Authorities say a welfare check at a Canadian Lakes home near Stanwood ended in tragedy Wednesday morning when deputies found three family members dead inside in what appears to be a murder-suicide. The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 85-year-old Betty Jedrey, 79-year-old George Jedrey, and their 64-year-old son, Thomas Pinard.
What investigators say
Deputies were sent to the house around 10:30 a.m. after a concerned relative reported not being able to reach the family, according to FOX 17. When a deputy arrived, they saw vehicles parked in the driveway. After looking through a window and spotting a body on the floor, the deputy forced entry into the residence. Once inside, deputies found all three residents deceased, the outlet reports.
Sheriff's preliminary finding
Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller told the Detroit Free Press that investigators currently believe Pinard shot his parents and then himself. Miller said there were no signs suggesting anyone else was involved.
Neighbors react
Neighbors said the family was well-liked and that the violence felt completely out of character for the quiet community. “Something like this never happens in Canadian Lakes,” neighbor Gary Wilson told FOX 17. Wilson, who knew the son as “Tommy,” said the household had a solid reputation in the neighborhood.
Investigation and local response
The sheriff’s office said the home at 8885 Edgewater Drive was secure and that all three victims, who lived there, were found inside. Authorities described the deaths as caused by gunshot wounds, according to Michigan's Thumb. Officials also thanked Mecosta County EMS, Morton Township Fire and Rescue, the Mecosta-Osceola County Victim Services Unit, and the Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group for their assistance, noting that the case remains under investigation.
Deputies have not identified a motive and are asking anyone with information to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, local outlets report. Authorities stressed there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continues, according to Big Rapids Daily News. The Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group is expected to determine the official causes and manners of death.
