LANSING — It's been 20 years since Bernita White was gunned down as she walked with her daughter outside Potter Park Zoo.
Her death remains unsolved.
Police have spoken openly about the murder investigation since 41-year-old White 's death on June 23, 2001. Their longtime suspect, White's husband and former Michigan State Police Trooper Artis White, has been adamant he did not kill his wife.
Michigan State Police and the Attorney General's office are handling the investigation. Both declined to comment.
Bernita White and her then-5-year-old daughter were walking toward the entrance of the zoo when she was shot with a high-powered rifle from about 100 yards away, police have said. Witnesses told police they heard one or two shots that might have come from a wooded area north of the zoo entrance, but no one saw a shooter.
According to a profile of the shooter completed by state police, the suspect is a man about the same age as Bernita White, and is intelligent, articulate and educated, then-Michigan State Police Lt. Kyle Bowman said in June 2013, when the profile was first released to the public. He was "emotionally connected to Bernita" and familiar with the Potter Park area. He is also described as "manipulative," task-oriented and methodical.
In the 10 months after Bernita White's death, detectives spent more than 9,000 hours investigating, interviewing and combing practically every square foot of Potter Park and the zoo, police said in 2002.
Then-Lansing police Chief Mark Alley said in 2002 that police invested more time and resources into Bernita White's death than for any city homicide in memory.
The day of the shooting, Bernita White had been attending a birthday party with family members. Artis White told investigators he had attended the party with his wife, then left to pick up their other daughter. He returned to the zoo about an hour after the shooting, he told investigators.
The Whites were in the middle of a divorce; Bernita White filed for it about a month before her death, but the two were still living together. Police have said marital problems and a custody dispute over couple's two young daughters were possible motives.
White told the Lansing State Journal in 2009 that investigators wrongly focused on him. He said GPS evidence and witnesses can prove he wasn't near the zoo at the time of the killing.
In 2003, Artis White self-published a book called "Who Killed My Wife?" He also released a documentary in 2009 called "Living Accused" that focused on four people who had been wrongfully convicted of murder or rape and later exonerated. He said it showed how police and prosecutors can make mistakes.
Anyone with information on Bernita White's murder can contact Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Frasier at 810-227-1051.
BRIGHTON, Mich. – Residents in a peaceful Brighton neighborhood are shocked by the death of a father who was allegedly killed by his own son.
At some point Monday morning police were called out to the home on Woodlake Drive to find the man dead from a gunshot wound.
“They were great people. I know he was a dedicated cop that worked in the schools in Plymouth. He loved doing that and had some eye surgeries recently that kept him off the force,” said a neighbor who did not want to go on camera.
Neighbors who Local 4 News spoke to say they just spent time with the family weeks ago.
“They were taking a walk one night and they stopped by our house. It’s just unbelievable,” said the anonymous neighbors.
Shortly after police became aware of the situation, the man’s 18-year-old son turned himself in to authorities, police said.
“We were able to, after a long phone conversation with the suspect, we were able to get him to come back and we were able to take him into custody,” said Brighton Police Chief, Rob Bradford.
Police are unclear of the motive, but one thing is certain, the teen just recently finished high school. His graduation photo was still on the front lawn. We’re blurring his face because he’s yet to be charged.
Neighbor, Gerard Page, has teenagers of his own. He can’t even fathom what happened inside the home’s four walls.
“I got four kids myself and I can’t imagine what’s going on with the family right now,” said Page.
Sadly this was a tragedy that no one expected to ever happen.
“It’s a quiet neighborhood. Everybody knows everybody here. It’s unfortunate,” said Chief Bradford.
“You always hate to see it so close to home. You know, it happens and it hurts everyone. But today, it hurts us,” said the anonymous neighbors.
Michigan dad shot to death by 18-year-old son: Cops
Family members identified the suspect when police arrived at a suburban Detroit home to find a middle-aged man shot dead — it was the man’s 18-year-old son, who had fled the home after the shooting in his car.
Brighton Police said they called the young man on his cell phone and convinced him to pull over and took him into custody about three miles from the crime scene, according to WXYZ.
“No police chase, no pursuit, everything was done cordially,” said Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford. “He told us where he was going to be and we were able to get him to pull over and take him into custody without issues.”
Bradford said officers retrieved a weapon but haven’t said who it belongs to.
“We still don’t have the information as to why this happened,” Bradford said. “We should know more tomorrow.”
Bradford said investigators were confident they “have the right person in custody.”
Police have not yet named the victim or the suspect, but neighbors said they were stunned.
“Everybody was very nice, nice people,” said Seve Ramos. “They’re outside the yard all the time waving and saying hi.”
As for the suspect, Ramos told the station, “Nice kid. Very nice kid.”
Police said they would identify the suspect when he’s arraigned.
Beloved Canton police officer killed in Brighton home; son in custody
June 22, 2021, Canton, MI – Canton Police Department mourns the loss of Officer Edward Jagst, age 48, who was killed in his home yesterday.
Officer Jagst, a 21-year veteran with the department, was an active patrol officer who participated in several special units including Evidence Technician, Training Instructor, Bicycle Unit, and as a Criminal Investigations Detective. He also proudly served on the department’s Honor Guard, standing watch over formal ceremonies for 16 years.
Most notably, Ed made his mark during the years he served as a School Resource Officer at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park. He was an inspiring and jovial addition to the Park—adored by the students, faculty and parents alike.
Ed was one of the kindest, most compassionate officers to ever wear the Canton Police badge. He made an impact on those around him in every aspect, whether it be interacting with co-workers, assisting citizens in need, or just chatting with those he came in contact with throughout his day.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father,” said Police Chad Baugh. “He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy,” Baugh adds.
Canton Twp. police officer allegedly slain by son at Brighton home
Canton Township — A Canton Township police officer was killed Monday at his home in Brighton, allegedly by his son, police said.
The Canton Township police department announced Tuesday the death of Officer Edward Jagst, a 21-year veteran of the department. He was 48.
It was just before 10:30 a.m. Monday when officers from the Brighton Police Department were dispatched to the 300 block of Woodlake Drive. That's north of Lee and west of Ricketts.
They responded to a 911 call from the victim's daughter, who said her brother had shot her father, and was threatening to kill himself.
Police found Jagst shot dead in his bed.
Brighton police say the suspect fled in a blue Ford Focus, and police were able to talk him into turning himself in. Michigan State Police and Livingston County deputies surveilled the suspect as he surrendered. The gun police believe was used in the shooting was in his vehicle, police said.
Police say the suspect has made no statements, and they do not know a motive in the shooting. He has not been named, as he has not yet been arraigned.
Jagst served on the department's honor guard for 16 years, and had been a school resource officer at Plymouth Canton Educational Park. He also had been a criminal investigations detective.
In 2016, Jagst was among a trio of Canton Township school resource officers honored with the Model Agency Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers. Canton was just one of five agencies to be so honored that year.
Canton Township police officer identified as man shot and killed in Brighton on Monday
A 48-year-old man was shot and killed in his Brighton home Monday morning, police said in a press release.
Police have identified the man as Edward Jagst, a Canton Township police officer.
Officers with the Brighton Police Department responded to a home in the 300 block of Woodlake Drive in Brighton after receiving a 911 call from the teenage daughter of the victim, according to a press release.
Officials said the girl told the dispatcher her brother shot and killed her dad and was going to kill himself.
The 18-year-old son had left the home by the time officers arrived.
Officers found Jagst dead in his bed with a gunshot wound, according to the release.
Police negotiated with the son on the telephone and convinced him to return to Brighton, officials said. He was taken into custody without incident on Murphy Drive near Challis.
A weapon was found in the vehicle and will undergo testing, officials said.
Officials are not releasing the son's name pending charges and he is lodged in the Livingston County Jail pending arraignment.
The son was arraigned on a probation violation at 11:30 a.m. by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Suzanne Geddis.
He was on probation for a previous conviction of possession of burglary tools, Geddis said.
Longtime police officer
Jagst worked for the Canton department for 21 years, Canton Township Police Chief Chad Baugh said.
"He was the kindest, most compassionate officer who had ever wore our police badge," he said.
Jagst was an active patrol officer who participated in several special units including evidence technician, training instructor, bicycle unit, and as a criminal investigations detective.
Baugh said Jagst worked as a school resource officer at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park for several years.
“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Officer Ed Jagst, who served the students, families, and staff at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park for several years as one of our valued School Resource Officers,” Monica L. Merritt, superintendent for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools said in an email.
"Officer Jagst made an incredibly positive impact on the lives of countless students and staff during his time with P-CCS. He will be fondly remembered for his passionate dedication to our school community, his engaging and fun personality, and his endless commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, every day.”
Jagst also served on the department’s Honor Guard, standing watch over formal ceremonies for 16 years.
Baugh was Jagst's training officer when he first joined the department.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father,” Baugh said. “He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy,” Baugh adds.
Canton Police officer shot and killed by son in Brighton home, police say
BRIGHTON, MI – A Canton police officer was shot and killed Monday morning in his Brighton home by his 18-year-old son, police said.
At 10:28 a.m. June 21, police were called to a home in the 300 block of Woodlake Drive in Brighton for a reported shooting, according to the Brighton Police department.
The victim’s teenage daughter had called 911 and told emergency dispatchers her brother had shot her father and was going to kill himself, police said.
Police arrived to find Canton police officer Edward Jagst, 48, dead in his bed from a gunshot wound, police said, adding that the 18-year-old shooting suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
The suspect’s mother later arrived at the scene while on the phone with her son and passed it to an officer who was able to talk him into returning to the home and turn himself in, police said.
Michigan State Police and Livingston County Sheriff’s Office units located the suspect and followed him back to the city of Brighton where he was arrested without further incident, police said.
The weapon suspected of being used in the slaying was found in the suspect’s car and was collected for forensic testing, police said.
There is no clear motive for the shooting which remains under investigation, police said.
The son is currently lodged in the Livingston County Jail awaiting charges and arraignment.
“We want to thank all the departments that assisted with this tragedy and our hearts go out to the family and the entire Canton Township Police Department for the loss of such a well-respected man and officer,” Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford said.
18-year-old son in custody after Canton Township police officer killed in Brighton home
Officer worked at Plymouth High School as resource officer
BRIGHTON, Mich. – Police have released several new details about what they found when responding to a fatal shooting on Woodlake Drive in Brighton on Monday (June 21).
The victim has been identified as Edward Jagst, 48, a Canton Township police officer who worked as the Plymouth High School resource officer.
Jagst’s teenage daughter called 911 and reported that her brother had just shot their father. When officers arrived they found Jagst in bed with a fatal gunshot wound.
Plymouth High School teacher Scott Thomas said it’s still hard to believe what happened to Jagst.
“I think a lot of us are just, we don’t know how to comprehend what happened,” Thomas said. “We gotta take everyday as if it were our last and live everyday to the fullest and appreciate what we have in our lives.”
Jagst’s 18-year-old son fled the scene after the shooting. Officers were able to take Jagst’s son into custody without incident after the teen had a conversation with his mother.
The gun police believe was used in the shooting was found in the car the 18-year-old was driving when he was arrested. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still unclear.
“He had a huge impact on everybody that came in contact with him. He was what at true friend should be,” Thomas said.
The 18-year-old is still in custody at the Livingston County Jail awaiting arraignment.
“Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Officer Ed Jagst, who served the students, families, and staff at Plymouth-Canton Educational Park for several years as one of our valued School Resource Officers,” said Monica L. Merritt, P-CCS Superintendent of Schools.
Officer Jagst made an incredibly positive impact on the lives of countless students and staff during his time with P-CCS. He will be fondly remembered for his passionate dedication to our school community, his engaging and fun personality, and his endless commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, every day.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
- Plymouth Canton Community Schools
Victim allegedly shot & killed by son in Brighton was 21-year veteran Canton police officer
The Canton Police Department is mourning the loss of an officer who was allegedly killed by his 18-year-old son on Monday night.
Edward Jagst, 48, was a 21-year veteran of the department and was an active patrol officer who worked in several units. He was also a school resource officer at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father,” Police Chad Baugh said in a release. “He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy."
Neighbors in Brighton were concerned and surprised as police shut down their street, and marked off a home in crime tape. Police say the home is where an 18-year-old son, shot and killed his father.
Police got called to the home around 10:30 a.m., where they found a middle-aged man dead.
Officers said the victim's daughter called police and said her brother killed her dad and was going to kill himself.
The son had already left the scene in his car, and police called him on the phone. They were able to convince him to pull over roughly 3 miles away from the house.
“No police chase, no pursuit, everything was done cordially," Chief Bradford said. "He told us where he was going to be and we were able to get him to pull over and take him into custody without issues.”
Police say they recovered a weapon but haven’t said who the weapon belongs to. They’re still combing over evidence, trying to learn more.
Police said they do not have a motive as the suspect didn't make any statements.
Son formally charged in father's murder in Brighton
Amid the heartbreak being felt in Plymouth Canton schools over the killing of Edward Jagst, the 21-year veteran of the Canton Police Department and popular school resource officer is being remembered for his kindness, humor, and service.
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BRIGHTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — An 18-year-old from Brighton is facing several charges in connection to his father's death.
Hayden Jagst, 18, is charged with homicide, open murder, felony firearms, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and carrying a concealed weapon.
He was denied bond by a judge.
Jagst is accused in the death of his father, Edward Jagst, a Canton Township police officer. Edward was found in his bed with a gunshot wound Monday morning. The daughter of the victim called police, stating that her brother had shot and killed her father and was then planning to kill himself.
No motive has been given in the shooting because the suspect hasn't made any statements. He's currently being housed at Livingston County Jail.
Officer allegedly slain by son was 21-year police veteran, family man
BRIGHTON, MI – Canton police officer Edward Jagst was a dedicated family man and police veteran, serving 21 years on the force until his tragic death Monday morning.
Jagst, 48, was killed June 21, when he was allegedly shot by his 18-year-old son inside his Brighton home, according to the Canton Police Department.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith and was a truly loving husband and father,” Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh said. “He was a shining example of love and service and our Canton police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy.”
Police were called to Jagst’s home at 10:28 a.m. Monday by his teenage daughter who told emergency dispatchers her brother, 18, had shot her father and was going to kill himself, according to the Brighton Police Department.
Officers arrived to find Jagst dead in his bed from a gunshot wound, police said.
His son, the suspected shooter, is currently lodged in the Livingston County Jail awaiting charges and arraignment. There is no clear motive for the shooting which remains under investigation, police said.
“We want to thank all the departments that assisted with this tragedy and our hearts go out to the family and the entire Canton Township Police Department for the loss of such a well-respected man and officer,” Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford said.
Jagst served in various roles in his 21 years on the police force, including evidence technician, training instructor, bicycle unit officer and criminal investigations detective.
He also served on the department’s honor guard, standing watch over formal ceremonies for 16 years.
Jagst also was a school resource officer at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park, where he was an inspiring and jovial addition to the Park and adored by students, faculty and parents, police said.
“Ed was one of the kindest, most compassionate officers to ever wear the Canton police badge,” according to a Canton Police Department statement. “He made an impact on those around him in every aspect, whether it be interacting with co-workers, assisting citizens in need or just chatting with those he came in contact with throughout his day.”
18-year-old Brighton man charged with killing father who was Canton Twp. police officer
A 18-year-old Brighton man is being held without bond after being charged with shooting and killing his father.
Hayden Jagst appeared via Zoom in Livingston County Magistrate Jerry Sherwood's courtroom, Wednesday for his arraignment.
He is charged with open murder, two counts of felony firearm, carrying with unlawful intent and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police say he killed his father, Edward Jagst, a Canton Township police officer, at the family's home Monday morning.
Officers with the Brighton Police Department responded to a home in the 300 block of Woodlake Drive in Brighton after receiving a 911 call from the wife of the victim, Brighton Police Detective Michael Arntz testified in a hearing Wednesday afternoon.
The wife told the dispatcher her teenage daughter told her Hayden Jagst shot her husband in the head, Arntz testified.
Brighton Police previously said the teenage daughter was the one that had called police.
Hayden Jagst had left the home by the time officers arrived.
Officers found Edward Jagst dead in his bed with a gunshot wound, the detective said.
Police negotiated with the Hayden Jagst on the telephone and convinced him to return to Brighton, officials said. He was taken into custody without incident on Murphy Drive near Challis.
A loaded .22-caliber rifle was found in the trunk of the Ford Focus, Arntz said.
He said during a conversation with officers Hayden Jagst made "several admissions that he was involved in the shooting of his father."
Hayden Jagst was arraigned on a probation violation at Tuesday morning by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Suzanne Geddis.
He was on probation for a previous conviction of possession of burglary tools, Geddis said.
Hayden Jagst is scheduled to appear in front of Livingston County District Court Judge Daniel Bain for a probable cause conference on July 6.
He faces up to life in prison if convicted of murder.
A GoFundMe campaign set up for Edward Jagst's wife and daughter had raised more than $12,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Canton police officer allegedly killed by son, was beloved in the community
FOX 2 - Amid the heartbreak being felt in Plymouth Canton schools over the killing of Edward Jagst, the 21-year veteran of the Canton Police Department and popular school resource officer is being remembered for his kindness and service.
Jagst was found shot to death Monday, allegedly at the hands of his 18-year-old son Hayden Jagst inside their Brighton home.
"He still had so much more time to live, he had so much life ahead of him," said Ryan Triolet.
Triolet says at Plymouth Canton Educational Park everyone knew Edward Jagst, 48, as a kind police officer who always made people laugh, according to Triolet, a 2018 Canton High School graduate.
"He was one of those people that just really embodied what a police officer should be in my opinion, especially with all that’s been going on - with the public opinion of the police - he was one of the good ones," he said. "You almost expect to hear of officers killed in the line of duty but to hear it happening in their own home by a family member it’s just a whole new level of shock."
On Wednesday afternoon Hayden Jagst stayed mostly silent when he went before a judge for the first time. Hayden now faces multiple charges including open murder and is being held without bond.
"He definitely always seemed to me as a family man and it seems like he got along pretty well with his family from what he told me," said Triolet. "So it definitely made it a lot more shocking."
Eriksson Elementary Principal Kevin Learned says Jagst's service went beyond the district's high schools. He also spent a decade teaching safety lessons to second and fifth-graders.
"He was very kind, very gentle, very supportive of our community, and he’ll definitely be missed," said Learnned. "He was always opening to answering questions. As you can imagine, elementary-age kids have some doozies sometimes. But he was always welcoming of those questions and answer them in a very kind and understanding way."
A GoFundMe has been established for the family. To donate CLICK HERE.
Now as the community comes to terms with the stunning loss, they want Jagst's family to know they are standing behind them.
"During his lifetime he helped out a lot of people, he improved a lot of people's days," Triolet said. "He put smiles on people's faces when they were having the worst day of their life and he was always just a such a respectful, good human being and of course an amazing police officer - but also a genuinely good person."
GoFundMe Launched For Canton Police Officer Killed Monday
The page seeks to raise money for the family of Edward Jagst, a Canton police officer who was killed at his home Monday
CANTON, MI — A GoFundMe has been launched for the family of Edward Jagst, a Canton police officer who was killed Monday at his home in Brighton. He was 48.
As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $10,000 of its $15,000 goal. It was launched by Mary Ann Boyle.
"Following the tragedy they just experienced, all proceeds will be going directly to the family through these troubling times for her mortgage, car payments and bills," the GoFundMe page reads.
Jagst was shot and killed by his 18-year-old son in his Brighton home Monday morning, MLive reported. He was a 21-year veteran of the Canton Police Department, participating in various units, including as a school resource officer, officials said.
"Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father," Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh said Patch in a statement Tuesday. "He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy."
Jagst was found dead around 10:30 a.m. Monday by police after officers were dispatched for a reported shooting, according to MLive.
Jagst's teenage daughter called 911 and told dispatchers her brother had shot her father and was going to kill himself, MLive reported.
The suspect eventually turned himself in, the outlet reported, citing police.
The top donation on the GoFundMe was $1,000 from an anonymous donor. Several other people who donated also commented on the page.
"I cannot stop thinking about you and your daughter. My heart hurts so badly for you. Know that SO MANY are holding you up in love and prayer," said one donor, Mandy Smith.
"I'm so very sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine what you are feeling! My love and prayers are for all of you. May your wonderful memories of him comfort you and Alli!" said Candace Nehring.
Funeral Services Announced for Canton Police Officer Murdered by Son
CANTON, MI – Funeral Services for Canton Police Officer Edward Jagst, who was shot and killed in the family home by his 18-year-old son Hayden Jagst, have been announced.
Hayden Jagst has been formally charged with Open murder, Two counts of Felony Firearm, Carrying with Unlawful Intent and Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Jagst was on probation at the time that he shot and killed his father. He has a previous conviction of possession of burglary tools.
Shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Monday June 21st, 2021, a call was placed to Livingston County Central 911 Dispatch by the daughter of Edward Jagst. She told the 911 dispatcher that her 18-year-old brother had just shot her father. Officers raced to the family home on Woodlake Dr in Brighton. When they arrived they found Edward Jagst had been fatally shot in his own bed.
Obituary of Edward Jagst
June 22, 2021, Canton, MI – Canton Police Department mourns the loss of Officer Edward Jagst, age 48, who was killed in his home yesterday.
Officer Jagst, a 21-year veteran with the department, was an active patrol officer who participated in several special units including Evidence Technician, Training Instructor, Bicycle Unit, and as a Criminal Investigations Detective. He also proudly served on the department’s Honor Guard, standing watch over formal ceremonies for 16 years.
Most notably, Ed made his mark during the years he served as a School Resource Officer at the Plymouth Canton Educational Park. He was an inspiring and jovial addition to the Park—adored by the students, faculty and parents alike.
Ed was one of the kindest, most compassionate officers to ever wear the Canton Police badge. He made an impact on those around him in every aspect, whether it be interacting with co-workers, assisting citizens in need, or just chatting with those he came in contact with throughout his day.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father,” said Police Chad Baugh. “He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy,” Baugh adds.
A Go Fund Me account has been established to assist the family with costs for the funeral service and other expenses.
MEMORIAL VISITATION
Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home
Monday, June 28, 2021
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
706 W. Main Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116
MEMORIAL MASS
St. Patrick Catholic Church
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
10:30 AM
711 Rickett Road, Brighton, MI 48116
18-year-old murders police officer dad with rifle shot to the head: Report
An 18-year-old Michigan man was ordered held without bond on Wednesday when he appeared in court on charges that he shot and killed his father.
Hayden Jagst is charged with open murder, two counts of felony firearm, carrying with unlawful intent, and carrying a concealed weapon in the death of Edward Jagst at the family home Monday morning.
Officers responding to a 911 call at the Brighton home found Edward Jagst, a Canton Township police officer, dead in his bed with a gunshot wound to the head, the Livingston Daily reported.
The younger man had fled the scene in his car by the time police arrived, as CrimeOnline previously reported. Brighton police called him on the phone and convinced him to surrender.
Brighton Police Detective Michael Arntz testified on Wednesday that officers found a loaded .22-caliber rifle in the trunk of Hayden Jagst’s Ford Focus.
Jagst made “several admissions that he was involved in the shooting of his father,” Arntz said.
The teen was previously arraigned on a probation violation on Tuesday.
He faces up to life in prison if convicted on the murder charge.
According to his obituary, Edward Jagst was a 21-year veteran of the Canton Township Police Department and had been an evidence technician, training instructor, criminal investigations detective, and a member of the department’s honor guard.
“Officer Jagst was a remarkable man who was strong in his faith, and was a truly loving husband and father,” said Chad Baugh, director of police services in Canton. “He was a shining example of love and service, and our Canton Police family, past and present, consider ourselves fortunate to have known him. Our hearts go out to the Jagst family at this time of tragedy.”
18-year-old man charged with killing father to undergo evaluation at state forensics center
The state's forensics center will determine if an 18-year-old Brighton man charged with shooting and killing his father is capable of standing trial, a judge ordered Tuesday.
Police said Hayden Jagst killed Edward Jagst, a Canton Township police officer, at the family's home June 21.
He is charged with open murder, two counts of felony firearm, carrying with unlawful intent and carrying a concealed weapon.
Hayden Jagst will undergo an evaluation at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry to determine if he is competent to stand trial and can be found criminally responsible, according to an order Livingston County District Court Judge Daniel Bain signed.
Officers with the Brighton Police Department responded to a home in the 300 block of Woodlake Drive in Brighton after receiving a 911 call from the wife of the victim, Brighton Police Detective Michael Arntz testified in a hearing last month.
The wife told the dispatcher her teenage daughter told her Hayden Jagst shot her husband in the head, Arntz testified.
Hayden Jagst had left the home by the time officers arrived.
Officers found Edward Jagst dead in his bed with a gunshot wound, the detective said.
Police negotiated with the Hayden Jagst on the telephone and convinced him to return to Brighton, officials said. He was taken into custody without incident on Murphy Drive near Challis.
Hayden Jagst is scheduled to appear in front of Livingston County District Court Judge Daniel Bain for a review hearing on Aug. 24.
He faces up to life in prison if convicted of murder.
