Parents and Child Dead in Michigan Murder-Suicide

Three people, including a child, have died in a suspected murder-suicide in Portage, Michigan.

Officers with the Portage Department of Public Safety gathered outside a home on Milham Avenue after reports of a shooting and possible hostage situation at about 9:20 p.m. Tuesday. A neighbor who lived nearby told police she heard five shots.

Unable to get a response from inside the apartments, police officers mobilized the local SWAT team to enter the house.

Upon entering the home, officers found two parents and one child dead. The deceased were identified as Henry Bates, 39, Brianna Bates, 31, and their 6-year-old daughter Zenzia Bates. Three children, ages 3, 11, and 13, were in the home as the shooting happened but managed to escape and are currently with a relative.

A motive for the shooting is under investigation. Police added that Henry was the perpetrator, first targeting his wife, then his daughter.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Portage Department of Public Safety at 329-4567 or Silent Observer.