KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A man has been charged with open murder for running over and killing an elderly woman in the Walmart parking lot in Oshtemo Township early Tuesday afternoon.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says although the suspect, 37-year old Xuan Thanh Vo is cooperating, the investigation remains open.
they are asking that anyone who witnessed the crime, or may have pertinent information to contact the Sheriff’s Office, or even anyone who was traumatized by the event, if they need to talk to someone.
Fuller says one reason the case remains open is that there are unsubstantiated reports Vo may have tried this at another store in Battle Creek.
Court document say Vo admitted that he decided he wanted to kill someone with his car Tuesday. He told investigators that “when he woke up, he was angry and lonely and missed his ex-girlfriend and decided he wanted to kill someone with his car by running them over.”
He admitted that he drove to Meijer in Battle Creek to hit and kill someone with his car, but then decided not to.
The Battle Creek police chief told WOOD-TV News 8 that his department received a report that a dark-colored sedan drove through the parking lot of a Battle Creek Meijer Monday and tried to hit a pedestrian. No one was hurt.
It has not been confirmed if the Meijer that Vo drove to was the same one that Battle Creek Police received a report on.
Vo admitted that he then drove to the Meijer in Oshtemo to do the same but decided not to. Then, he told investigators, he drove to the Walmart on 9th Street in Oshtemo.
Sheriff Fuller says there is “zero connection” between the suspect and victim, 65-year-old Sandra Villarreal.
The suspect reportedly gunned his engine just before striking her. He then tried to flee the scene on foot, but was followed by about a dozen witnesses who would not let him get away.
Vo surrendered to Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department deputies without incident.
The open murder charge gives the prosecutor more flexibility should new information surface.
Vo has been ordered held without bond. His attorney reportedly believes he is incompetent and may seek a mental evaluation.
(reporting from John McNeill)
I thought this happened on 9th Street in Oshtemo Township?
The Walmart was actually in Oshtemo on 9th street, not Gull Road.