GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A domestic disturbance in Gaines Township turned deadly on Monday afternoon, July 21, 2025, when Kent County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered two individuals deceased from gunshot wounds inside a home. The incident occurred just after 1:00 p.m. at a residence on Madison Avenue, north of 68th Street.
Deputies were dispatched following a 911 call reporting a heated argument at the home. While en route, dispatchers received additional information indicating that gunshots had been fired. Upon arrival, officers found a man and a woman dead inside the residence, both having sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly identified the victims, pending notification of next of kin, and specific details about their relationship remain unconfirmed. Sgt. Scott Dietrich, speaking at the scene, described the incident as a tragic escalation of a domestic situation. “We don’t have a suspect at large,” Dietrich stated. “We believe this incident occurred between the two individuals inside the home. It’s a devastating outcome, not only for the families and neighbors but also for our responding officers.”
The Kent County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau and Major Crimes Unit are actively investigating, with forensic teams processing the scene for evidence. The medical examiner’s office is conducting autopsies to determine the precise cause and manner of death, and authorities have not yet officially classified the incident as a murder-suicide or otherwise.
Sgt. Dietrich emphasized the volatility of domestic disturbance calls, noting they are among the most dangerous for law enforcement. “These situations can change rapidly,” he said. “We urge the community to contact us at the first sign of trouble to help prevent tragedies like this.”
The sheriff’s office commended the 911 caller for promptly reporting the disturbance, encouraging others to act swiftly in similar situations. “Early intervention can make a difference,” Dietrich added. “We’d rather respond to de-escalate than arrive after lives are lost.”
The area around Madison Avenue near 68th Street remains restricted as the investigation continues, with deputies advising residents to use alternate routes, such as 66th Street SE via Eastern Avenue. Authorities have promised to release additional details as the investigation progresses, and they are asking anyone with information to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at 616-632-6100 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.