Monroe County, Michigan, is reeling after two separate incidents involving fatal shootings, prompting a press conference by Sheriff Troy Goodnough to address public concerns and provide updates on the ongoing investigations. The tragedies, involving the deaths of two teenagers in Raisinville Township and a murder-suicide in Bedford Township, have deeply impacted the community.
Bedford Township Murder-Suicide: Bowling Coach Identified as Shooter
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of 17-year-old Gwendolyn Faye Smith, a recent Bedford High School graduate, as a murder-suicide. Smith was allegedly shot and killed by 33-year-old Ryan Jacob Leist, who then took his own life. Both were discovered at Smith’s home on W. Sterns Road on June 14th. Investigators have ruled Smith's death as a homicide and Leist’s as a suicide.
Leist was identified as a bowling coach affiliated with Bedford High School, though details of his employment were initially unclear. Sheriff Goodnough clarified that Leist was an unpaid employee of the school district, receiving compensation through Forest Lanes bowling alley. The exact nature of the relationship between Smith and Leist remains under investigation.
“Gwendolyn's stepfather arrived home to find Gwendolyn and the suspect, with apparent gunshot wounds,” Sheriff Goodnough stated, emphasizing the tragic circumstances. While social media speculated about a possible romantic relationship, the Sheriff’s Office has stated there's no current evidence to support this. They are, however, reviewing communication between the two.
Raisinville Township: Investigation into Teenagers' Deaths Continues
Authorities are also investigating the deaths of two teenagers found with gunshot wounds on Heiss Road in Raisinville Township on Tuesday. Their identities have not yet been released. This incident adds another layer of grief and concern to the Monroe County community.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding both incidents. The involvement of school superintendents from Bedford Public Schools and Airport Community Schools at the press conference highlights the widespread impact these tragedies have on the local educational system and the broader community. Further updates are expected as the investigations progress.