Contact: Sgt. Joy Matthews
Email: joy.matthews@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Lt. Ron Gates
Case Number: 21-143565
Type of Incident: Homicide

UPDATE on 10/01/2021 at 5:00 PM: The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have picked up the suspect, Jacob Alec Ryan, on Thursday, September 16th, 2021, in the area of Belding Rd. N.E. or Northland Dr. N.E. between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Ryan may have been dropped off in Grand Rapids to get on a Greyhound Bus (see above picture). 

If you or someone you know provided a ride to Ryan, please contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division at (616) 632-6125.

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CANNON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (September 17, 2021) – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide in Cannon Township.

On 09/16/2021 at 7:24 PM, deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7000 block of Cannon Place Dr. N.E. to check the well-being of a resident. Deputies arrived on scene and located Ciara Paul (25) from Rockford, deceased inside the home with apparent stab wounds. Deputies also located Ciara’s two children, a 2-year-old male and a 5-year-old female, inside the residence. They were injured and transported to Helen Devos Children’s Hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect, Jacob Alec Ryan (29), was located in Toledo, Ohio. He was arrested by authorities in Toledo and is currently lodged at the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office pending extradition.

On 09/17/2021, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office issued the following charges on Jacob:

• Homicide – Open Murder
• Assault with Intent to Murder

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division at (616) 632-6125.

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