeKleine in 2005 as he prepared to head over to Iraq to train officers, a neighbor says the couple had filed for divorce.
"Yeah, we were aware of it, Ken shared his frustration with that," said Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Lori had filed a personal protection order against Ken in January of '07. In it, a number of restrictions were listed, stating that DeKleine was prohibited from entering the couple's house, stalking Lori, or threatening her, verbally or physically.
The PPO was filed with Holland Police, the very place where Ken continued to work as an officer.
On Thursday, the discovery of Lori's body happened while Ken was on duty and at a training exercise.
"He was made aware of the call, obviously officers intervened before, he did not get into the house or anything," said Chief Kruithoff.
Less than 24 hours later, Ken was in jail, awaiting arraignment on the murder charges. Now the attention has turned to helping the couple's two teenage children, may end up losing both parents.
"There's a lot of grief and both sides of the family have come together, just trying to make the right decisions and do the right things to take care of the kids," said a family spokesperson.
Lori's funeral was held Monday afternoon at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Police: Holland officer confessed to killing wife
WOODTVJan 14, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7619698
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine confessed to killing his wife during the third interview with police, according to court documents.
Bonus video: DeKleine in court
DeKleine was arraigned on open murder charges in the 58th District Court Monday. DeKleine, who has been with the Holland Police for 13 years, was arrested Friday.
Two documents revealed a great deal: testimony used to get a warrant for Ken DeKleine and a personal protection order filed by his wife.
In the documents, police said they found Lori DeKleine, 43, in the basement with a nylon strap around her neck. During the interview with police, DeKleine said he went into their house several hours before she died and waited for the kids to leave. He then confronted her in the kitchen and put the strap around her neck.
She fell to the floor and he took her to the basement and tried to make it look like a suicide. One of their children called 9-1-1 Thursday night, and police discovered her body.
In their investigation, police found blood at the scene that was Ken DeKleine's.
DeKleine should not have been at the house since Lori filed a personal protection order against Ken.
The PPO showed the judge allowed Ken to still carry weapons, and the courts said he was trying to get the order terminated.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department sent a release to 24 Hour News 8 acknowledging violations of the PPO had been filed with the Holland Police Department. Those cases are now in the prosecutor's hands.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithof said there were no red flags with DeKleine.
"My job is to make sure that he can perform his job, and Ken did his job alright," he said. "Now, what he suppressed inside of him, yeah, I mean you can suppress something inside of you and I can be your best friend, but if you don't want me to know, I'm not going to know it."
In the courtroom sat one couple, church friends of the DeKleine's.
Amy Elwood said, "He's a good man. He just did something really bad. It's not the person we knew."
"We can't understand how this could have happened," said Thomas Elwood. Elwood and DeKleine both served in the military. In 2005, DeKleine spent a year in Iraq training soldiers.
"I can't say whether the time over there contributed to this," he said. "You wonder, though, because it's got to be traumatic in Iraq for everybody."
Kruithof said DeKleine wasn't there on active duty. "Family issues between he and his wife grew that year," he told 24 Hour News 8. "From what I believe, I don't believe he was affected by his events in Iraq. He was affected by the events that his family situation was in when he got back."
Police: DeKleine confessed to strangling wife;
personal protection order reveals new details
WZZM News, Channel 13
Jan 14, 2008
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86211
Holland - Police documents released today say Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine confessed to strangling his wife to death. DeKleine was formally charged on open murder charges this afternoon in Ottawa County District Court.
Investigators found the body of his wife, Lori, in the couple's Holland home on Thursday.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department says Holland Police turned the case over to them. After sheriff's investigators reviewed the evidence and received information from Lori DeKleine's autopsy, they arrested her husband.
In an arrest warrant released today, police say they questioned DeKleine three times and that he confessed during the third interrogation.
The warrant says DeKleine strangled his wife, using a strap around her neck. Investigators say DeKleine placed her body in the home's basement in an attempt to make her death appear to be a suicide.
In the warrant, investigators say they recovered blood from the scene and presume it belongs to DeKleine. They say he claimed he was bitten on his lip by his wife.DeKleine was arrested Friday afternoon after the Ottawa County Sheriff was called to assist Holland Police Thursday night after her body was found. A Personal Protection Order has been in place since January 31, 2007 against DeKleine and there have been violations of that PPO.
Our partner the Grand Haven Tribune has obtained a copy of the personal protection order. It was filed on January 31st, 2007 and quotes Lori DeKleine. She says, "I have become increasingly terrified and afraid for my life," referring to Holland Police Officer, Ken DeKleine.
In the protection order, Lori DeKleine claims she was coerced into sexual acts on several occasions during their marriage and molested while on sleep medications.
She also says, “Ken has been a sexual and emotional bully throughout our marriage, beginning on our honeymoon,” DeKleine went on to say, “His behavior continues to stifle my well-being and safety.”
Transcript released for DeKleine arrest warrant
The Grand Rapids Press
January 14, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/transcript_released_for_deklei.html
The following is a transcript of Lt. Mark Bennett, of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, seeking an arrest warrant on Saturday for Kenneth DeKleine.
MAGISTRATE GLENN R. YOAS: It's January 12, 2008. A request for a felony warrant, Defendant Kenneth Dekleine, D-e-k-l-e-i-n-e, for open murder. Who's going to sign the complaint?
LIEUTENANT MARK BENNETT: I will, your honor.
THE MAGISTRATE: Okay. Raise your right hand. Do you swear the information in this complaint is the truth to the best of your knowledge?
LIEUTENANT BENNETT: I do. Well, your honor, on January 11, 2008, the sheriff's office was called to assist the Holland City Police Department at 229 Calvin Street, in Holland City on a death investigation, and the victim of that death was Lori, L-o-r-i, Dekleine. It was noted that her husband is an employee of the City of Holland Police Department. They requested our assistance in that matter.
Through the course of the death investigation, the victim was found in the basement of her home on Calvin with a nylon strap around her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Subsequent medical examination confirmed that the death was that of a homicide, and the manner of death was strangulation, presumed by the apparatus around her neck.
Subsequently, several articles of evidence were located at the scene on Calvin Street. Several individuals were interviewed, and Kenneth Dekleine, the defendant in this case, was interviewed on multiple occasions.
The third occasion he was interviewed on, yesterday, the evening of the 11th. A substantial interview was done at that time, and under Miranda, Kenneth Dekleine confessed that he caused the injuries that resulted in the death of Mrs. Dekleine.
Ken had gained access to the home, somewhat prior to the homicide, a few hours prior to the homicide, and through that access, or after that access he had waited for Mrs. Dekleine to become alone in the residence after the children left; had contact with Mrs. Dekleine in the kitchen of the home on Calvin, and used a strap to affix the strap around her neck and chocked her to the point that she fell to the floor. While on the floor, he confirmed, by his own admission, that Mrs. Dekleine had died. He then placed Mrs. Dekleine in the basement of the home, attempted, and at least initially attempted to make the appearance of a suicide, and then left the residence.
The investigators found evidence at the scene that should, through subsequent investigation, confirm the presence of blood. That blood, we believe, is going to come back as being Kenneth Dekleine's blood, as he was injured in the altercation with Mrs. Dekleine. He claims that he was bitten on his lip by the victim, prior to the homicide, and this was substantiated by six sutures on Mr. Dekleine's lip that was noted during the investigation and subsequent interview of Mr. Dekleine.
Mr. Dekleine was lodged here at the Ottawa County Jail, subsequent to his interview and confession to the homicide.
THE MAGISTRATE: He confessed?
LIEUTENANT BENNETT: Yes, sir. d
THE MAGISTRATE: Okay. Probable cause has been established, and a warrant will issue. Sign the complaint. No bond will be set at this time. It will be delayed until Monday when he is arraigned.
Records: Slain wife said husband always a "bully"Muskegon Chronicle
January 14, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/records_slain_wife_said_husban.htmlHOLLAND -- After he returned from a tour in Iraq, Kenneth DeKleine, the Holland police officer accused of killing his wife Lori DeKleine, became increasingly abusive, causing her to fear for her safety, she said in court records obtained today.
"He completely walked out in a rage of anger the week he returned from Iraq, without taking his cell phone, calling to say where he went or a phone number where he could be reached," she wrote in a request for a personal protection order. "He was unreachable for nearly 24 hours. I was afraid that he might harm himself or return and harm me."
She also said that he had been a "sexual and emotional bully to me throughout our marriage, beginning on our honeymoon."
Court records show Lori and Ken DeKleine were set to be in court Feb. 7 for a bench trial in their divorce and issues over child custody.
Lori DeKleine received a restraining order against her husband in January 2007, shortly before her husband filed for divorce the following month.
Court records show that a judge also signed an order for a "mutual civil restraining order" in March and granted Lori DeKleine exclusive use of the marital home.
Ken DeKleine, awaiting arraignment today on an open murder charge, objected to the order but subsequent hearings on the issue were all adjourned.
Records show DeKleine immediately objected to the January 2007 restraining order, but hearings to have the order rescinded were repeatedly adjourned, apparently at Ken DeKleine's request.
The restraining order, set to expire on Jan. 31, remained in effect when Lori DeKleine was killed.
DeKleine said in court records that his wife, whose funeral is this afternoon, suffered severe depression and had attempted suicide in the past.
Holland police responded to a reported suicide Thursday at the couple's home where Lori DeKleine was living with their two children.
On Friday, police arrested the husband at work.
Affidavit: Cop confessed to ambush, killingMuskegon Chronicle
January 14, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/affidavit_cop_confessed_to_amb.html
HOLLAND -- Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine admitted to investigators that he strangled his estranged wife to death with a nylon strap, apparently after hiding in the home until Lori DeKleine was alone, a warrant affidavit shows.
The warrant, sworn by Ottawa County sheriff's Lt. Mark Bennett, alleges he then "had contact with Mrs. DeKleine in the kitchen of the home on Calvin Avenue and affixed the strap around her neck and choked her to the point that she fell to the floor."
Read a transcript of Lt. Mark Bennett seeking an arrest warrant.
"While on the floor, he confirmed by his own admission, that Mrs. DeKleine had died," Bennett testified.
"He then placed Mrs. DeKleine in the basement of the home, and at least initially attempted to make the appearance of a suicide, and then left the residence," Bennett said.
Police found blood at the scene they believe is that of Ken DeKleine, because he was injured in the altercation with Lori DeKleine.
DeKleine told investigators his estranged wife bit him on the lip in the moments before her death, an injury substantiated by six sutures on DeKleine's lip as investigators interviewed him.
Bennett said DeKleine attacked his wife after their two teen children left the home. DeKleine showed little emotion Monday when arraigned in Holland District Court with attorney Charles Rominger by his side.
Holland District Court Judge Susan Jonas denied bond.
During the investigation, police interviewed DeKleine three times, with a confession coming on the third interrogation, the affidavit shows.
Lori DeKleine's body was discovered Thursday evening by her son. The strap was still around her neck.
The couple was going through a contentious divorce, records show.
Officer Arraigned For Wife's Murder
WWMT Channel 3/ Kalamazoo
January 14, 2008
http://www.wwmt.com/news/holland_1346237___article.html/officer_ken.html
HOLLAND (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 13-year-veteran of the Holland Police Department has been arraigned on Open Murder charges for the death of his wife.
It all started on Thursday evening when Holland Police were called to the home of Officer Ken DeKleine on an emergency medical call. The Officer's estranged wife, Lori DeKleine, had been found unresponsive in the basement by one of the couple's two children.
After autopsy results came back and police conducted many interviews, Officer DeKleine was arrested on Open Murder charges Friday evening, and arraigned Monday afternoon on those charges in Holland.
Court documents tell a twisted story of Ken lying in wait with a nylon strap, confessing that he strangled his soon to be ex-wife last week, trying to make it all look like a suicide.
Professionally, everything seemed alright for the DeKleines. Ken was a well-liked community policing officer with the Holland Police Department, and Lori worked part-time for their church Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
But on a personal level, their was a lot of strain on their relationship. Even before Newschannel 3 profiled Officer DeKleine in 2005 as he prepared to head over to Iraq to train officers, a neighbor says the couple had filed for divorce.
"Yeah, we were aware of it, Ken shared his frustration with that," said Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Lori had filed a personal protection order against Ken in January of '07. In it, a number of restrictions were listed, stating that DeKleine was prohibited from entering the couple's house, stalking Lori, or threatening her, verbally or physically.
The PPO was filed with Holland Police, the very place where Ken continued to work as an officer.
Lori's divorce Attorney Holly Verdem says that Lori was afraid of what Ken might do to her."
"She told people last weekend that if anything happens to me, make sure they investigate Ken," Verdem told Newschannel 3.
Then on Thursday, Lori's body was discovered while Ken was on duty and at a training exercise.
"He was made aware of the call, obviously officers intervened before, he did not get into the house or anything," said Chief Kruithoff.
Less than 24 hours later, Ken was in jail, awaiting arraignment on the murder charges.
Now the attention has turned to helping the couple's two teenage children, may end up losing both parents.
"There's a lot of grief and both sides of the family have come together, just trying to make the right decisions and do the right things to take care of the kids," said a family spokesperson.
Lori's funeral was held Monday afternoon at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Police: Holland officer confessed to killing wife
WOODTV NEWS
Jan 14, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7619698&nav=0Rcd0Uts10FC
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine confessed to killing his wife during the third interview with police, according to court documents.
DeKleine was arraigned on open murder charges in the 58th District Court Monday. DeKleine, who has been with the Holland Police for 13 years, was arrested Friday.
Two documents revealed a great deal: testimony used to get a warrant for Ken DeKleine and a personal protection order filed by his wife.
In the documents, police said they found Lori DeKleine, 43, in the basement with a nylon strap around her neck. During the interview with police, DeKleine said he went into their house several hours before she died and waited for the kids to leave. He then confronted her in the kitchen and put the strap around her neck.
She fell to the floor and he took her to the basement and tried to make it look like a suicide. One of their children called 9-1-1 Thursday night, and police discovered her body.
In their investigation, police found blood at the scene that was Ken DeKleine's.
DeKleine should not have been at the house since Lori filed a personal protection order against Ken.
The PPO showed the judge allowed Ken to still carry weapons, and the courts said he was trying to get the order terminated.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department sent a release to 24 Hour News 8 acknowledging violations of the PPO had been filed with the Holland Police Department. Those cases are now in the prosecutor's hands.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithof said there were no red flags with DeKleine. "My job is to make sure that he can perform his job, and Ken did his job alright," he said. "Now, what he suppressed inside of him, yeah, I mean you can suppress something inside of you and I can be your best friend, but if you don't want me to know, I'm not going to know it."
In the courtroom sat one couple, church friends of the DeKleine's.
Amy Elwood said, "He's a good man. He just did something really bad. It's not the person we knew."
"We can't understand how this could have happened," said Thomas Elwood. Elwood and DeKleine both served in the military. In 2005, DeKleine spent a year in Iraq training soldiers.
"I can't say whether the time over there contributed to this," he said. "You wonder, though, because it's got to be traumatic in Iraq for everybody."
Kruithof said DeKleine wasn't there on active duty. "Family issues between he and his wife grew that year," he told 24 Hour News 8. "From what I believe, I don't believe he was affected by his events in Iraq. He was affected by the events that his family situation was in when he got back."
Update: Chief says cop charged in slaying seemed stable
Muskegon Chronicle
January 14, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/update_chief_says_cop_charged.html
HOLLAND -- Police Chief John Kruithoff this afternoon said there no clear signs that Officer Ken DeKleine, accused of murdering his wife, might be unstable.
Police knew DeKleine was going through a divorce and that Lori DeKleine had a restraining order against him, Kruithoff said, but prosecutors did not find enough evidence to charge him with any violations in two 911 calls she made about him.
The first call involved their meeting at a Memorial Day parade in which their son was a marching band member. The second was in August when Ken DeKleine went to see a pastor at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori DeKleine worked, but he believed she was not there at the time.
"He didn't suppress the fact he was having marital problems," Kruithoff said. "But obviously he suppressed something enough where he committed this act.
"Nobody came to me and said, 'Boy, there is something wrong with Ken,'" he said. "Ken came to work and did his job."
Author: Seeking help critical in troubled relationships
WOODTV NewsJan 14, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7624580&nav=menu44_2
GRAND RAPIDS -- A Holland police officer confessed to killing his wife in her home, according to court documents. Ken DeKleine was formally charged Monday.
Members of DeKleine's church were in the courtroom Monday, stunned by what has been taking place. They say his apparent actions don't reflect the man they knew -- a seemingly good person.
24 Hour News discovered Lori DeKleine had filed a personal protection order against her husband a year ago.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff says he knew the couple was going through a separation, but beyond that there were no warning signs.
"Now what he suppressed inside of him, yeah, I mean, you can suppress something inside of you and I can be your best friend and if you don't want me to know it I'm not going to know it," Chief Kruithoff told 24 Hour News 8.
Psychologist Randy Flood is director of the Men's Resource Center in Grand Rapids and co-author of Stop Hurting the Woman You Love.
Flood has over 15 years experience in domestic violence counseling. He says even men who appear authoritative and confident in public may be suffering from unseen insecurities and show signs of potential abusive behavior.
"Usually you have to have a propensity for control from the outset. And then if someone's life is chaotic or stressful, that can fuel and exacerbate that need for control," said Flood.
Flood says seeking help is critical, and in the case of Lori DeKleine the personal protection order was the right move. But sometimes violent behavior is hard to predict and harder to prevent.
"If a person really wants to hurt someone, then sometimes that person can do that, and limits won't stop them," said Flood.
Ken DeKleine recently spent a year in Iraq training soldiers. Chief Kruithoff said he suspects the troubles in DeKleine's marriage began during that time.
Police: Officer confessed
Ken DeKleine charged with open murder in wife's death
Holland Sentinel
January 15, 2008
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/011508/local_20080115001.shtml
Lori DeKleine's death was initially reported as a suicide, but investigators were already gathering evidence contrary to that as soon as they arrived, court records revealed Monday.
Although her death Thursday was reported within Holland, the investigation was quickly turned over to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office because Lori DeKleine was married to veteran Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine.
On Friday, after DeKleine was informed of his right to remain silent, he admitted to investigators he had killed his 43-year-old wife, court records show.
DeKleine, 44, was arraigned Monday afternoon in Holland District Court on an open murder charge. He remains jailed without bond.
DeKleine told investigators on Friday that he had strangled his wife with a nylon strap in the kitchen at their home, according to court records. DeKleine then took his wife's body into the home's basement where he attempted to make her death appear a suicide, records show.
Those records show DeKleine gave the following description of events: DeKleine had surreptitiously got inside the house -- the two had been separated and he was living elsewhere -- where he waited until his two children had left and Lori was alone. DeKleine then went into the kitchen where he choked his wife with a nylon strap until she fell to the floor dead.
Although DeKleine attempted to make it appear that his wife had committed suicide, investigators found blood inside the house that they believe will turn out to be Ken DeKleine's, court records show.
"He claims that he was bitten on his lip by (Lori) prior to the homicide, and this was substantiated by six sutures on (his) lip that was noted during the investigation ... ," Lt. Mark Bennett told a magistrate Saturday when requesting a warrant to charge DeKleine.
After DeKleine was arrested Friday night, Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said he called the entire department together to inform everyone.
"That was very, very difficult, very emotional," Kruithoff said Monday.
The department knew about the marital problems in the DeKleine family, as well as the personal protection order that was granted to Lori DeKleine Jan. 31, 2007, Kruithoff said.
The order said DeKleine was not allowed to contact his wife or to be near the house they once shared, Kruithoff said.
"Other than that there were no other conditions. He could do his job," Kruithoff said. "It's all up to the judge."
After Monday's arraignment, Thomas Elwood, who identified himself as a friend of Ken DeKleine's from Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, said he felt compelled to attend because the allegations are so shocking.
"I was struck by the irony of it, because of how many people he's had to arrest," he said. "To have it turned around with him being there before the judge, I can't even understand how it happened."
Victim was 'terrified' of husband, records show
Holland Sentinel
January 15, 2008
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/011508/local_20080115002.shtml
Lori DeKleine was aware of the danger signs around her, according to court records.
"I have become increasingly terrified and afraid for my life," she wrote in a personal protection order filed in Ottawa County Circuit Court on Jan. 31, 2007, against her husband, Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine.
Less than one year later, Lori DeKleine, 43, was found strangled Thursday night in the basement of her Holland home.
"Ken has been a sexual and emotional bully throughout our marriage, beginning on our honeymoon," she wrote.
Lori DeKleine indicated she wanted to prohibit her husband from purchasing or possessing a firearm, but noted: "I do not object to his use of a firearm while he is on duty at Holland Police Department."
The final straw that apparently led to the protection order filing was an episode during the weekend of Jan. 27, 2007, while the couple was still living together.
"I believe Ken broke into the locked room I have been sleeping in to stay safe," she said. "I believe he broke in through the window in the room, leaving glass all over the bed and blood stains throughout the room and house."
Lori DeKleine wrote that she found several recording devices in her backpack, on their home phone and under some clothing in their bedroom.
She also wrote in the order that shortly after Ken returned from Iraq in February 2006 where he had been part of a group training Iraqi police, he became even more angry and controlling.
"I was afraid that he might harm himself or return and harm me," she wrote.
Ottawa County records indicate Ken DeKleine filed for divorce on Jan. 8, 2007. Meanwhile, a notice of the protection order was sent to Holland Police Department the day it was filed, court records show.
Terms of the divorce, mostly concerning child custody, kept the case open through the end of the year. The original terms called for joint custody of the children, but Lori did not want to oblige, which sent the case to Friend of the Court for a ruling, according to court records.
Police: Holland police officer says he strangled estranged wife
MLIVE
January 15, 2008
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-50/1200407650268140.xml&storylist=newsmichigan
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say a 13-year Holland police veteran has confessed to strangling his estranged wife.
One of their children found the body Thursday of 43-year-old Lori DeKleine, and police arrested 44-year-old Officer Ken DeKleine on an open murder charge Friday. Holland District Court Judge Susan Jonas denied him bond at Monday's arraignment.
The Grand Rapids Press and The Holland Sentinel report Ottawa County sheriff's Lieutenant Mark Bennett signed an affidavit quoting DeKleine as saying he hid in his wife's home until their two teenage children left, then strangled her with a nylon strap.
A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with defense lawyer Floyd Farmer.
WOOD-TV says a judge had ordered DeKleine not to contact his wife.
Slain wife warned friends of her fears
The Grand Rapids Press
January 15, 2008
HOLLAND -- The end for Lori DeKleine came just as she feared.
Days before her estranged police-officer husband, Ken DeKleine, allegedly slipped into her Holland Heights home and strangled her, she told friends: "You know, if I come up dead, if something happens to me, make sure Ken's investigated."
Her attorney, Holly Verde, recalled the haunting words Monday. She thinks Holland police should have done more to protect her client after Lori DeKleine chronicled allegations of abuse and a break-in at the home the couple once shared on Calvin Avenue.
In a statement she wrote nearly a year ago, Lori DeKleine said: "I have become increasingly terrified and afraid for my life."
Verde said she shuddered when she heard her client apparently killed herself Thursday. She called prosecutors. Ken DeKleine was arrested the next day and was arraigned Monday on a charge of open murder.
As the couple's marriage crumbled, police twice investigated allegations he violated a restraining order, but prosecutors did not find evidence to charge him. Police investigated the break-in, but it was viewed as a civil dispute because the officer, at the time, was not barred from the home.
"If there would have been alarm signs, we would have done something," Chief John Kruithoff said. "I didn't see there was a significant event that went on in his life that would have triggered this. Ken was a very talkative person, everyone's friend. He didn't suppress the fact he was having marital troubles. But, obviously, he suppressed something enough where he committed this."
Verde said Lori DeKleine felt isolated, and she did not think the police would protect her. She believed her husband had convinced friends, including those at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where they both worshipped and she worked, that she was the problem.
A mutual friend told her that Ken DeKleine had falsely told others she had a relationship with her therapist, records showed. DeKleine also said his estranged wife suffered severe depression and was suicidal. She has a "well-established pattern of blaming others for her mental and emotional problems," he wrote in court documents.
Private troubles
The couples' private lives -- including Lori DeKleine's written allegations that her husband was a "sexual and emotional bully to me throughout our marriage, beginning on our honeymoon" -- contrasted sharply with their public image.
Retired Holland Police Officer Darryl Raterink wasn't the only one to find the homicide allegation unbelievable. "I just can't see that with Kenny. I can't imagine what it would take to make Kenny snap."
DeKleine led church trips, coached his son's lacrosse team and changed his work schedule to travel with his daughter's drama team. His wife once taught elementary school and published the church newsletter.
Their children, Breanne, 18, and Christopher, 16, excel at Holland Christian High School.
But court documents show the reality behind those idyllic appearances.
In a letter written to her father after he filed for divorce in late 2006, Breanne said her father's filing "shattered my world and my heart. ... You would not cry in front of the family, for this family, that you created, invested in, laughed with, got angry at, and loved deeply for the past 20 years. Sitting at that table was like a business meeting. You were the CEO, telling your board of directors that the company has just gone under. You were just that cold."
Her mother "put up with more than she should have, and more than most people would have," she wrote. "We've, I've, put up with your bull ... for a long time, but this goes too far."
Still, she said: "I love you, Daddy, with all my heart, and that will never go away. I am, however, more pissed off than I have ever been. ..."
Mental health accusations
Almost a year ago, Lori DeKleine, 43, obtained a personal-protection order, with a judge's provision that allowed her husband to carry a gun on the job.
Ken DeKleine, 44, who initially contested the order, said his wife's "severe depression" and suicide attempts left her too unstable to care for the children.
He was particularly concerned in 2005, while training Iraqi police officers overseas. In an e-mail, she said their son had asked if she was OK.
"This is a very poignant reminder to me that both Breanne and Christopher are very aware of Lori's several suicide attempts (once by overdose) and of her struggle with severe depression when she is under stress. ... Most people have become wise to her manipulation, but the children have grown up with this and do not recognize it for what it is," Ken DeKleine wrote.
He said he had "complete support" from police commanders who had "full knowledge of all of Lori's mental health issues and have discussed her suicidal behavior ...," he wrote.
Some say Iraq changed him. The week after he returned, he "walked out in a rage of anger," his wife wrote. But the chief said the officer was affected by marital troubles, not Iraq. DeKleine trained police for a private contractor -- not Blackwater, as some have alleged -- and returned in early 2006.
Break-in left blood, papers
Beyond filings in the protection order and divorce case, Lori DeKleine called police in early 2007 over a break-in at her home. Someone broke into her locked bedroom downstairs. She found blood, and papers had been copied. Ken DeKleine acknowledged to police he broke in, but it happened before the restraining order had been filed, and he had a legal right to be there.
The couple had a Feb. 7 bench trial scheduled. She looked forward to ending the marriage, but was anxious, too, because of her husband's anger toward her, her attorney said.
Hours before his wife was found dead Thursday evening, a friend saw Ken DeKleine at the Meijer Inc. store on East 16th Street. DeKleine did not seem agitated or out of sorts. They chatted about work, and DeKleine's time in Iraq.
"He was smiling, laughing, and you'd never know anything was wrong," said the friend, who didn't want to be identified. DeKleine was not wearing his wedding band. The friend didn't ask. Saturday morning, he got the news.
"It blew my mind."
Ken DeKleine was a 13-year veteran of the Holland Police Department but now he's on the other side of the law. He's been accused of murdering his wife.
One of their children found Lori DeKleine dead in the basement of their home just more than two weeks ago.
Court records show the two had been going through a difficult divorce. Lori, even took out a restraining order against Ken and told her attorney and friends she was afraid for her life.
Friday, Ken DeKleine appeared in court where a judge weighed the evidence against him. The Holland Police Officer accused of murder will stand trial for the crime. This comes after a very emotional day of testimony in court. Its very apparent this crime has devastated not only a family but many here in law enforcement.
“I reached down and touched her right elbow.. It was rigamortis had already set in.. I knew she was deceased,” said Sgt. Jeff Velthouse of the Holland Police.
Sgt. Velthouse was the first police officer to arrive on the scene. He's known both the suspect and victim for more than a decade. He was not able to keep his composure at the witness stand. “I've known Lori as long as I've known Ken, approximately 13 years, her children and my son go to the same school,” sobbed Sgt. Velthouse.
Ken DeKleine told detectives he had been thinking about killing Lori for more than a year and that he wanted to make it look like a suicide.
Court testimony indicated Ken snuck into his wife's house, a house he was court ordered to stay away from. He waited in an attic there until his kids left on the morning of January 10th.
Testimony indicates Ken DeKleine strangled her with a strap in what was a big struggle. “His intent was to wait for the children to go to school, his wife to get in the shower, to sneak into the house and to kill her,” said Michigan State Detective Sgt. Gary Miles.
After he says he killed her, DeKliene indicated he went to get a chocolate milkshake, and then later went to work at Holland Police. He did all this with a fat lip from being injured in the fight with his wife.
“He intended to cause her death to kill her.. He hoped to get away with it.. So he could spend his life with his children without her,”said Sgt. Miles.
With a confession in hand, it didn't take long for a judge to send DeKleine to trial for the crime.
Holland officer will face trial for killing his wife
WZZM News/ Channel 13
Jan 25, 2008
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86719
Holland - A Holland Police Officer will be held over for trial for killing his wife earlier in January.
Ken DeKleine appeared in court this morning for a preliminary examination to determine if enough evidence existed for a trial.
Several witnesses took the stand this morning including the Michigan State Police Detective who interviewed DeKleine the day after the murder.
Detective Sgt. Gary Miles said on the stand that DeKleine admitted to strangling his wife, Lori, and making the scene appear to be a suicide. Miles said DeKleine's goal was to "spend his life with his children, without her." Miles also said that in the interview, DeKleine first started thinking about killing Lori in January 2007 when she took out a Personal Protection Order against him and formulated his plan in December 2007.
Miles described how DeKleine told him how he hid in the attic of his estranged wife's home early in the morning of January 10th. After waiting for the children to leave for school, the detective said DeKleine encountered his wife, watching her from the door between the garage and the inside of the home.
DeKleine forced his way in, the detective testified, holding a strap tied into a slipknot.
Detective Miles testified: "He then grabbed his wife Lori - a struggle ensued. He got this slipknot over her head. He began to tighten the slipknot against her throat. She made a statement 'think of the kids' and, he tells me that he said to her 'I am thinking of the kids' and then he continued to tighten this around the throat until he believes she died."
The medical examiner, Holland Police and other Michigan State Police detectives also testified this morning.
DeKleine's next hearing will be a formal arraignment on the charge of open murder on February 4th. He remains in jail without bond.
Detective: Cop hid in attic before murder
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine first thought of murdering his wife the day she took out a restraining order against him. He carried out the plan earlier this month by hiding in the separated couple's attic overnight before he attacked her with a climbing strap and rubber gloves, a detective testified this morning.
Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles said DeKleine confessed to killing Lori DeKleine, telling him Lori DeKleine told him to "think of the kids" as he was strangling her with the strap.
He replied to her: "I am thinking of the kids," said Miles, recounting DeKleine's confession.
Miles said DeKleine told him he "wanted to cause her death and kill her. He hoped to get away with it so he could spend his life with his children without her."
The DeKleines were going through a contentious divorce, and she filed for a personal protection order in late January 2007.
Miles said Ken DeKleine hatched a plan in December to kill her, then earlier this month went to her house in the middle of the night, lifted the garage door to get in, and hid in the attic above the garage in freezing temperatures until his teenage children left about 7:45 a.m.
When they did leave, he emerged, strangled Lori DeKleine with the strap during a struggle in the kitchen, then dragged her body into the basement and staged a scene to look like a suicide, police said.
DeKleine, whose shirt was bloody after Lori DeKleine bit his lip, tossed his sweatshirt and his shoes out the window as he drove to his apartment, Miles said.
He hid Lori DeKleine's shirt, which he also removed because it was stained with his blood, in her home's attic.
Ottawa County Medical Examiner Dr. David Start said Lori DeKleine had numerous bruises all over her body, indicating a severe struggle. She died of strangulation.
During today's hearing, Holland police Sgt. Jeff Velthouse began sniffling while talking about being called to the scene and finding Lori DeKleine's body. He had known both the husband and wife for years.
Detective: Cop hid in attic before murder
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine first thought of murdering his wife the day she took out a restraining order against him. He carried out the plan earlier this month by hiding in the separated couple's attic overnight before he attacked her with a climbing strap and rubber gloves, a detective testified this morning.
Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles said DeKleine confessed to killing Lori DeKleine, telling him Lori DeKleine told him to "think of the kids" as he was strangling her with the strap.
He replied to her: "I am thinking of the kids," said Miles, recounting DeKleine's confession.
Miles said DeKleine told him he "wanted to cause her death and kill her. He hoped to get away with it so he could spend his life with his children without her."
The DeKleines were going through a contentious divorce, and she filed for a personal protection order in late January 2007.
Miles said Ken DeKleine hatched a plan in December to kill her, then earlier this month went to her house in the middle of the night, lifted the garage door to get in, and hid in the attic above the garage in freezing temperatures until his teenage children left about 7:45 a.m.
When they did leave, he emerged, strangled Lori DeKleine with the strap during a struggle in the kitchen, then dragged her body into the basement and staged a scene to look like a suicide, police said.
DeKleine, whose shirt was bloody after Lori DeKleine bit his lip, tossed his sweatshirt and his shoes out the window as he drove to his apartment, Miles said.
He hid Lori DeKleine's shirt, which he also removed because it was stained with his blood, in her home's attic.
Ottawa County Medical Examiner Dr. David Start said Lori DeKleine had numerous bruises all over her body, indicating a severe struggle. She died of strangulation.
During today's hearing, Holland police Sgt. Jeff Velthouse began sniffling while talking about being called to the scene and finding Lori.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
WOOD TV NEWS
January 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7774143&nav=menu44_2
HOLLAND, Mich. -- A Holland police officer has been bound over for trial in the death of his wife, who also served on the force.
Forty-four-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on Jan. 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned Feb. 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
MLIVE
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — A Holland police officer has been bound over for trial in the death of his wife, who also served on the force.
Forty-four-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on Jan. 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned Feb. 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
WLNS TV 6/ Lansing
January 25, 2008
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7774115&nav=menu25_2
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) - A Holland police officer has been bound over for trial in the death of his wife, who also served on the force.
Forty-4-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on Jan. 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned Feb. 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
WTOL TV, Toledo Ohio
January 25, 2008
http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=7774115
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) - A Holland police officer has been bound over for trial in the death of his wife, who also served on the force.
Forty-4-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on Jan. 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned Feb. 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Wife to Holland cop: 'Think about the kids'
WOOD TV- Grand Rapids MI
Jan 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7773517&nav=0RceNb6X
HOLLAND -- Lori DeKleine's last words to her husband were, "Think about the kids." Her husband, Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine, replied, "I am thinking about the children."
This information came to light at DeKleine's preliminary exam for the murder of his wife, and his attempts to make it look like a suicide. It was also revealed he'd thought about killing her for nearly a year.
Three witnesses took the stand Friday, including the officer who found her body after their teenage son called police.
The officer testified he noticed inconsistencies with what was made to look like a suicide. A ladder was found a few feet away from Lori, and that didn't make sense to the officer.
The next day, during an interview with an Ottawa County detective, DeKleine admitted he'd been planning to murder his wife since January 31, 2007. But it wasn't until early December 2007 he actually formulated a plan.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testifed the day of the murder, DeKleine crawled up into the attic space above the garage and waited for his children to leave for school. He crawled down and confronted his wife. He used a gray strap to strangle her in the kitchen, and a fight ensued. She bit his lip severely, and blood got all over her clothes and his.
Her last words were, "Think about the kids." He replied, "I am thinking about the children."
"And then," Miles testified, "he continues to tighten it around her throat until he believes she's dead."
He then dragged her body downstairs and tried to make it look like a suicide. He noticed blood on the gray strap, so he found a yellow strap and wrapped that around her neck. But he became frustrated with the effort and left.
He disposed of some of the bloody clothes and went to a Med Center to get his lip sewn up. "He then went across the street or somewhere in the area to a McDonald's, bought himself a chocolate shake," Miles testified.
DeKleine then returned to work at the Holland Police Department around 3:45 p.m.
Divorce records obtained by 24 Hour News 8 shed light on DeKleine's frame of mind. He expressed concerns over his wife's mental stability and her ability to provide their two teenage children with a safe and stable home.
In the custody petition, DeKleine claims his wife suffered from mental illness and had attempted suicide.
He also insinuates his wife was having an affair with a therapist she was seeing.
DeKleine, who is currently on an emergency unpaid suspension from the police department will next be in court on February 4, at which time a trial date will be set.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
WSBT TV- Southbend IN
Jan 25, 2008
http://www.wsbt.com/news/michigan/14345637.html
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — A Holland police officer has been bound over for trial in the death of his wife, who also served on the force.
Forty-four-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on Jan. 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned Feb. 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Cop: DeKleine had milkshake after killingGrand Rapids Press
January 25, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/dekleine_had_a_milk_shake_afte.htmlAfter allegedly killing his estranged wife, Holland police officer Ken DeKleine had his cut lip sewn up with stitches at Holland Hospital's Prime Care, then went to McDonald's for a chocolate shake, according to testimony at a court hearing this morning.
The testimony showed DeKleine apparently left the alleged murder scene about 12:45 p.m. and kept a cool demeanor, telling hospital medical staff a Dutch oven fell off a shelf and hit him in the mouth, causing the cut.
In a confession he gave to Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles, DeKleine also told police he went to Model Drug store to buy some peroxide for the lip after being treated. He went to work at the police station at about 3:45 p.m.
Miles said DeKleine, who seemed mostly expressionless throughout today's probable cause hearing, confessed to strangling his wife after he hid in her home. She bit him on the lip during a fight, he said.
Defense attorney Floyd Farmer asked few questions. However, he focused one question on whether DeKleine talked about being concerned his wife was having an affair with her therapist.
Miles said DeKleine did tell him that.
Several relatives of the DeKleine family were in the courtroom, but did not want to comment.
DeKleine's brother sat on one side of the room, behind Ken and his attorney, while Lori DeKleine's family sat on the other side.
Cop: DeKleine had milkshake after killing
HOLLAND -- After allegedly killing his estranged wife, Holland police officer Ken DeKleine had his cut lip sewn up with stitches at Holland Hospital's Prime Care, then went to McDonald's for a chocolate shake, according to testimony at a court hearing this morning.
The testimony showed DeKleine apparently left the alleged murder scene about 12:45 p.m. and kept a cool demeanor, telling hospital medical staff a Dutch oven fell off a shelf and hit him in the mouth, causing the cut.
In a confession he gave to Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles, DeKleine also told police he went to Model Drug store to buy some peroxide for the lip after being treated. He went to work at the police station at about 3:45 p.m.
Miles said DeKleine, who seemed mostly expressionless throughout today's probable cause hearing, confessed to strangling his wife after he hid in her home. She bit him on the lip during a fight, he said.
Defense attorney Floyd Farmer asked few questions. However, he focused one question on whether DeKleine talked about being concerned his wife was having an affair with her therapist.
Miles said DeKleine did tell him that.
Several relatives of the DeKleine family were in the courtroom, but did not want to comment.
DeKleine's brother sat on one side of the room, behind Ken DeKleine and his attorney, while Lori DeKleine's family sat on the other side.
Holland Police Officer Bound Over For Trial In Wife's Death
WFRV.com
Forty-four-year-old Ken DeKleine remains jailed without bond following his preliminary examination Friday morning in Ottawa County District Court.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testified DeKleine told investigators he strangled his 43-year-old wife on January 10 and tried to make Lori DeKleine's death look like a suicide.
The defendant is to be arraigned February 4 on a charge of open murder and would face a mandatory life prison sentence with no possibility of parole if convicted.
A telephone message seeking comment from defense lawyer Floyd Farmer was left at his Spring Lake office after the hearing.
Wife to Holland cop: 'Think about the kids'
WOOD TV- Grand Rapids MI
Jan 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7773517&nav=0Rcd
HOLLAND -- Lori DeKleine's last words to her husband were, "Think about the kids." Her husband, Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine, replied, "I am thinking about the children."
This information came to light at DeKleine's preliminary exam for the murder of his wife, and his attempts to make it look like a suicide. It was also revealed he'd thought about killing her for nearly a year.
Three witnesses took the stand Friday, including the officer who found her body after their teenage son called police.
The officer testified he noticed inconsistencies with what was made to look like a suicide. A ladder was found a few feet away from Lori, and that didn't make sense to the officer.
The next day, during an interview with an Ottawa County detective, DeKleine admitted he'd been planning to murder his wife since January 31, 2007. But it wasn't until early December 2007 he actually formulated a plan.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testifed the day of the murder, DeKleine crawled up into the attic space above the garage and waited for his children to leave for school. He crawled down and confronted his wife. He used a gray strap to strangle her in the kitchen, and a fight ensued. She bit his lip severely, and blood got all over her clothes and his.
Her last words were, "Think about the kids." He replied, "I am thinking about the children."
"And then," Miles testified, "he continues to tighten it around her throat until he believes she's dead."
He then dragged her body downstairs and tried to make it look like a suicide. He noticed blood on the gray strap, so he found a yellow strap and wrapped that around her neck. But he became frustrated with the effort and left.
He disposed of some of the bloody clothes and went to a Med Center to get his lip sewn up. "He then went across the street or somewhere in the area to a McDonald's, bought himself a chocolate shake," Miles testified.
DeKleine then returned to work at the Holland Police Department around 3:45 p.m.
Divorce records obtained by 24 Hour News 8 shed light on DeKleine's frame of mind. He expressed concerns over his wife's mental stability and her ability to provide their two teenage children with a safe and stable home.
In the custody petition, DeKleine claims his wife suffered from mental illness and had attempted suicide. He also insinuates his wife was having an affair with a therapist she was seeing.
DeKleine, who is currently on an emergency unpaid suspension from the police department will next be in court on February 4, at which time a trial date will be set.
Detective says cop hid in attic before murder
Chronicle News Service
January 25, 2008
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine first thought of murdering his wife the day she took out a restraining order against him.
He carried out the plan earlier this month by hiding in the separated couple's attic overnight before he attacked her with a climbing strap and rubber gloves, a detective testified this morning.
Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles said DeKleine confessed to killing Lori DeKleine, telling him Lori DeKleine told him to "think of the kids" as he was strangling her with the strap.
He replied to her: "I am thinking of the kids," said Miles, recounting DeKleine's confession.
Miles said DeKleine told him he "wanted to cause her death and kill her. He hoped to get away with it so he could spend his life with his children without her."
The DeKleines were going through a contentious divorce, and she filed for a personal protection order in late January 2007.
Miles said Ken DeKleine hatched a plan in December to kill her, then earlier this month went to her house in the middle of the night, lifted the garage door to get in, and hid in the attic above the garage in freezing temperatures until his teenage children left about 7:45 a.m.
When they did leave, he emerged, strangled Lori DeKleine with the strap during a struggle in the kitchen, then dragged her body into the basement and staged a scene to look like a suicide, police said.
DeKleine, whose shirt was bloody after Lori DeKleine bit his lip, tossed his sweatshirt and his shoes out the window as he drove to his apartment, Miles said.
He hid Lori DeKleine's shirt, which he also removed because it was stained with his blood, in her home's attic.
Ottawa County Medical Examiner Dr. David Start said Lori DeKleine had numerous bruises all over her body, indicating a severe struggle. She died of strangulation.
During today's hearing, Holland police Sgt. Jeff Velthouse began sniffling while talking about being called to the scene and finding Lori DeKleine's body
Cop: DeKleine had milkshake after killing wife
Chronicle News Service
January 25, 2008
HOLLAND -- After allegedly killing his estranged wife, Holland police officer Ken DeKleine had his cut lip sewn up with stitches at Holland Hospital's Prime Care, then went to McDonald's for a chocolate shake, according to testimony at a court hearing this morning.
Ken DeKleine
The testimony showed DeKleine apparently left the alleged murder scene about 12:45 p.m. and kept a cool demeanor, telling hospital medical staff a Dutch oven fell off a shelf and hit him in the mouth, causing the cut.
In a confession he gave to Michigan State Police Detective Gary Miles, DeKleine also told police he went to Model Drug store to buy some peroxide for the lip after being treated. He went to work at the police station at about 3:45 p.m.
Miles said DeKleine, who seemed mostly expressionless throughout today's probable cause hearing, confessed to strangling his wife after he hid in her home. She bit him on the lip during a fight, he said.
Defense attorney Floyd Farmer asked few questions. However, he focused one question on whether DeKleine talked about being concerned his wife was having an affair with her therapist.
Miles said DeKleine did tell him that.
Several relatives of the DeKleine family were in the courtroom, but did not want to comment. DeKleine's brother sat on one side of the room, behind Ken DeKleine and his attorney, while Lori DeKleine's family sat on the other side.
Holland police officer bound over for trial in wife's death
Ken DeKleine was a 13-year veteran of the Holland Police Department but now he's on the other side of the law. He's been accused of murdering his wife. One of their children found Lori DeKleine dead in the basement of their home just more than two weeks ago.
Court records show the two had been going through a difficult divorce. Lori, even took out a restraining order against Ken and told her attorney and friends she was afraid for her life. Friday, Ken DeKleine appeared in court where a judge weighed the evidence against him. The Holland Police Officer accused of murder will stand trial for the crime. This comes after a very emotional day of testimony in court.
Its very apparent this crime has devastated not only a family but many here in law enforcement.
“I reached down and touched her right elbow.. It was rigamortis had already set in.. I knew she was deceased,” said Sgt. Jeff Velthouse of the Holland Police. Sgt. Velthouse was the first police officer to arrive on the scene. He's known both the suspect and victim for more than a decade. He was not able to keep his composure at the witness stand.
“I've known Lori as long as I've known Ken, approximately 13 years, her children and my son go to the same school,” sobbed Sgt. Velthouse.
Ken DeKleine told detectives he had been thinking about killing Lori for more than a year and that he wanted to make it look like a suicide. Court testimony indicated Ken snuck into his wife's house, a house he was court ordered to stay away from. He waited in an attic there until his kids left on the morning of January 10th. Testimony indicates Ken DeKleine strangled her with a strap in what was a big struggle.
“His intent was to wait for the children to go to school, his wife to get in the shower, to sneak into the house and to kill her,” said Michigan State Detective Sgt. Gary Miles.
After he says he killed her, DeKliene indicated he went to get a chocolate milkshake, and then later went to work at Holland Police. He did all this with a fat lip from being injured in the fight with his wife.
“He intended to cause her death to kill her.. He hoped to get away with it.. So he could spend his life with his children without her,”said Sgt. Miles. With a confession in hand, it didn't take long for a judge to send DeKleine to trial for the crime.
Wife to Holland cop: 'Think about the kids'
Wood TV- Grand Rapids MI
Jan 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7773517&nav=menu44_5Lori DeKleine's last words to her husband were, "Think about the kids." Her husband, Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine, replied, "I am thinking about the children."
This information came to light at DeKleine's preliminary exam for the murder of his wife, and his attempts to make it look like a suicide. It was also revealed he'd thought about killing her for nearly a year.
Three witnesses took the stand Friday, including the officer who found her body after their teenage son called police.
The officer testified he noticed inconsistencies with what was made to look like a suicide. A ladder was found a few feet away from Lori, and that didn't make sense to the officer.
The next day, during an interview with an Ottawa County detective, DeKleine admitted he'd been planning to murder his wife since January 31, 2007. But it wasn't until early December 2007 he actually formulated a plan.
Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Gary Miles testifed the day of the murder, DeKleine crawled up into the attic space above the garage and waited for his children to leave for school. He crawled down and confronted his wife. He used a gray strap to strangle her in the kitchen, and a fight ensued. She bit his lip severely, and blood got all over her clothes and his.
Her last words were, "Think about the kids." He replied, "I am thinking about the children."
"And then," Miles testified, "he continues to tighten it around her throat until he believes she's dead."
He then dragged her body downstairs and tried to make it look like a suicide. He noticed blood on the gray strap, so he found a yellow strap and wrapped that around her neck. But he became frustrated with the effort and left.
He disposed of some of the bloody clothes and went to a Med Center to get his lip sewn up. "He then went across the street or somewhere in the area to a McDonald's, bought himself a chocolate shake," Miles testified.
DeKleine then returned to work at the Holland Police Department around 3:45 p.m.
Divorce records obtained by 24 Hour News 8 shed light on DeKleine's frame of mind. He expressed concerns over his wife's mental stability and her ability to provide their two teenage children with a safe and stable home.
In the custody petition, DeKleine claims his wife suffered from mental illness and had attempted suicide. He also insinuates his wife was having an affair with a therapist she was seeing.
DeKleine, who is currently on an emergency unpaid suspension from the police department will next be in court on February 4, at which time a trial date will be set.
DeKleine pleads not guilty
Trial of police officer accused of killing his wife at her home is scheduled for June
The Holland Sentinel
Ken DeKleine's defense attorney Floyd Farmer confirmed Friday that DeKleine signed a written waiver of arraignment stating his plea after his preliminary exam on Jan. 25.
As a result, an arraignment that had been set for Monday at the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven, has been canceled.
A jury trial has been scheduled for June 24.
DeKleine, 44, was taken into custody the day after his wife, Lori, 43, was found dead in her Calvin Avenue home's basement Jan 10. The couple had separated and were going through a divorce before Lori's death.
Farmer declined to comment on why DeKleine might enter a plea of not guilty despite having previously confessed to police that he committed the murder.
Meanwhile, a church leader acting as a spokesman for the family said Friday that DeKleine's two children, Breanne, 18, and Christopher, 16, have returned to class at Holland Christian High School.
"I don't think they are back full-time, but they're trying to get some routine back into their lives," said Brad Ward, elder at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Principal Tony Stahl said the two children were easing back into their normal schedule.
"We're working with them but also want them to take as much time as they need to," Stahl said.
Ward said the church and some individuals are working to put together a fund in the coming weeks for the children's education.
"They have lives to continue to lead and school and no source of income to do it," he said.
Although Deputy Williams was arrested on January 26, 2008 for domestic violence, Sheriff Mike Anderson has not suspended Deputy Williams from the department.
