Northfield Township Community in Mourning After Double Homicide

News Summary

A double homicide in Northfield Township has left the community in shock following a tragic incident on January 1, 2025. The victims, Jennifer Lyn Bernhard and Stevie Ray Smith, were well-known residents, and a child custody dispute is believed to be the motive behind the violence. A third victim is in stable condition, while two children were briefly abducted but later recovered. Three suspects are in custody, facing multiple charges including murder and kidnapping. The community is coming together in support of the bereaved families.

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP: A Community in Shock After Tragic Double Homicide

On the evening of January 1, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Northfield Township was rocked by a tragic double homicide in the 2000 block of Nollar Bend Road. What was supposed to be a peaceful celebration of the New Year turned into a nightmare for the local community, as two lives were lost, and others were put at risk in a shocking turn of events.

Victims and the Unfolding Tragedy

The victims were identified as Jennifer Lyn Bernhard, aged 48, and Stevie Ray Smith, aged 74, both well-known residents of Northfield Township. In addition to the deceased, a third victim, 52-year-old Jeffrey Alan Bernhard, suffered critical injuries but is currently reported to be in stable condition. Jeffrey is an important figure in the community, serving as an assistant director at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

The motive behind the horrific act is reportedly linked to a child custody dispute involving a child the Bernhards were fostering. The dispute escalated into violence, resulting in a scene described by law enforcement as gruesome.

The Children Involved

Compounding the tragedy, two children aged four and seven were abducted from the Bernhard home during the chaos. Fortunately, authorities were able to recover the children later, and both are reported to be in good health and safe. Their swift recovery brought some relief to a community that has witnessed unimaginable sorrow.

Suspects in Custody

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the gruesome events. The suspects, identified as Shuvonne Vinson (42), Gregory Callhan (37), and Keith Finley (60), all hail from Detroit. They face a staggering 12 charges, including two counts of open murder, one count of assault with intent to murder, and two counts of kidnapping.

The suspects reportedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leading to a coordinated manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ann Arbor police and Michigan State Police. The children were eventually located in Ypsilanti Township—one was found in a residence, and the other was discovered in a vehicle with two of the suspects.

A Community in Mourning

This tragic incident marks the first homicide in Northfield Township in over 19 years. Many neighbors expressed their shock and disbelief, recalling the Bernhards as compassionate individuals who contributed positively to the community. Jennifer was notably involved in children’s ministries, while Jeffrey served on the church board of trustees. Their contributions have left a lasting impact, and their loss is felt deeply.

Continuing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The police and prosecutors are diligently working to gather more information, with the potential for additional charges against the suspects. Early reports suggest that the confrontation at the Bernhard residence was fueled by tensions over the custody of a child previously taken from another individual.

During a video arraignment, one of the suspects displayed erratic behavior, making a series of profanities and indicating an unsettling mindset regarding the situation. Jeffrey Bernhard was able to flee the chaos, reaching out to a neighbor for help and calling 911 after the attack—a critical move that potentially saved his life.

Community Solidarity

As the investigation continues, the Northfield Township church community has come together in solidarity, mourning the loss of two of their own. The heartbreak felt by residents is palpable, and many are rallying to support the surviving family member and offer assistance to those affected by this tragic event.

In a shocking turn of events, Northfield Township finds itself grappling with the aftermath of a violent incident that will forever change the landscape of this once-peaceful community. The resilience of the residents will undoubtedly shine through as they face this tragic time together.