Michigan Death Ruled Homicide After Man Found in Home with Bear Attack Injuries

Police Initially Believed Victim was Mauled to Death

A 911 caller found his friend’s body and thought he was the victim of a bear attack. Police now determined that the man died from multiple gunshot wounds in what they are calling a homicide.

Police Say Investigation is Ongoing

The caller told dispatchers that he found his friend unresponsive in his home with an animal carcass near his body. The caller reported what he thought was a bear attack, complete with what appeared to be puncture wounds and claw marks, according to police.

When deputies arrived at around 2:50 p.m. on May 23, they found the home’s front door unlocked. Inside, they discovered the 54-year-old victim in a bedroom with “blood spatter throughout the room,” according to an incident summary report.

Deputies said there were signs of forced entry and evidence of a struggle. The deputies also found multiple shell casings in the home.

Michigan State Police troopers assisted with the investigation. They processed the scene and interviewed witnesses, but the suspect remains at large.

Medical Examiner Rules Death a Homicide

The victim's body was taken to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. On Monday, the medical examiner ruled that the victim's death was a homicide. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case to contact them at 248-858-4950.