Climax residents shocked by homicide in village

By Bruce Rolfe

Village of Climax residents were left shocked late Saturday night and Sunday as they learned a homicide had occurred in the 100 block of North Main Street at approximately 10 p.m. October 26.

According to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, a female and dog were found deceased at the location.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department said a suspect was arrested on scene in connection with the incident and is currently lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail pending criminal charges.

While the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department isn’t releasing many details yet, Undersheriff Michelle Greenlee said the Sheriff’s Office will release more information as it becomes available and as long as it does not impede the investigation.

“The suspect is in custody and has requested a lawyer. We are diligently working on our investigation and completed a search warrant at the residence last night (October 26),” said the undersheriff.

Climax Township Fire Chief Scott Smith said the local fire department and an ambulance provider staged outside the location while police made sure the scene was secure before entering.

While the Climax Crescent is not certain, the homicide is believed to be the first in this small bedroom community, which was very troubling to local residents.

Noah Miller, his wife and family live across the street from where the shooting took place. He said he didn’t know anything had happened but his interest picked up when the fire department, ambulance and police cars showed up.

“It hits pretty close to home. We had just gotten to know these new neighbors so it was pretty hard to hear to be honest,” said Miller, who adds he never saw any signs there may have been any issues between the couple.

Chuck and Bea Osborn, who have lived in the Village of Climax many years, recalled the 2017 homicide in Scotts, but Bea said she was very shocked when the couple heard there was a homicide in the village.

“That (the Scotts homicide) was close, but still. You don’t think about it here in this little town. It’s kind of surprising. Shocking,” said Bea.

Miller, the pastor of the Peace Community Church in the Village of Climax, said part of Sunday’s service was devoted to prayers for the village and the family.

“The church was really wanting to pray for the peace of the town and that type of thing. There was heart break for the whole community. It was more like thinking of the whole community,” said Pastor Noah.

Interim Climax Village Council President David Miller said the incident was very troubling.

“This tragedy saddens our community. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family. Domestic conflict is extremely dangerous. If you see or hear of it call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s office or the statewide 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-866-864-2338.  Let’s look out for one another,” said Miller.    

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Silent Observer or the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department.

More details will be published as they become available.

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