Important to Note:

Silent Observer will pay a reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to the
arrest of an individual. The reward amount is based on the severity
of the crime and how important the tip was to police. A reward is available for any serious crime solved with the help of a tip to Silent Observer. So if you have information about crime call the Silent Observer tip line at 774-2345.

Police Need Your Help To Solve These 2013 Cases

March 19, 2013: Latrice Maze, 26 year old mother of five was last seen on the afternoon of Tuesday March 19, 2013 in Grand Rapids in the area of Burton and Division wearing a white t-shirt and black slacks and a black, yellow, and green-striped scarf on her head. Her family reported her missing after she didn’t pick up her daughter at school the following day.

Grand Rapids Police are investigating Latrice's disappearance and is urging those with information on her whereabouts or know if a crime has been committed against her to call them at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. You may use the Report A Crime section on this web site if you have any information.

January 8, 2013: At 7:45 p.m. Grand Rapids Police responded to a shooting in the 700 block Neland Ave. SE. When officers arrived, the shooting victim was not there and it was determined that a private party had driven him to the hospital. Despite life-saving measures, Gregory Woods, 19, died in surgery.

Residents at the house explained that Gregory had gone to answer a knock at the door when he was shot. Please call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site if you have information on this crime.

January 5, 2013: David Bouwman, 81, and his wife Vivian Bouwman, 80, were murdered David and Vivian Bouwman in their home in the 2200 block of Stowe Valley SE, Kentwood. Police believe the suspect(s) murdered the couple during the commission of a home invasion. Police believe the murder occurred sometime between 7 p.m. on Friday night and 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.

The suspect(s) then fled in the couple's gold Cadillac Deville which was later composite sketch of someone that may have been in the Cadillac dumped and burned near the 3800 block of Madison in tihe City of Wyoming. An orange Home Depot bucket was located at the scene of the car fire and investigators believe the suspect(s) used the bucket to transport an accelerant which was used to destroy the car. Police also believe that there were at least 2 people in the stolen Cadillac shortly before the car was set on fire. The composite to the right is someone who may have been involved in the arson of the car.

Friends and family members have contributed to a special reward fund in this case to encourage those with information about this crime to come forward. The reward amount is at $10,200. Police are asking the public's assistance in helping to solve this case. Please call Kentwood Police at 698-6580 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site if you have information about this case or can identify the person in the sketch.

Police Ask Assistance with 2012 Crimes

December 20, 2012: At 3 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area of Henry and Worden SE on the report of the sound of gunshots. Police also received several calls that an individual had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found Madhi Hayes, 20, dead in an alley from a gunshot wound. A motive for this homicide is unknown. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

December 15, 2012: Officers were called to a house on the 700 block of Dorchester at 3:50 p.m. on a report of an injured woman. When officers arrived, they found her deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. She was identified as Evevana Monique-Marie Galloway. She was 20 years old. Police are asking the public's assistance in helping to solve this case. Please call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

December 14, 2012: Officers responded to a home in the 700 block of Prince SE and found Robyin Johnson-Griggs, 47, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Police need the public's help in solving this case. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

September 3, 2012: At 2:10 a.m. Grand Rapids Police responded to the area of Burton SW and Division on the report of gunshots heard in the area. Upon arrival, officers found Felix Romero Reyes-Santos, 45, and Alvaro Carrillo-Mendez, 22, both dead at the scene from gunshots wounds. A third victim suffered a gunshot wound to his face and was taken to the hospital.

The suspect is described as a black male, medium build, wearing a white shirt with horizontal stripes and a white style fishing hat. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

August 29, 2012: Grand Rapids Police responded to 3853 Camelot SE at 11 p.m. after receiving a call about the sound of gunshots in the area. When officers arrived they found Brian Martinez, 30, lying on the ground unconscious. Medical units could not revive him and he died at the scene. A bystander told officers that a male in dark clothing was seen between two buildings and pulled out a handgun as he walked directly to Brian and shot him. The suspect fled on foot. Brian was a popular former Ottawa Hills High School basketball player.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

June 15, 2012: Terrance Stokes, 19, was found dead from gunshot wounds on a back porch on the 200 block of Travis St. NE at 12:30 a.m. Neighbors found him slumped over and called police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors heard what sounded like six gunshots but wrote them off as fireworks. Terrance was living in Detroit but was in Grand Rapids visiting a friend. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

Police Need Help With 2011 Crimes

November 18, 2011: Lawrence Williams, 23, was shot to death in front of a body shop on Godfrey SW in Wyoming in front of a group of witnesses. Witnesses said the shooter and his accomplices were in two vehicles when they opened fire around 4 p.m. One of the vehicles has been recovered but police are still looking for the late 90's black GMC styled SUV.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Wyoming Police at 530-7300 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

November 11, 2011: Grand Rapids Police were called on a report of a shooting at 11:45 p.m. at Linden and Elliott SE. When police arrived they found Cortney Tillman, a 23 year old father of two, unresponsive and later died at the scene. Another victim was transported to the hospital and a third victim fled the scene but was later found with a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital. Police are looking for three men seen in the area and they may have sped away in a maroon SUV after the shooting.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

October 9, 2011: In the early morning hours of October 9, 2012, Wyoming Police responded to a call on the 1500 block of Godfrey Ave about a woman that had been brutally assaulted. Not only had the woman, 38 year-old Lori Lee, been assaulted, she had also been set on fire and suffered serious burns. The crime scene has been located in the City of Grand Rapids so both Wyoming PD and GRPD are investigating this horrific crime.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

September 3, 2011: Marte Smith, 22, was stabbed in the chest as he approached a large fight occurring in a parking lot near the BP Gas Station and the Chicken Coop restaurant at 3:30 a.m. Marte and another victim were taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. Marte died shortly after arrival.

The stabbing suspect is described as a black male, 6', 150-160 pounds, wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and a black fitted baseball cap.

Grand Rapids Police continues to investigate this case and is asking those with information to call them 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

August 5, 2011: While riding his bicycle west along Beacon Street SW at Grandville Ave, Miguel Angel Lopez, 17, was shot in the chest and died. This homicide occurred at 6:45 p.m. and witnesses reported seeing a black pickup truck speeding through the area when the shooting happened.

A possible suspect is a Hispanic male in his late teens to early 20's, wearing a white t-shirt with dark shorts and a black hat. He was last seen running in the alley between Grandville and Caulfield SW.

Anyone with information about this homicide should call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

August 2, 2011: Grand Rapids Police is investigating a homicide that occurred at 1:30 a.m. on the 1000 block of Widdicomb NW. Gregory Lamont Heard, 27, was shot multiple times as he opened the door after someone was knocking and yelling at the rear entrance to his apartment. A woman and two children were in the home at the time of the shooting.

A witness described seeing a younger black male flee from the scene south on Widdicomb to Eleventh. The male jumped into a white Dodge or Chrysler parked on Eleventh and sped west then south on Tamarack at a high rate of speed.

Grand Rapids Police is asking anyone with information to call them at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

July 27, 2011: Wyoming Police are asking the public's assistance identifying a suspect who assaulted, robbed and kidnapped a 53 year old woman as she left Mr. Duds Cleaners at 1230 28th St. SW, where she worked. The victim was locking doors at 9:30 p.m. when a suspect approached her on foot and dragged her into the alley just west of the store where he injured her by throwing her to the ground, threatened to kill her and then demanded her keys. After using the victim's keys to enter the business to steal money from the cash register, the suspect returned and forced the victim into the trunk of her car. A short time later, the victim reported that the suspect stopped and let her out of the trunk, possibly by a nearby school. The suspect gave the victim the ignition key to her car and fled on foot.

The suspect is described as a 20-30 year old black male, 5'5" and 150 lbs. He was last seen wearing a gray coat with a hood and could possibly be in possession of a blue Coach purse.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wyoming Police at 530-7323 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

May 12, 2011: Grand Rapids Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Norwich on a report of gunshots heard and that there were victims of a shooting. Upon arrival police located a 40 year old woman that had been shot in the leg and she was taken to the hospital. Another female, 35 year old Doraines Morales was found on the porch of the home deceased. This was the second shooting at this home in less than one week.

Moments before the shooting a suspect was seen between two houses across the street from the victims. The suspect was described as a black or Hispanic male with a black hooded sweatshirt. The suspect fired a handgun multiple times. Police believe he fled west between the houses to a vehicle waiting in the alley between Norwich and Dorchester Avenues.

Grand Rapids Police is investigating this homicide and is urging anyone with information to call them at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

April 18, 2011: Grand Rapids Police were called to the 2200 block of Rowland SE at 10:45 p.m. because of a shooting that had taken place. Upon arrival, police found Brandon Standifer Bryant in a car and had died from gunshot wounds. Witnesses said that three suspects, all black males with dark sweatshirts may have been involved in the shooting. The suspects fled south and west from the scene.

April 1, 2011: Grand Rapids Police were called to the area of Crawford Street and Paris Avenue about 10:45 p.m. when a person walking through an alley discovered the body of Javen Martell Bradley lying on the ground. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Javen was just 18.

February 24, 2011: At approximately 7:40 p.m., Grand Rapids Police responded to the 1100 block of Baxter on the report of a man that had been shot. Upon arrival, officers located Sylvester Lovelace Bush walking down the street trying to get medical attention as he was shot in the stomach. Bush, 68, told police he was shot by two unidentified men as he opened the door to his home. Mr. Bush died of his injuries on March 13, 2011 and the cause of death was the gunshot wound.

One suspect is described as a black male, 18-25 years of age, between 5'6" - 5'8" with a thin mustache. The other is described as a black male, 18-25, 6'2", with a mustache and goatee.

Grand Rapids Police is investigating this homicide and is asking anyone with information to call them at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

From The Kent Metro Cold Case Files

The 1981 Disappearance Of Deanie Peters

The Kent Metro Cold Case Team is seeking the public's assistance in the 1981 disappearance of Deanie Peters from Forest Hills Central Middle School on February 5, 1981. Deanie was an 8th grader at Forest Hills Central Middle School and was attending her brother's wrestling practice at the time of her disappearance.

Many news organizations have done stories on this case over the years. Currently WZZM has a Facebook page where many have shared their thoughts, memories and ideas about Deanie's disappearance. Go to Deanie Peters - WZZM 13 Investigates to view.

Police are still looking for answers so anyone with information is urged to call the Kent Metro Cold Case team is 616-632-6373. If you would like to remain anonymous you may call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or you use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

The 2001 Homicide of Gerado Piedra-Amaya

Cold Case investigators have identified the victim of a 2001 homicide that occurred in southwest Grand Rapids. The victim has been identified as Gerado Piedra-Amaya, a 32 year old Hispanic male from Durango, Mexico.

On November 13, 2001, the Grand Rapids Police Department investigated a double stabbing that occurred on Ritzema Ct SW near Grandville Ave SW. Upon arrival, officers found a Hispanic male fatally stabbed. The victim had no identification on him. Officers also found a second stabbing victim near the scene who indicated that he and Piedra-Amaya had been stabbed by a Hispanic male known to him as “Guero.” Through the use of interpreters, the surviving victim told investigators he did not know the victim or assailant’s real name. It is believed the victims and suspect were illegal immigrants from Mexico. Investigative leads were exhausted in the case in an attempt to identify the victim and suspect.

In March 2011, Cold Case Analysts from the Kent Metro Cold Case Team re-opened the “John Doe” case and resubmitted the victim’s fingerprints in a larger, more inclusive database and established his identity. It was learned Piedra-Amaya entered the country illegally on 02/19/2001. The victim had been living in the Grand Rapids area for at least three months prior to his murder.

The Cold Case Team has made notification to next of kin in Durango, Mexico. Investigators are seeking information from witnesses who may provide information on Piedra-Amaya or the homicide. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Cold Case Team at (616) 632-6123 or use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

Do You Know Me?

Below is a facial reconstruction done by a forensic artist. It was photographed with three different hairstyles. It suggests a likeness of what this woman may have looked like.

Facial Reconstruction of Woman Found in 1997

On July 31, 1997 the skeletal remains of this unknown woman were found in the Ada Township Park located at 9232 East Fulton St. It is believed that the remains had been at this site a year or longer before being discovered. The remains were of a black female between the ages of 20-30, with her height being between 5'3" - 5'7". She had several teeth that were in need of dental care. She also had a healed nasal fracture with significant distortion to the left side of her nose. A dark blue leg warmer was found near the discovery site.

The Kent County Cold Case Team is seeking information regarding this woman's identity. If you have any information please call the Cold Case Team at 632-6123 or Silent Observer at 774-2345.

$5,000 Reward Offered in Deadly Hit & Run

It has been over a year since Erica Sevigny, a 26 year-old mother of two, was driving home from work on 14 Mile Road in Algoma Township when she swerved to avoid a deer and struck a tree. Erica climbed out of her damaged vehicle around midnight on April 3, 2010 and called 911 to get some help but during that 911 phone call, Erica was run over by a hit and run driver and killed.

The Kent County Sheriff Department has been actively working this case hoping to find the suspect(s) involved in this fatal hit and run death. The Justice for Erica Committee of the Sparta Moose Lodge #50 held a benefit to raise money to support Erica’s children and to offer an additional $4,000 reward through Silent Observer, making the total reward for information leading to t Erica Sevigny.jpg he person(s) responsible for Erica’s death at up to $5,000.

Police have already received over 130 tips but are still looking for good, crime-solving information regarding this case. Friendships and loyalties can change or dissolve over time. Perhaps someone with knowledge of this tragic event will now no longer be afraid to come forward to tell authorities what they know. Silent Observer guarantees that those who report information about crime are anonymous and no one will ever try to learn their identity. Anyone with information about this tragic crime is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff Department at 632-6100 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. Silent Observer can be contacted confidentially by using the Report A Crime section on this web site.

Montcalm Sheriff Dept. Needs Your Help To Solve Double Homicide

On Thursday, October 28, 2010 at around 11:18 p.m., the Howard City Fire Department responded to a call of a fire at Mr. and Mrs. Michael Greene's residence on Shorecrest Drive on Big Whitefish Lake in Pierson Township. While battling the fire the fire fighters Kathleen and Michael Green discovered the bodies of Michael Thomas Greene, 59 and his wife Kathleen Marie, 56, in the basement of this smoldering residence. The cause of their deaths was multiple stab wounds.

Detectives are asking the public to think back six months ago. Some eyewitnesses have reported a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of the Greene's home that night. It may be the case that someone encountered the killer around the time of the crime and thought his behavior was odd or frightening. Someone may have had an unusual conversation about the murder.

The person who murdered the Greene's brought a lot of violence to the crime scene and his behavior suggests a degree of criminal versatility. Once inside the home, he spent time there before brutally killing them. There is evidence to suggest he took a large quantity of cash and prescription medicine before setting the home a blaze composite of possible suspect involved and escaping undetected. There is also some evidence to suggest that the offender may not have been alone that night as he approached and entered the Greene's home. Relationships and friendships can change or dissolve with time. People may question the loyalties they've held. As time goes by, a person's conscience can motivate him or her to do the right thing and make up for past mistakes. Police are offering that person a chance to come clean, remove the fear and burden from their mind, remove him/her self from harm's way and also help end the killer's victimization of others. The other person there that night will be protected if he/she decides to come forward and it will go a long way in positively determining his/her future.

Anyone with information about the events of that night, even if you think it has already been reported, should contact the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office at 989-831-7539 or Silent Observer at 866-774-2345. You may also use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

Police Need Help With These 2010 Crimes

December 17, 2010: Shortly after 8 p.m., Grand Rapids Police were called to a home on Elm St. SW on a report of a shooting. When police arrived they found a hispanic male known as Tio or David to people in the neighborhood, shot in the stomach and laying in front of a home. Paramedics tried to administer life support, but the victim died at the scene.

A witness with Tio said they were walking west on Elm St. from Division when th Suspect in Elm St. Homicide of Tio

ey were approached by a black male between 14-20 years old wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt with a white tear drop design and khaki pants. The suspect, who was armed with a gun demanded money. Although the witness said the two cooperated with the suspect, Tio was shot. The suspect was last seen running North on Horton SE from Griggs.

The Grand Rapids Police Department is requesting assistance identifying the suspect involved in this homicide and have developed this sketch. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3404, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

August 12, 2010: At 10:45 pm, Grand Rapids Police responded to the 1500 block of Garfield NW on a report of a shooting. When they arrived they found 43 year-old Bradley Memberto of Muskegon had died for a gunshot wound. Witnesses told police that two males came to the address and threatened the occupants of the home with a handgun. The suspects demanded money and then shot the victim. The two suspects were last seen in a white vehicle leaving south on Garfield NW from the scene.

Investigators have determined that a drug sale was the reason that brought the parties together at this address. The suspects are described as two Hispanic males both between 20-30 years old. The first suspect is 5'11", wearing a black shirt and black baseball cap and had numerous tattoos. The second suspect is 5'8" and wore a blue shirt and was the driver of the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3404, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

August 11, 2010: At 10:55 a.m. on this date, Wyoming Fire Department was called to Waterchase Apartments on a possible structure fire. Officers from Wyoming Police Department responded to assist in the potential evacuation of residents. During the evacuation of 3080 Waterchase Way, firefighters located the body of Sara Blok, 26, inside an apartment. Upon closer examination of the evidence, police determined that Sara did not die of natural causes or as a result of the fire. Michigan State Police Fire Marshal has determined there were multiple starting points which leads investigators to call Sara's death a homicide.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Wyoming Police at 530-7300, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

July 24, 2010: Marshawn Vinson, 17 was in a vehicle with several other people on Watkins SE around 8:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle had stopped in the 1100 block of Watkins because another vehicle was blocking the road. There was a large group of people in the street at the time. Vinson got out of this vehicle and got into an argument with an unknown subject and was shot. He then got back into the vehicle he had been riding in and was taken to the hospital and dropped off. Vinson, shot in the chest, later died of his injuries. Grand Rapids Police would like to speak to anyone who was present that night. They can be reached at 456-3404 or call Silent Observer at 774-2345. You may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

May 1, 2010: In the early morning hours of May 1st many young adults, all friends and acquaintances, were gathered in a Sparta orchard for a bonfire party near 11 Mile Road and Kenowa Ave. Sometime during that party, Ryan Cordes, age 22, was beaten so badly that he received very serious injuries and had to be hospitalized in Critical Care for nearly a week. Ryan sustained permanent damage to his internal organs as a result of this unprovoked attack. As it is assumed that the perpetrator(s) knew Ryan, the fear is that the attacker is capable of doing something equally damaging to other innocent people. While the Sheriff’s Department is still actively investigating and leads continue to come in, the police are trying to piece together the events in the attack on Ryan.

Ryan’s family and others outraged by this attack are offering a $4,000 reward through Silent Observer for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for this felonious assault. The Cordes family wishes to protect other members of the community from future brutality at the hands of those responsible. This reward is being offered to ensure that the attacker(s) will be apprehended.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff Department at 632-6125 or Silent Observer at 866-774-2345 or use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

April 3, 2010: On Saturday, April 3 Erica Sevigny was driving home from work on 14 Mile Road in Algoma Township when she swerved to avoid a deer and struck a tree. The 26 year old mother of two climbed out of her damaged vehicle and called 911 to get some help. During that 911 phone call, Erica was run over by a hit and run driver and killed. This incident occurred just before midnight.

Sheriff’s Department investigators believe that the suspect vehicle was traveling westbound on 14 Mile Road. They believe the vehicle that struck Erica is a mid to full size truck, sport utility vehicle or full size van. Investigators also believe the vehicle will not have a large amount of damage to the body.

Investigators have gathered new evidence from vehicle paint flecks found on the victim’s clothing that lead them to believe the suspect vehicle is red in color. The color is described as Vermillian Red or Rio Red. Based on this paint, police are looking for a 1998-2007 Ford F series truck, Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer or Mercury Mariner.

There is a possibility that there may have been more than one person in the suspect vehicle due to nearby witnesses overhearing an argument near the vicinity of the crash just after it occurred.

Police are actively searching for the hit and driver and Silent Observer is offering a reward for up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for Erica's death. Anyone with information about this tragic crime is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff Department at 632-6100 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. Silent Observer can be contacted confidentially by using the Report A Crime section on this web site.

Eastown Business Association and South Hill Neighborhood Association Offers Reward Money

To combat criminal activity in the the Eastown and South Hill area, those two neighborhoods have teamed up with Silent Observer to beef up rewards for information leading to the arrest of those who break the law in this area. Businesses in Eastown and South Hill Neighbors have contributed to this reward fund that will match what the Silent Observer Program offers for rewards. So, people with information about a crime are encouraged call Silent Observer at 774-2345. If you see a crime in progress, please call 911 for immediate assistance. Silent Observer can also be reached confidentially by texting CRIMES (274637) and include the keyword TIP138 in message or by going to the Report A Crime section on this web site. If your information leads to the arrest of the perpetrator, that tipster will receive a reward. And please note, this Eastown and South Hill match is only for crimes occurring in the Eastown and South Hill area.

Police Seek Help With These 2009 Crimes

September 9, 2009: Grand Rapids Police were called to 1100 block of Diamond NE and found 56 year old William Parnell dead. He was bound and gagged and an autopsy revealed he died of blunt force trauma. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3404, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

September 7, 2009: On September 7, 2009 a 13 year old girl reported that while she Composite picture of driver

was walking in the area of Fuller and Hall SE, a car occupied by two white males pulled up along side her and forced her into their car. This incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. The victim told police that she was driven from the area and held at an unknown location for the next couple of hours and sexually assaulted in the vehicle by both men. The suspects dropped the victim off in the area of Kalamazoo and Warden SE about 10 p.m. Suspect 1 is described as a white male, 40's, 6', muscular build, blue eyes, dirty blonde hair and acne scars on both cheeks, wearing a white t-shirt with red lettering in front. Suspect 2 is a white male, 40's, dark hair in a ponytail, brown eyes and wearing a red baseball cap. The vehicle was an older white 2-door car with tined windows and bucket seats. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3404, Silent Observer at 774-2345 or you may use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

June 12, 2009: Grand Rapids Police responded to the area of Fuller and Boston SE because two 15 year old teenagers had been shot. Nate Jones was shot in his upper body while his friend was shot in the arm. Nate died of his injuries. Police believe 3-5 suspects fired 5-12 bullets at the two teens. Anyone with information is asked to call Grand Rapids Police at 456-3404 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. You may also use the Report A Crime section on this web site.

$50,000 Reward For Crime-Solving Information Regarding Janna Kelly's Death

This case was highlighted on Susan Bartlestone's Crime Prevention 101 Radio Show on the Voice of America Network. To hear about this case and more about Silent Observer you can click on this link http://tinyurl.com/CrimePrevent101. Silent Observer had the last eleven minutes of the Crime Prevention 101 one hour show.

Janna Kelly, a 60 year old Grand Rapids woman whose family meant everything to her

lost her life tragically and mysteriously on or around December 4, 2007. On December 4 Janna stopped at a Michael's store on 28th St. SE around 6:30 p.m. It appears she went home after running that errand but after that, no one really knows what happened. The next day, when she didn’t show up for work, family members got worried and reported her missing. She was gone and her car was gone. There was no sign of forced entry into the home and no signs of a struggle. Later that evening her purse and wallet, with credit cards still intact, were found in a trash can at a car wash a couple of miles from her house. On December 6, her car was found abandoned, again within a few miles of her home.

After months of searching a land surveyor found Janna’s body on March 13, 2008 four months after she went missing, in a remote area of Grand Haven Township in Ottawa County, MI, some 30 miles from her home. The site is so secluded with a 2 track leading to the clearing where she was dumped, that police believe the suspect was familiar with the area. There were no obvious signs of trauma but police have some forensic evidence however it has not led them to the suspect.

Janna’s family and her employer, Burr and Company, are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person involved in her death. Janna was truly an innocent victim of a horrific crime. Her family needs justice and that criminal must be removed from our streets.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Grand Rapids Police Department continues to work on this case. This increase in reward money is meant to remind the public that investigators are in need of additional information to solve this case.

Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department at 1-888-731-1001, ext. 4687, the Grand Rapids Police Department at 456-3604 or Silent Observer at 774-2345. You may also use the Report A Crime section on this web site.