Long-Term Domestic Violence Between Two Seniors Might Have Led To Murder-Suicide
MACOMB TWP. (WWJ) - Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide in Macomb Township that might have been the result of long-term domestic violence between two senior citizens.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said they received a 911 call around 11:35 p.m. Tuesday from a man — identified by authorities as 69-year-old John Chiles — in the 48000 block of Meadowcrest Drive, off of Hayes and 22 Mile roads, who was threatening to kill himself.
Deputies responded to the scene immediately and were able to see Chiles inside the home. After forcing entry into the home, deputies determined that he had a gunshot wound to the face.
"Deputies further searched the residence and located the body of a 78-year-old woman in the basement of the home," Lieutenant John Michalke told WWJ's Laura Bonnell.
Chiles was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the chin. He subsequently died at the hospital.
Police say evidence at the home leads them to believe that Chiles killed the woman — later identified as Hattie Marty — before turning a gun on himself. Marty was the homeowner and the man's long-time girlfriend, Michalke said.
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said his office had responded to two prior incidents of domestic violence involving the same couple at the same residence, once in 2007 and again in 2011. In each incident, an arrest was made.
An investigation is ongoing.