BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The investigation continues into Battle Creek’s first homicide of 2019.
Battle Creek Police say 58-year-old Howard Leon Gillette was found dead in a burning home in the 200 block of Graves Avenue around 1 a.m. early New Year’s Day.
After putting out the flames and a further investigation they believe Gillette died from gunshot wounds and a possible accelerate was used to start the fire.
Now Michigan State Police say they conducted a traffic stop New Year’s Eve and found a drunk driver with a handgun in the car.
They say the driver is linked to Gillette’s death but no other information was released.
The suspect is now in the Calhoun County Jail on an open murder charge, but their name will not be released until the arraignment on Friday.
Anyone with more information should contact the Battle Creek Police Department at 269-781-0911 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
