MICHIGAN

3 children, woman found dead in west Michigan

Staff and wire reports
Kent County Sheriff personnel investigate the scene of a fatal shooting on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, near Cedar Springs, Michigan.

Solon Township — Authorities say three children and a woman were fatally shot at a property in west Michigan.

Their bodies were discovered Monday afternoon at a residence near Cedar Springs, which is 30 miles north of Grand Rapids, said police.

Authorities don't believe the shooting suspect is at large, but stopped short releasing details.

The Kent County Sheriff's Office said it is confirming the identities of the four people and their relationship to each other.

The ages of the victims were described as elementary school-aged and younger, said the Sheriff's Office.

The incident was reported Monday at 3:15 p.m. by a person who had come upon the scene.

A firearm was discovered at the scene, said the Sheriff's Office.

It's unclear when the victims were shot.

Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young declined to say whether the bodies were discovered inside or outside a building, according to local news reports.

She called the scene “a horrific thing to be called to” and said “my heart goes out to the families involved here and the community.”

The case remains under investigation, with the Sheriff's Office gathering forensic evidence, said LaJoye-Young.

Investigations are contacting neighbors to see if any had surveillance cameras pointed toward the road. They hope to use the footage to track traffic in the area.