Michigan Man, Son Found Dead in Camper; Murder-Suicide Investigated

Content Warning: This story mentions suicide.

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Murder-Suicide Investigation: Father and Son Found Deceased in Camper

Isabella County, Michigan authorities discovered a missing father and son deceased inside a camper this week, initiating a murder-suicide investigation.

The child, a 6-year-old, was reported missing on Monday, according to WNEM. The mother informed authorities that the boy was with his father for a custody visit and was not returned to her care.

Isabella County Sheriff Michael Main told WPBN that deputies did not find them at the father's residence, and family members could not reach them for 24 hours.

A relative broke into a camper on the father's property on Wednesday, revealing the grim discovery.

"The family arrived at the property and began to look for the two. A family member decided to break out a window on a camper that was in the rear of the property," the sheriff's office said in a statement, per Fox 2.

USA TODAY reached out to the Isabella County Sheriff's Office for comment.

Authorities Confirm Father and Son's Deaths

Sheriff Main confirmed that the family member found the 48-year-old father deceased. Upon arrival, authorities forced entry into the camper. Both the father and son had gunshot wounds, and it was determined that the man had committed suicide after fatally shooting the child, according to reports.

The Isabella County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police Crime Lab are investigating the incident. The identities of the father and son have not been publicly released. Isabella County is approximately 80 miles from Grand Rapids.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.