BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — An Indiana man has been charged with the stabbing deaths of two men in Battle Creek last week.
South Bend native Kenneth Hoskins faces two counts of open murder for the death of 62-year-old Fred Bissel and 41-year-old Jason Dush at Silver Star Apartments Complex on Sunday, April 12th.
The 56-year-old suspect was arrested later that same day after attempting to steal a semi-truck on I-94, stabbing the driver and himself intentionally before being taken into custody.
Investigators quickly linked the suspect to both incidents, and charges were issued the day after against Hoskins for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and motor vehicle theft related to the attempted carjacking.
Officers were called to the Battle Creek apartment complex after a resident found the two men dead at the building. Investigators noticed signs of struggle with both of the victims appearing to be stabbed and began considering the case a double homicide.
After reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses, a person of interest was identified. Police said the person was an acquaintance of the victims and was already in custody on unrelated charges.
Battle Creek detectives say that Hoskins was living at the apartment with the two men and that an argument between them led to the fatal stabbings.
He then fled the scene, driving west on I-94 until he crashed into a semi-truck. Hoskins then assaulted the semi driver with a knife intending to steal the vehicle, until police arrived and were able to apprehend him.
The man remains in the Kalamazoo County jail and no arraignment date has been set as of now for the Calhoun County murder charges.
