Crime
Two Dead, One Injured in Northfield Township Shooting and Abduction; Three Suspects Charged
Three suspects, all from Detroit, have been taken into custody.
A violent incident on Wednesday night in Northfield Township has left two people dead, one injured, and two children briefly abducted.
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three suspects in connection with the crime, which authorities describe as a targeted attack.
Police were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. to a residence on Nollar Bend Road, near US-23, in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered:
- Jennifer Bernhard, 50, and Stevie Ray Smith, 74, deceased from gunshot wounds.
- Jeffrey Alan Bernhard, 53, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital and is now in stable condition.
During the attack, two young girls, aged 7 and 4, were abducted from the home. With assistance from Michigan State Police and Ann Arbor Police, the children were located safely in Ypsilanti Township.
Both were taken to the hospital, where their conditions remain undisclosed but are reported to be stable.
Three suspects, all from Detroit, have been taken into custody:
- Shuvonne Vinson, 42
- Gregory Callhan, 37
- Keith Finley, 60
The suspects face an extensive list of charges, including:
- Two counts of open murder
- One count of assault with intent to murder
- Two counts of child kidnapping
- Conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping
- Home invasion
- Weapons-related offenses
Additional charges against Vinson include assaulting police officers and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Finley faces an extra charge for possession of a firearm as an ineligible person.
Vinson and Callhan were arraigned Friday and denied bond, while Finley will face arraignment Saturday.
All three suspects remain in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail.
During her arraignment, Vinson caused a disruption, shouting profanities and justifying her actions. “Them [expletive] deserved to die,” she yelled, referring to the victims.
Authorities have confirmed that the abducted children were foster children residing with the Bernhard family. One of the suspects is reportedly a relative of one of the children.
The tragic events have shaken the Northfield Township community. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Bernhard family during this difficult time.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident. Sheriff’s deputies have assured the public that there is no further danger.
This shocking case highlights the need for continued vigilance and community support in the wake of such a targeted and violent crime. Additional updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.