GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Police say manslaughter charges have been filed in connection with a homicide in northeast Grand Rapids.
It happened at a home on Alfred Avenue, which is south of Michigan Street and between Diamond and Fuller avenues. Police said in a news release that 60-year-old Kristine Haddad died at a hospital on October 15, two days after suffering a head injury.
First responders were told at the time that the injury resulted from a fall. But investigators were later told by a witness that her injury resulted from an assault. An autopsy confirmed that.
Police say 43-year-old Justin Leys is awaiting formal charges after being taken into custody.
Here is more information from the GRPD news release:
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – On October 15, officers were called to a local hospital in reference to a woman, Kristine Haddad, aged 60, who had been brought in by ambulance on October 13.
GRFD and EMTs were called to a residence in the 300 block of Alfred Ave NE on October 13. They were told that the victim’s head injury was the result of a fall. Following the administration of life-saving measures, first responders were able to get a pulse and transported the victim to the hospital. GRPD was not notified at the time, given the account of the incident as reported to first responders.
Police were called to the hospital two days later by a family member of the victim who reported that Kristine had been involved in an assault. The family member, who was not present during the incident, had been told of the assault by a witness. At that time, Kristine was on life support and had no brain activity. The family gave permission for life support to be withdrawn on October 15.
After meeting with the family member, an investigation was opened into the alleged assault, which was upgraded to a homicide investigation after the ruling by the Kent County Medical Examiner following an autopsy on October 17.
The investigation was presented to the Kent County Prosecutor on October 28, and Justin Leys, aged 43, was charged with manslaughter. Leys is in custody; arraignment is pending.
Even though a charge has been issued, anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact the Major Case Team. Detectives can be reached at 616.456.3380. Tips can also be sent safely and anonymously through Silent Observer via their phone line (616.774.2345), website, or app.