WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — The suspect in a double murder in Kent County’s Spencer Township was the son-in-law of one of the victims, authorities say.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department says 33-year-old Bruce Edward Huntley and his wife, Samantha Lynn Huntley, were involved in a domestic dispute a week ago. Jail records show Bruce Huntley was booked on a charge of domestic violence on Sept. 16 and bonded out a day later — five days before the double murder.
After the domestic dispute, Samantha Huntley took their 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter to stay at her mother's home, located in the 1000 block of Rooksby Street near Wickert Avenue in Spencer Township, east of Sand Lake.
Investigators determined Bruce Huntley forced his way into the home Saturday morning and shot and killed his wife's mother, whom deputies identified Monday as 58-year-old Lisa Bradley. Authorities say Bruce Huntley also shot and killed Bradley's longtime boyfriend who lived at the house, identified as 54-year-old James Cole.
At that point, Bruce Huntley abducted his wife and two children, taking them back to their home on Stonebridge Road SW at Ramblewood Apartments in Wyoming.
When the Kent County Sheriff's Office realized the wife and children were missing, they contacted Wyoming police to check out the apartment.
After officers found Bradley's vehicle outside the apartment, a tactical team was assembled. Authorities said they made contact with Samantha Huntley, who confirmed she was inside the apartment with her husband and two children, and she was being held against her will.
Negotiators were able to arrange for the release of the wife and two children, but the suspect threatened to commit suicide and refused to come out, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Office.
After several hours, tactical officers entered the apartment and found Bruce Huntley dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
James Cole and Lisa Bradley had been a couple for more than a decade, a family member said told 24 Hour News 8 Sunday. Neighbors said they were helpful and well-liked by many in the farming community.
Investigators say the suspect and his wife were separated, but not divorced.