Jennifer Webb Murder Case Links
On August 31, 2011, the Buena Vista Township Police Department [MI] found Jennifer Webb's body in an area near the department's firing range. Jennifer was eight months pregnant.
* A special thank you to Cloudwriter for her assistance with this post *
ALSO SEE:
BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:
"...an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim..." [FOX NEWS]
"...Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved..." [WJBK NEWS]
"...Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death...." [WNEM NEWS]
Body found near North Outer in Buena Vista Township was a pregnant woman, prosecutor says
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/body_found_near_north_outer_in.html
BUENA VISTA TWP. — The body found in Buena Vista Township early this morning was that of a pregnant woman, according to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”
Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.
No suspect is in custody in connection with the death, according to Thomas. who declined to discuss whether investigators have a suspect.
When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.” The woman’s identity has not been released.
Thomas said an autopsy occurred today on the woman’s body, but he said results aren’t being released and said investigators are waiting on results of toxicology tests done on the body.
Booker said he could share no further details. The chief said it was a “mutual decision” to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township’s last homicide in July. The chief declined to provide further explanation.
Woman's body found at gun range
NBC25 Newsroom August 31, 2011
Jennifer Webb, murdered. She was 8 months pregnant with her son Braxton James Donald Webb.
State police trooper blocks access to Outer north of Freeway in Buena Vista Township
BUENA VISTA TWP. -- A Saginaw County woman, who was due to give birth in just a few weeks, was found dead at a police gun range in Buena Vista Township early Wednesday morning.
Jenny Webb had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.
The Buena Vista Township Police Department has handed the investigation over to Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is already reviewing evidence. He made a rare appearance at the scene Wednesday.
Thomas is not releasing any details except to say the woman was late in pregnancy.
In the meantime, NBC25 is learning more about Jenny Webb through her online activity. Before her Facebook page was closed to the public it showed she had more than 300 friends and was expecting the birth of her first child Sept. 23rd.
She posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.
"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.
Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.
"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.
Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.
However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.
"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.
Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.
"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."
She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.
The owner says he can still see Jenny's smiling face.
He says he feels sorry for the family who has to deal with two tragedies, the death of a daughter and a grandchild.
As for Beer, he says he still can't believe Jenny is gone.
"It's just a tragedy . It's hard to put into words. She'll by missed by many, many people."
According to an obituary, funeral service is planned for September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, located at 4480 Mackinaw Road. Ronald Sinclair will officiate.
Suspicious death reported in Buena Vista Township
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/suspicious_death_reported_in_b.html
BUENA VISTA TWP. -- State police investigators are revealing few details regarding a body discovered in Buena Vista Township but are calling the death "suspicious."
Police discovered the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends at Hack, north of Freeway and west of the Buena Vista Township Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.
State police blocked access to the crime scene at the intersection of Freeway and North Outer. Representatives on scene declined comment and referred all inquiries to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.
Booker, who arrived on scene early Wednesday after the body was discovered, said he could share no further details.
He said it was a "mutual decision" to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township's last homicide in July. Booker declined to provide further explanation.
The victim's identity and apparent manner of death have not been revealed.
WNEM, Channel 5, previously reported that State Police Crime Lab personnel were on scene.
Although the prosecutor claims no arrests have been made and refused to comment on a suspect, sources told FOX 2 an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.
An autopsy has been completed, but officials still haven't released the results.
One thing is clear, this was an unexpected death for a woman excited to bring a new life into the world.
Police officer who found pregnant woman's body identified
ABC News
Sep 01, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15379740/police-officer-who-found-pregnant-womans-body-identified
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP (WJRT) - (09/01/11) - While police are still saying very little about the suspicious death of a pregnant Saginaw County woman, one of the woman's friends talked to ABC12 and gave us possible insight as to why the police and prosecutor's investigation remains shrouded in mystery.
Investigators spent several hours near a Saginaw County gun range Wednesday.
Friends of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb say she confided in them about her relationship with a married Buena Vista Township Police Officer. It is the same officer who found her body.
"She was the happiest person in the world," an unidentified friend said.
ABC12 heard the same description from a number of people who knew Webb.
Her bosses at P.F. Markey in Saginaw Township say she was one of the best employees at the company and her friends say she was very excited about the upcoming birth of her baby. The baby boy was due in a few weeks.
Webb was found dead near a gun range in Buena Vista Township right around midnight Tuesday night.
Buena Vista Township police officers were first on the scene, reporting a possible suicide, but the investigation was immediately turned over to the Michigan State Police.
Today, we also spoke to the Buena Vista Police Officer who found her body. Ken Bluew told ABC12 that he in fact found Webb's body, but that's all he wanted to say about the incident.
Webb's friends, including the one we spoke to, tell us she and Bluew were romantically involved.
"Jennifer and I were very close friends and she shared all the details with me about everything that was going on in their relationship," the friend said.
Webb told her friend that Bluew was the father of her unborn child. "They met privately, she found she was pregnant, shared it with him," she said.
The location where Webb's body was found also played a part in their relationship. "To my knowledge, that's where they met previously and that's where they met and discussed issues like child support and taking care of the baby in the future," the friend said.
Investigators will not confirm any of this.
When ABC12 talked with Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker Thursday, he was asked what Bluew's status was with the department and if is he still on duty or suspended. Booker's only comment was that he doesn't comment on the status of any Buena Vista Township police officer.
An autopsy has been done, but a cause of death has not been released.
So far, investigators will only call Webb's death suspicious.
Candlelight vigil held Friday night in Bridgeport
Connect Michigan
September 02, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=658093
BUENA VISTA TWP. -- Jenny Webb's family and friends gathered at the Bridgeport Township Pavillion Friday night for a candlelight vigil to remember Webb and her unborn son Braxton.
"Vivacious, energetic, spontaneous. Just a beautiful person," said family friend Deb Nussear, who had known Jenny since she was a little girl.
The Saginaw County prosecutor is now labeling the death of Webb and her unborn child as a homicide investigation, and investigators are not revealing much about the case.
"We're waiting on Michigan State Police crime lab reports, results, and toxicology reports," says Michael Thomas, Saginaw County prosecutor.
It's been several days since Jenny Webb's body was found. An autopsy is complete, but the findings are still not known.
Co-workers, family, and friends visited the W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel to pay respects to the family of the 32 year old Webb.
Thomas would not comment about suspects but says witnesses are being cooperative. Detectives are working late into the evening. Troopers are speaking directly with Webb's family who remain guarded and grieving.
Thomas says, "It's a tragedy. It's as serious a situation as you can find. A young lady who was going to be giving birth shortly and had a baby that most likely would have survived and so basically we've lost two people here."
Webb's funeral is Saturday at 4:00PM.
She had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.
Webb posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.
"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.
Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.
"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.
Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.
However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.
"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.
Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.
"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."
She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.
Family speaks out on pregnant woman's homicide
WNEM News
Sep 02, 2011
Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas
Family and friends are remembering Jenny Webb, the pregnant woman whose body was found outside a police gun range in Buena Vista Township.
Visitation was underway most of Friday at a Saginaw Township funeral home. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding her death, answers that police aren't giving up.
WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi spoke to some family members of Jenny's to see if they know anything else.
"It's just not the same, it's just not my sister who was always the one that was there and the one that I could talk to and cry to and just sit with, it's just, it's going to be hard," said Angie Webb, Jennifer's sister.
The pain is still real and emotions are raw for Angie as she talks about her 32-year-old sister, Jennifer Webb.
Angie Webb tells TV5 her sister was a ray of sunshine, her best friend, and she can't begin to make sense of her sudden death.
"We're all still in a fog, it hasn't really I mean its hit us but it hasn't, it's just unreal," said Angie.
Police found Jennifer Webb's body early Wednesday morning in Buena Vista Township.
At the time they called her death suspicious. Now the Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas, has labeled her death a homicide.
Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death.
TV5 asked the family if they could tell us anything else about what happened.
"We really, honestly, don't know what happened," said Angie. "We have our ideas of what happened, but we want the MSP and the prosecutor to be able to do their jobs."
Angie believes foul play is involved, the prosecutor says he is treating the death as a homicide.
Family and friends say they'll wait for the truth to come out.
In the meantime, they're remembering a woman who touched their lives and the baby they never had a chance to meet.
"It's just so unfair, two wonderful people were taken from us and it's just so unfair," said Angie.
The candle light vigil is tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Pavilion behind the township offices.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at W.l. Case Funeral Home
WNEM SLIDESHOW:
Jennifer M Webb
Webb was reportedly 8 months pregnant. The photos printed here are with permission from her family [WNEM]
The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is investigating the case. [WNEM]
An autopsy was performed Wednesday afternoon, but the medical examiner is not releasing the cause of... [WNEM]
According to a profile at Classmates.com, Webb graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and went to Delta College from 1997 to 1999, and Saginaw Valley State University from 1999 to 2002...[WNEM]
She didn't deserve it, there [were] problems that could have been solved other ways," said family friend Rose King. "It's very sad for all of us that knew her, that at 32 years old, she was taken away from us this way," said Rose's husband, Bob...[WNEM]
Funeral set for pregnant Bridgeport woman found dead in Buena VistaMLive
SAGINAW TWP. — Funeral arrangements are set for Jennifer M. Webb, the 32-year-old pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.
Family and friends can attend Webb’s funeral at 4 p.m. Saturday at W.L. Case and Co., Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw in Saginaw Township.
An obituary for the Bridgeport Township woman describes her as “the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life."
“She thoroughly enjoyed being with people,” reads the obituary, which described Webb as a fan of hunting and camping.
The 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, her obituary states.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”
Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.
When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”
Death of Pregnant Michigan Woman Deemed Suspicious
FOX News
September 02, 2011
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/02/death-pregnant-michigan-woman-deemed-suspicious/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C92428
The mysterious death in Michigan of a pregnant woman close to giving birth has sparked a police investigation into the death, which is being described as suspicious.
The woman, whom acquaintances have identified as 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, was expected to give birth next month, MyFoxDetroit.com reported. Police have yet to publicly identify her.
"She was excited she was going to have a baby," neighbor Steve Wobig told the TV station.
Her body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township, near the police department's gun range.
Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor said it now is being looked at as a suspicious death, MyFoxDetroit.com reported.
Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved. The prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.
MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.
Autopsy results are pending.
Webb's obituary in the Saginaw News says she enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as Michigan football.
"Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like yo knew her all your life," the obituary reads.
Jennifer Marie WEBB
WEBB, Jennifer Marie of Bridgeport, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 31, 2011, age 32 years. Jennifer was born in Saginaw, Michigan April 12, 1979, the daughter of Donald and Dawn (Loth) Webb. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and had attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. She had been employed at Andersen Logistics and was currently working for P. F. Markey. Jennifer was an avid Michigan football fan. She enjoyed hunting and camping. Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life. She thoroughly enjoyed being with people. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Donald and Dawn Webb; her grandmother, Norma Loth; a brother, Jeffrey (Heather Zoellner) Webb; a sister, Angela Webb; nieces and nephew, Kayley Jo Colling, Cass City, Hunter and MacKenzie Webb; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and hundreds of friends. The funeral service will take place 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2011 at W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Ronald Sinclair will officiate. Friends may call at the chapel on Friday from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Jennifer Webb's death being treated as homicide 'until we can determine it's something else,' prosecutor says
MLive September 02, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/jennifer_webbs_death_being_tre.html
Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has identified a woman found deceased Tuesday night in Buena Vista Township as 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, saying he’s “treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else.”
The body of Webb, of Saginaw, who was about eight months pregnant according to Thomas, was found near North Outer Drive where it ends north of Hack.
Thomas said her body was discovered Tuesday night but he declined to say who found her.
“We know what the manner of death is, but we’re not releasing that at this time,” Thomas said. “We want to make sure, in our witness interviews, that the information we’re getting is based upon facts and evidence and knowledge of the event, and not what they read in The Saginaw News or from watching Channel Whatever.”
The prosecutor declined to comment when asked if investigators have a suspect. He said the investigation of Webb’s death “will continue through the weekend from our end and from the police end.”
Michigan State Police are investigating the incident. Earlier this week, they had described the death as "suspicious."
The prosecutor said authorities are waiting for further results of laboratory tests done by Michigan State Police forensic scientists, “and we don’t have them yet.”
“Per our Saginaw County death investigation procedure, we’re treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else,” Thomas said.
Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide?
Solariasun.Com
September 02, 2011
http://solariasun.com/6063/jennifer-webb-murder-or-suicide/
Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide – Questions are being asked if Jennifer Webb's death was a murder or suicide after body was found near a Michigan police shooting range.
8 months pregnant, Jennifer Webb’s death was initially thought to be a suicide, but authorities have turned toward a murder motive when friends argued the 32 year old Michigan woman would never take her own life.
“She was excited she was going to have a baby,” neighbor Steve Wobig told a local TV station.
Jennifer’s body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County’s Buena Vista Township, near the police department’s gun range.
Reports from Michigan news sources state Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor has now classified it as a suspicious death.
Compounding the mystery is the prosecutors use of Michigan State Police investigators called in to take over the case from Saginaw deputies, perhaps occuring due to a police officer being involved in the suspicous death. When questioned regarding this change in investigative personnel the prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.
MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim. Autopsy results are pending.
Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Gun Range in Saginaw County
WJBK News - Detroit September 01, 2011
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-probe-death-of-pregnant-saginaw-area-woman-20110901-wpms
SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) - The woman, who lived in Saginaw County, was expected to give birth next month. Neighbors said she was very excited about it. That is why what appeared first as a suicide investigators now believe is something now much different.
"She was excited she was going to have a baby," said Steve Wobig.
He told us his neighbor, Jennifer Webb had recently celebrated her baby shower. She was so thrilled about the arrival of her new baby, she even posted the ultrasound image as her Facebook profile picture.
Then word came the 32-year-old mother-to-be was found dead.
Tuesday night, Webb's body was discovered nearly Freeway and South Outer Drive, a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township near the police department's gun range that is frequented by officers.
Buena Vista Township Police responded to what at first was a suicide call, but now according to the Saginaw County prosecutor is being looked at as a suspicious death.
Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved.
Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Saginaw
Victim Is 32-Year-Old Jenny Webb
Click On Detroit September 1, 2011
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Buena Vista Township police said the body of a pregnant woman has been found near a gun range.
The body was found early Wednesday morning near North Outer Drive.
Police have not released the name of the victim, but Local 4 has learned it is 32-year-old Jenny Webb, who was eight months pregnant.
An autopsy has been performed, but Webb's cause of death has not been released.
Police have confirmed that a decision was made to have Michigan State Police handle the investigation.
Police probe death of pregnant Saginaw-area woman
Chicago Tribune
September 1, 2011
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-pregnantwoman-dea,0,5883522.story
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich.— Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in Saginaw County.
Officials haven't released the victim's name, but the owner of an industrial supply company tells The Saginaw News (http://j.mp/pRXZmM ) that she was one of his employees, Jenny Webb of Bridgeport Township.
Jim Terry owns P.F. Markey Inc. and says Webb was increasingly excited about the impending birth of her first child, who was due within a month.
Buena Vista Township police Chief Brian Booker says police found the body early Wednesday near his department's gun range, which is just east of Saginaw.
State police are calling the death suspicious but haven't released details.
'When she smiled, the whole office smiled' Employer of pregnant victim found in Buena Vista remembers Bridgeport woman
MLive
September 01, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/when_she_smiled_the_whole_offi.html
A photo on Classmates appears to show the same Jenny Webb media reports indicate was found dead Wednesday in Buena Vista Township.
SAGINAW TWP. — Jenny Webb “never had a down day” and wore a “fabulous smile” that could light up the room, her former boss says.
While officials have yet to confirm her identity, media reports indicate Bridgeport Township's Webb was the pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.
The day before, she was working as a customer service employee at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc., 2880 Universal, the company’s owner said.
“She was probably the most energetic, happy employee we had,” said Jim Terry, who owns the company which distributes cutting tools, abrasives and other industrial supplies. “She had a fabulous smile. When she smiled, the whole office smiled.”
Terry said Webb particularly was excited in recent months as she readied to have her first child, which was due within a month.
“She was very upbeat about the pregnancy,” Terry said. “She was excited to have the baby.”
He said Webb was “family-oriented,” although she was not married yet.
Terry said Webb, who worked at the office for two years, was a “big” University of Michigan football fan despite never attending the Ann Arbor school.
Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas this morning said he was waiting for state police detectives, who had been working the case early this morning, before relaying more information about the victim.
He has yet to confirm the victim was Webb.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”
Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.
When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”
