ST. JOSEPH, MICH. (WKZO-AM) — More details are being released about the deadly courthouse shooting in southwest Michigan.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey cleared up one important fact at the beginning of a press conference Tuesday: Larry Gordon was handcuffed in front, which made it possible for him to wrestle a gun from sheriff’s deputy James Atterberry on Monday.
Bailey said none of the bailiffs shirked their duties on Monday. They all ran in the direction of the gunfire, and, while two lost their lives, they saved many others. Gordon also tried to take hostages, and then may have gotten lost trying to find an escape route, banging on the door of the judge’s chamber.
That’s when he was apparently killed by other bailiffs. The sheriff said the protocol of allowing inmates to be handcuffed with their hands in front is now under review. Gordon was being held for kidnapping and first-degree criminal sexual conduct and faced up to life in prison if convicted.
The Berrien County Courthouse will be reopened on Wednesday for staff only. Grief counselors will be on hand. Bailey said he also plans to have more security there. Atterberry is reported in good condition, and Kenya Ellis, who works security at Benton Harbor High School, was the civilian who was wounded. She also expected to make a full recovery.
Residents of the area held three vigils Tuesday and hundreds turned out for a march in remembrance of the victims.
