CRIME & SAFETY
Vigil mourns victims lost to violent crimes in West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For families of violent crime victims, remembering a lost family member can bring up the same hurt and pain as the day they were told the tragic news. At the same time, for some like Kristine Young and Dana Nelson, gatherings like the Violent Crime victims vigil at the 63rd Kent County District Courthouse can help bring a sense of peace.
‘He just walked up on me’: 911 call by Grand Rapids murder suspect released
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The city of Grand Rapids released the 911 call made by a murder suspect earlier this month. Brandon Clark, 39, was shot dead near Highland Street and Lafayette Avenue on the morning of Saturday, April 13. Police later identified the suspect as 24-year-old Dayshaun Catledge....
Man linked to Grand Rapids 1980s killing headed to trial for murder
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Kent County Prosecutor's Office presented enough evidence surrounding a 1980s killing to convince the judge to bind over the case to circuit court for trial. Nearly 40 years after Burnett Frierson was killed in his home, the man accused in his killing appeared in...
Teen gets long prison sentence for carjacking SUV, smashing it into police cruiser
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A teen described as the ringleader of a 2023 carjacking that ended with a violent broadside crash with a Grand Rapids police cruiser has been sentenced to prison. Micah Atkins, 18, was sentenced Wednesday, April 24 to 15 to 30 years in prison on a charge...
Two Sides to the Story: GR car thefts declining; victims still voicing concerns
“Software patch or not, I'll never buy a Hyundai or Kia," said Jason Noling, who had his Hyundai stolen in 2022. "I'll never rent one. I don't even want to look at one.”
Man alters appearance after shoplifting at Aldi, Meijer stores, police say
KENT COUNTY, MI – Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man in Cedar Springs after he allegedly shoplifted from Aldi, Goodwill and Meijer stores. Kent County sheriff’s deputies responded around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, to a report of shoplifting at the Goodwill store. A worker saw a man leaving with stolen items.
Family searching for stolen ashes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Rodney McFall lost his son, Jaysen Rodney McFall, to depression. “My son passed away February 26," Rodney McFall said. Jaysen was a young father. “He passed away from depression. When he passed away, we took the remains of the body and had them cremated,” Rodney McFall said.
Community prayer set after 2 struck by police vehicles while running from officers
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Former Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack is having a community prayer outside of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for a teen who was struck by a patrol car while running from police. The event is at 8 p.m. Monday, April 22. If you purchase a...
‘A very violent homicide,’ judge says in ordering trial for man accused in 1985 fatal stabbing
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A fatal 1985 killing involving 34 stab wounds to a victim was a “very violent homicide,” a judge said in ordering a 68-year-old man to trial. Ronald Davis was ordered to trial Monday, April 22 for felony murder in the death of 48-year-old Burnett Frierson some 39 years ago.
Kentwood family of man struck, killed by unmarked police car retains civil rights attorney Ben Crump
KENTWOOD, Mich. — The family of 25-year-old Samuel Sterling has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Crump's law firm said in a statement they are seeking justice. "It is unconscionable that Sameul Sterling was run over by a police officer's vehicle in broad daylight. The Michigan State Police officers involved in Samuel's death should be swiftly and thoroughly investigated for this senseless and preventable tragedy," Crump said.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.