Family: Man shoots, kills wife and self
Bodies were found in driveway
WOOD TV News
July 14, 2012
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/central_mich/2-found-dead-near-Ionia-home
RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Family and friends told 24 Hour News 8 an Ionia County man shot and killed his wife before killing himself Saturday.
Police confirm the shooter as 44-year-old Robbie Dennis and 42-year-old Jamie Dennis.
Rob Dennis was under an increasing amount of stress, his family and friends told 24 Hour News 8. They said he was working more hours as an Department of Corrections employee in Ionia, and earlier this week Jamie Dennis lost her job.
Jamie's uncle, Rick Harkins, told 24 Hour News 8 his niece worked at a Greenville factory that closed Friday.
Harkins said he didn't know if the couple were arguing over that issue, and he said his family might never know.
"We've got no answers really. It was just the two of them," Harkins said. "We don't have a clue."
Deputies responded at 4:52 p.m. Saturday to the couple's home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, which is northeast of Ionia.
That is where police say Robbie shot Jamie once while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, according to a news release. Police said he then called and told a family member what he had done.
As police were en route Robbie took his own life.
Police said both people each died from a single gunshot wound.
Authorities submitted a search warrant to look for clues inside the couple's home.
A tow truck towed a Jeep from the scene.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/central_mich/2-found-dead-near-Ionia-home
RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Family and friends told 24 Hour News 8 an Ionia County man shot and killed his wife before killing himself Saturday.
Police confirm the shooter as 44-year-old Robbie Dennis and 42-year-old Jamie Dennis.
Rob Dennis was under an increasing amount of stress, his family and friends told 24 Hour News 8. They said he was working more hours as an Department of Corrections employee in Ionia, and earlier this week Jamie Dennis lost her job.
Jamie's uncle, Rick Harkins, told 24 Hour News 8 his niece worked at a Greenville factory that closed Friday.
Harkins said he didn't know if the couple were arguing over that issue, and he said his family might never know.
"We've got no answers really. It was just the two of them," Harkins said. "We don't have a clue."
Deputies responded at 4:52 p.m. Saturday to the couple's home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, which is northeast of Ionia.
That is where police say Robbie shot Jamie once while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, according to a news release. Police said he then called and told a family member what he had done.
As police were en route Robbie took his own life.
Police said both people each died from a single gunshot wound.
Authorities submitted a search warrant to look for clues inside the couple's home.
A tow truck towed a Jeep from the scene.
WILX NEWS
Jul 15, 2012
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/2_Found_Dead_Near_Ionia_Home_162507916.html?ref=916
A man and woman found shot to death in a driveway in Ronald Township around 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and that's all the information the Ionia County Sheriff will share for now.
A family member called it a murder-suicide. The uncle of one of the victims said Jamie Dennis was killed by her husband, Rob, who then took his own life in the driveway of their home in the 3100-block of Westbrook Rd.
"I just couldn't believe it," said Rick Harkins, Jamie's uncle. "Just utter chaos. Just couldn't believe this would happen."
Harkins said the family didn't notice anything out of the ordinary about the couple. They were in their forties and together for at least a decade.
"We don't understand what went wrong," Harkins said. "We don't have any idea. We don't know where he went off the deep end or what happened. I mean, they just spent the day together with their 2-year-old grandson and had a good time."
He said they were your average happy couple, but Jamie just lost her job, and it's possible that's the cause of this tragedy.
"I don't know if they were arguing about that or if they had a dispute about that," Harkins said. "She was a tech and she made pretty good money, but the factory closed. So I don't know if it was a thing on money, I have no idea."
Whatever the reason may be, the family is shocked. Harkins described Rob as a quiet, unassuming guy, who would never hurt anyone. He worked as a prison guard in Ionia. While Harkins believes he had a license to carry a weapon, they never thought this would happen.
"We've got no answers really," Harkins said. "No answers for nothing. It was just the two of them, they were out here alone, and we just don't know what happened."
The Ionia County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/2_Found_Dead_Near_Ionia_Home_162507916.html?ref=916
A man and woman found shot to death in a driveway in Ronald Township around 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and that's all the information the Ionia County Sheriff will share for now.
A family member called it a murder-suicide. The uncle of one of the victims said Jamie Dennis was killed by her husband, Rob, who then took his own life in the driveway of their home in the 3100-block of Westbrook Rd.
"I just couldn't believe it," said Rick Harkins, Jamie's uncle. "Just utter chaos. Just couldn't believe this would happen."
Harkins said the family didn't notice anything out of the ordinary about the couple. They were in their forties and together for at least a decade.
"We don't understand what went wrong," Harkins said. "We don't have any idea. We don't know where he went off the deep end or what happened. I mean, they just spent the day together with their 2-year-old grandson and had a good time."
He said they were your average happy couple, but Jamie just lost her job, and it's possible that's the cause of this tragedy.
"I don't know if they were arguing about that or if they had a dispute about that," Harkins said. "She was a tech and she made pretty good money, but the factory closed. So I don't know if it was a thing on money, I have no idea."
Whatever the reason may be, the family is shocked. Harkins described Rob as a quiet, unassuming guy, who would never hurt anyone. He worked as a prison guard in Ionia. While Harkins believes he had a license to carry a weapon, they never thought this would happen.
"We've got no answers really," Harkins said. "No answers for nothing. It was just the two of them, they were out here alone, and we just don't know what happened."
The Ionia County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident.
UPDATE: Police say shooting in Ronald Township was murder/suicide
Sentinel-Standard
Jul. 16, 2012
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20120716/NEWS/307169990
Authorities have identified the two people found dead late Saturday afternoon at a home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township as Robbie Dennis, 44, and his wife Jamie Dennis, 42, in an apparent case of murder/suicide.
A press release from the Ionia County Sheriff's Office said evidence indicates Robbie Dennis shot Jamie Dennis once while she was in her vehicle. He then called a family member and told them what he had done. As police responded to the crime scene, Robbie Dennis took his own life, the release said.
Both Jamie Dennis and Robbie Dennis died from a single gunshot wound.
Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunshots at the home about 4:50 p.m. Saturday, and found a man and a woman dead in the driveway, said Sgt. William Hoskins of the ICSO.
Undersheriff Dale Miller said investigators are still interviewing family and friends of the couple to determine a motive for the shooting.
Robbie Dennis was a Michigan Department of Corrections employee.
Autopsies were conducted Monday morning, Miller said. Detectives from the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office continue to gather information and are awaiting lab and other reports.
Two dead at Ionia County home
WZZM TV News
A press release from the Ionia County Sheriff's Office said evidence indicates Robbie Dennis shot Jamie Dennis once while she was in her vehicle. He then called a family member and told them what he had done. As police responded to the crime scene, Robbie Dennis took his own life, the release said.
Both Jamie Dennis and Robbie Dennis died from a single gunshot wound.
Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of gunshots at the home about 4:50 p.m. Saturday, and found a man and a woman dead in the driveway, said Sgt. William Hoskins of the ICSO.
Undersheriff Dale Miller said investigators are still interviewing family and friends of the couple to determine a motive for the shooting.
Robbie Dennis was a Michigan Department of Corrections employee.
Autopsies were conducted Monday morning, Miller said. Detectives from the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office continue to gather information and are awaiting lab and other reports.
Two dead at Ionia County home
WZZM TV News
Jul 16, 2012
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/218348/2/Two-dead-at-Ionia-County-home
UPDATE (WZZM) - Monday - Ionia County investigators say that the man who shot his wife and then later, himself, called a family member to tell them what he had done.
Deputies say that Robbie Dennis,44, killed Jamie Dennis, 42, in her car in the driveway of their home. He then called a family member to tell them what he had done. Before police arrive, Robbie had killed himself.
RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM)-- Deputies are investigating a double homicide in Ionia County.
Just before 5 p.m. Saturday, investigators were called to a home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township for a report of gunshots fired. When deputies arrived, they found two bodies in the driveway.
Neighbors identified the couple as Rob and Jamie Dennis. They say the shooting ended in a murder-suicide, but police are still not releasing details of what happened.
Neighbors Allison and Daniel Tunstra were shocked when first responders told them to take their children in the house.
"He gave us a heads up to give all the kids that were over in the house and locked the doors because they weren't sure what was going on," says Allison Tunstra.
She says it's not the first time they've heard noises -- including gunshots -- coming from the Dennis' home.
Allen and Letty Berry say their daughter Amber is taking the news hard. She's friends with the Dennis' son.
"Amber was just devastated because she's like, how could they do that?" asks Letty Berry. "What would make you think you could kill somebody and then yourself?"
Berry says the couple was having marital problems, but she never thought it was this bad.
They were very nice people, had bonfires together, community things, and never saw this coming," says Berry.
Rob Dennis worked as a corrections officer in Ionia County.
Ionia County couple killed in murder-suicide identified by police
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/218348/2/Two-dead-at-Ionia-County-home
Deputies say that Robbie Dennis,44, killed Jamie Dennis, 42, in her car in the driveway of their home. He then called a family member to tell them what he had done. Before police arrive, Robbie had killed himself.
RONALD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM)-- Deputies are investigating a double homicide in Ionia County.
Just before 5 p.m. Saturday, investigators were called to a home in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township for a report of gunshots fired. When deputies arrived, they found two bodies in the driveway.
Neighbors identified the couple as Rob and Jamie Dennis. They say the shooting ended in a murder-suicide, but police are still not releasing details of what happened.
Neighbors Allison and Daniel Tunstra were shocked when first responders told them to take their children in the house.
"He gave us a heads up to give all the kids that were over in the house and locked the doors because they weren't sure what was going on," says Allison Tunstra.
She says it's not the first time they've heard noises -- including gunshots -- coming from the Dennis' home.
Allen and Letty Berry say their daughter Amber is taking the news hard. She's friends with the Dennis' son.
"Amber was just devastated because she's like, how could they do that?" asks Letty Berry. "What would make you think you could kill somebody and then yourself?"
Berry says the couple was having marital problems, but she never thought it was this bad.
They were very nice people, had bonfires together, community things, and never saw this coming," says Berry.
Rob Dennis worked as a corrections officer in Ionia County.
Ionia County couple killed in murder-suicide identified by police
The Grand Rapids Press
July 16, 2012
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/07/ionia_county_couple_killed_in.html
IONIA COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies identified the couple killed Saturday in a murder-suicide as Jamie L. Dennis, 42, and Robbie Dennis, 44.
Investigation showed that Robbie Dennis shot his wife while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, then shot himself after calling a family member to say what he had done.
The shooting occurred outside the couple’s home at 3115 Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, in northeast Ionia County. Police were dispatched to the scene at 4:52 p.m. Saturday.
Police said that both died of single gunshot wounds.
Police continue to investigate.
Robbie Dennis worked for the state Department of Corrections, sheriff’s deputies said.
The couple are not related to Sheriff Dwain Dennis.
Investigators Believe Ionia County Couple Died In Murder-Suicide
106FM Radio
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/07/ionia_county_couple_killed_in.html
IONIA COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies identified the couple killed Saturday in a murder-suicide as Jamie L. Dennis, 42, and Robbie Dennis, 44.
Investigation showed that Robbie Dennis shot his wife while she was in her vehicle in the driveway, then shot himself after calling a family member to say what he had done.
The shooting occurred outside the couple’s home at 3115 Westbrook Road in Ronald Township, in northeast Ionia County. Police were dispatched to the scene at 4:52 p.m. Saturday.
Police said that both died of single gunshot wounds.
Police continue to investigate.
Robbie Dennis worked for the state Department of Corrections, sheriff’s deputies said.
The couple are not related to Sheriff Dwain Dennis.
Investigators Believe Ionia County Couple Died In Murder-Suicide
106FM Radio
July 16, 2012
http://q106fm.com/news/articles/2012/jul/16/investigators-believe-ionia-county-couple-died-in-murder-suicide/
RONALD TWP, Mich (WLMI) An investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and woman were found in Ionia County. Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home in Ronald Township around 5PM Saturday after shots were fired. When they arrived, they found the bodies of Rob and Jamie Dennis lying in the driveway. Officials believe Rob Dennis shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. Family members say she lost her job Friday at a Greenville factory—he’d been working extra hours as a prison guard in Ionia and had been under increasing stress.
Obituary: Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia
Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2012. She was born May 29, 1970 in Lansing, the daughter of Roger and Michelle (Harkins) Wilson.
Jul. 17, 2012 5:16 pm
Sentinel-Standard
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20120717/NEWS/307179981
Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2012. She was born May 29, 1970 in Lansing, the daughter of Roger and Michelle (Harkins) Wilson.Jaimie is survived by her children, Brooke Satterlee of Ionia, Dustin Satterlee of Ionia and Jacob Macleod of Ionia; step children, Joshua Dennis of Charlotte and Katelynn Dennis of Lyons; grandson, Blaine Michael of Ionia; father, Roger (Brenda) Wilson of Ionia; mother, Michelle Harkins of Ionia; brother, Michael Lee Wilson of Ionia; sister, Alicia Wilson of Lowell; grandmother, Phyllis Harkins of Diamondale; step brother Brandon (Cathy) Black of Plymouth; step sister Jennifer Black of Royal Oak; and special aunts, Deb Wilson and Cara Howe of Grand Rapids and many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces; and special Aunts Deb Wilson of Grand Rapids and Cara Howe of Grand Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, R.J. Harkins and grandparents, Dorothy and Charles Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at Shiloh Community Church with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Anyone wishing may make memorial contributions in Jamie’s name to her family.
Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com
Officials Investigate Murder-Suicide in Ionia County
WLNS TV NEWS
http://q106fm.com/news/articles/2012/jul/16/investigators-believe-ionia-county-couple-died-in-murder-suicide/
Obituary: Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia
Jaimie Lynn (Wilson) Dennis, 42, of Ionia passed away unexpectedly July 14, 2012. She was born May 29, 1970 in Lansing, the daughter of Roger and Michelle (Harkins) Wilson.
Jul. 17, 2012 5:16 pm
Sentinel-Standard
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20120717/NEWS/307179981
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, R.J. Harkins and grandparents, Dorothy and Charles Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19 at Shiloh Community Church with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Anyone wishing may make memorial contributions in Jamie’s name to her family.
Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com
Officials Investigate Murder-Suicide in Ionia County
WLNS TV NEWS
Jul 23, 2012
http://www.wlns.com/story/19029423/2-people-found-dead-in-ionia-co
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Deputies in Ionia County confirmed on Monday that the man and woman found shot to death in a driveway on Saturday is a case of murder-suicide.
The incident happened in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township.
According to officials, the man and woman were married. They say the man shot his wife in the chest and then called his stepdaughter to tell her what he did. He apparently shot himself in the head shortly afterward.
The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Jamie Dennis and 44-year-old Robbie Dennis. Officials say they were married and that Robbie was a prison guard for the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Authorities say the couple had no known history of domestic abuse.
http://www.wlns.com/story/19029423/2-people-found-dead-in-ionia-co
The incident happened in the 3100 block of Westbrook Road in Ronald Township.
According to officials, the man and woman were married. They say the man shot his wife in the chest and then called his stepdaughter to tell her what he did. He apparently shot himself in the head shortly afterward.
The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Jamie Dennis and 44-year-old Robbie Dennis. Officials say they were married and that Robbie was a prison guard for the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Authorities say the couple had no known history of domestic abuse.
