That apprehension led to clues that Willis was involved in the disappearance almost three and a half years ago of Heeringa, who was last seen working a late shift at a Norton Shores gas station.
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Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson has called a press conference today, September 20 regarding the Jessica Heeringa investigation.
Willis is charged with kidnapping and murder.
Investigators have said Willis’ van resembles the vehicle described by tipsters in the high-profile Herringa case. “He certainly is an individual that I wouldn’t let any of my children around, much less any female around”.
‘What his total motivation was, that’s only for him to say.
Willis, who has already been charged with murder and kidnapping in other cases, has previously been named a person of interest in the Heeringa disappearance.
Investigators said they discovered a gun, handcuffs, chains, rope, five syringes – including one with liquid, possibly a sedative – photographs of females chained and bound, a mask and rubber gloves inside Willis’ 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan.
The Norton Shores police chief, Jon Gale, said the charges are ‘one step towards justice, ‘ but he added that he won’t be satisfied until Jessica Heeringa’s body is found and returned to her family.
Later Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Bluhm, Willis’s cousin, is expected to be sentenced for lying to police during the investigation of Willis.
She is still technically missing, but a 46-year-old Muskegon Township man has been charged with the murder of Jessica Heeringa.
Heeringa’s body has not been recovered, but Hilson said “we are actively pursuing any and all leads on where Jessica may be laying to rest right now”.
The 16-year-old managed to escape by unlocking the doors and jumping out of his moving van. ‘Her bravery and her willingness to really put her life on the line that fateful early morning has opened the doors to a lot of different things’.
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According to court documents, the teenage girl was lost and got into Willis’ van.
