KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning at W-MED to determine the cause of death in the apparent domestic abuse killing of a mother of four by the father of her children at a home in the 1500 block of Charles Avenue in the Eastside neighborhood.
Public Safety found the body of the 35-year-old victim in her blood spattered bedroom after they were dispatched to the home at about 11:30 Friday.
They also found four children ranging in age from 2 to 8 years of age. Friends say she had been an abusive relationship with the person of interest in the case for some time.
An attempt was made to contact the 32-year-old person of interest, but he had fled in a vehicle, which was later spotted.
With police in hot pursuit, he lost control on Ingleside and crashed, fleeing on foot. A K-9 was deployed and tracked him to an abandoned home on West North Street near Woodward Magnet School where he had barricaded himself inside.
After a stand-off using bullhorns to communicate, he was talked into surrendering.
He is being held for fleeing and eluding and a bond violation for now, as the death investigation continues.
Woodward Elementary and Kalamazoo College were placed on lock down during the stand-off.
The four children have been placed with family members.
