Crime
Two Dead, One Injured in Northfield Township Shooting and Abduction; Three Suspects Charged
Three suspects, all from Detroit, have been taken into custody.
A violent incident on Wednesday night in Northfield Township has left two people dead, one injured, and two children briefly abducted.
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three suspects in connection with the crime, which authorities describe as a targeted attack.
Police were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. to a residence on Nollar Bend Road, near US-23, in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered:
- Jennifer Bernhard, 50, and Stevie Ray Smith, 74, deceased from gunshot wounds.
- Jeffrey Alan Bernhard, 53, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital and is now in stable condition.
During the attack, two young girls, aged 7 and 4, were abducted from the home. With assistance from Michigan State Police and Ann Arbor Police, the children were located safely in Ypsilanti Township.
Both were taken to the hospital, where their conditions remain undisclosed but are reported to be stable.
Three suspects, all from Detroit, have been taken into custody:
- Shuvonne Vinson, 42
- Gregory Callhan, 37
- Keith Finley, 60
The suspects face an extensive list of charges, including:
- Two counts of open murder
- One count of assault with intent to murder
- Two counts of child kidnapping
- Conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping
- Home invasion
- Weapons-related offenses
Additional charges against Vinson include assaulting police officers and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Finley faces an extra charge for possession of a firearm as an ineligible person.
Vinson and Callhan were arraigned Friday and denied bond, while Finley will face arraignment Saturday.
All three suspects remain in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail.
During her arraignment, Vinson caused a disruption, shouting profanities and justifying her actions. “Them [expletive] deserved to die,” she yelled, referring to the victims.
Authorities have confirmed that the abducted children were foster children residing with the Bernhard family. One of the suspects is reportedly a relative of one of the children.
The tragic events have shaken the Northfield Township community. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Bernhard family during this difficult time.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident. Sheriff’s deputies have assured the public that there is no further danger.
This shocking case highlights the need for continued vigilance and community support in the wake of such a targeted and violent crime. Additional updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.