Michigan State Police say a homicide investigation is underway after a family of four was found dead inside a Grand Traverse County home.
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Michigan State Police troopers discovered the family dead inside the home after a welfare check of a person that had been absent from work for a couple days. Authorities identified the deceased as Jeffery Allan Mendenhall, 54, Tamisha Marie Mendenhall, 34, and their children Thomas, 6, and Olivia, 3.
Shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday, troopers forced entry into the mans home in Garfield Township following several knocks at the door.
In an email, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg told The Grand Rapids Press and MLive that the deaths appear to be a “homicide/suicide”. It wasn’t clear yet which parent took part or if both did, Belcher said.
Troopers found the home to be “dark and secured”, according to a police report. Neighbors described the family as friendly and having always said “hi” when passing by. “It’s just bad”. “They seemed like a very nice couple”.
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Despite police assurances, residents said the deaths left them uneasy. A turtle-shaped sandbox, a tiny basketball hoop with net and other children’s toys were clustered in the narrow yard. Were not supposed to have these things happen here.
