Contact: Sgt. Eric Brunner | 616-914-8481
Email: eric.brunner@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sgt. Eric Brunner
Case Number: 21-155474
Incident Type: Suspicious Death 

UPDATE 12/9/21 3:00PM  |  A 33-year-old Kentwood man, identified as Marquis Thomas, was arrested on 12/6/21 in connection with the homicide of Michael Wright.  The case was submitted to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office for review and the following charges were authorized:

Count 1: Homicide - Felony Murder

Count 2: Felon in Possesion of a Firearm

Count 3: Felony Firearm

Bond: $1,000,000.

Thomas was arraigned on all charges this afternoon in the 63rd District Court. 

UPDATE 12/6/21 6:17 p.m. On December 6, 2021 the Kent County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Kentwood man in connection to the homicide that was reported on December 1, 2021 in Alpine Township.  Investigators worked this case tirelessly throughout the weekend, collecting evidence that connected the Kentwood man to the crime.  The subject was lodged on Open Murder charges this afternoon.  The case will be reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office and the suspect’s name will be released upon arraignment.

UPDATE 12/2/2021 12:53 p.m. The victim in this case has been identified as Michael Wright (35) of Grand Rapids.  According to the Kent County Medical Examiner's Office, Wright suffered a gun shot wound while in his vehicle, and his death has been ruled a homicide.  Anyone with information that could help investigators is again asked to call Silent Observer or the KCSO Detective Bureau at the numbers listed below.  

ALPINE Township, Mich: At 10:33AM the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a male sleeping in his vehicle in the 4100 block of Alpenhorn Dr NW. Deputies arrived and located a male deceased in a parked vehicle. At this time there are no other details known on what led up to the incident. The death is considered to have suspicious circumstances. Investigators will remain on scene and we will release more information as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation can report it safely and anonymously to Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or call the KCSO Detective Bureau at 616-632-6125.