Kirtland's Warbler Habitat and Festival: The Kirtland's warbler has its habitat in the area. It was the largest mass murder in the city's history. Oscoda County Chamber of Commerce, including calendar of events and attractions. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mio,_Michigan&oldid=1139059414, Unincorporated communities in Oscoda County, Michigan, Census-designated places in Oscoda County, Michigan, Articles with dead external links from June 2017, Articles with dead external links from February 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles to be expanded from February 2011, Articles with empty sections from February 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Mio Hydroelectric Plant was built in 1916 on the lower Au Sable River. When it comes to Michigan's most dangerous places, it's hard to top Benton Township. Police issued as a statewide bulletin for law enforcement agencies and the public to be on the lookout for Bailey. How does one navigate these dangerous cities when trying to make an informed decision on what city you should call home? To achieve these results, all Indiana and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Michigan City. Copyright 2022 WNDU. Every year the FBI release two crime datasets, a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in the country, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year. Are you satisfied with your job and your income? Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Detroit might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. The revenge theory was supported by the discovery in the apartment of a quantity of a substance that was initially thought to be heroin but which proved to be milk sugar and quinine. Learn more about the safest places in Michigan. It's also no wonder 10% of the population has fled the city in the past decade.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America -- 296.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. It was the worst mass murder in Detroit since the Hazelwood massacre. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. WebIn all, there are 17 unsolved homicides in Michigan City that dates back to 1970. Ends Midnight Home Security Sale - Kalee Joy Bruce was born in May 1979. Detectives said Bailey, 37, of Sumpter Township, was an ex-boyfriend of one of the female victims and was identified as a suspect in the quadruple homicide. According to our research of Indiana and other state lists, there were 2 registered sex offenders living in Michigan City, Indiana as of March 04, 2023. Benton Township is located on Lake Michigan in southwestern part of the state. There was a property crime committed every day, on average, to give you an idea. Detroit ranks as the based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The property crime rate in the ranks 93rd highest in the United States -- 20.89% worse than US average property crime rate. For nearly eighteen years, Mio was thrust into the local and national media spotlight due to a case involving two Detroit-area hunters who went missing in the fall of 1985. Local attractions and activities include: There are many recurring local events,[26] including: The following can be accessed in Mio, Michigan: There are no AM radio stations in range of Mio, Michigan, although WWJ can be heard faintly at night. A LaPorte man has been charged with murder stemming from an August 9, 2021 shooting. As such, this ranks as the number 7 most dangerous spot in Michigan. Benton Harbor is in the top ten statewide for all the wrong reasons - murder, rape, and burglary rates, not to mention unemployment. Not just that, Kevin worked at a tire factory, and at the crime scene, the authorities found a tire valve core that seemed out of place initially. An autopsy revealed that the killer had forced a metal rod into her vagina that penetrated her pelvic bone. Licensed under (WNDU) - One person is dead after a shooting Wednesday night in Michigan City. (WNDU) - A 24-year-old man has been charged with murder after a shooting on Christmas Eve in Michigan City. On top of that, Detroit recorded 5,578 car thefts in 2020, so you want to be very picky about where you leave your car in the Motor City. Oscoda County Fair & Forestry Exposition. Michigan City Police Officers, Indiana State Police Officers, Michigan City Firefighters and LaPorte County EMS all responded to the scene where they located a subject lying on the sidewalk on the west side of Wabash Street just north of West 11th Street. Out of these, 1,300 were dumped into a clay-lined pit in Mio. However, he was last seen wearing them before February 14, 1998. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 270.6. Kalee Bruce was found in the utility room at her workplace, a victim of a horrific assault. Compared to the other cities in Indiana and all other cities across the US, is Michigan City safe? Maybe not enough jobs, low wages, drugs, gangs, close to larger cities that push their problems onto surrounding cities; and in Michigan's case, freezing temperatures and boatloads of snow? WebMan charged in Michigan City homicide investigation. The violent crime rate in michigan ranks tenth highest in the United States -- 23.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. Some areas get R-rated scary. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 24. Gardner then took over supplying the Canadians, but he was also suspected of diluting the product. [4] It was part of a record year for murders in Detroit, many tied to drug wars, with the final death toll for the year reaching 690. A former Michigan State basketball star is headed to prison for a long time. But it lies just outside of Flint and has endured many of the same problems. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. Chasing Chains, LLC. Wildlife are nearby, including bear, deer, eagles, Kirtland's warblers, and turkeys. The name changed to Mio on November 21, 1883. "Income & Employment" included factors like poverty rate, job security, and weekly work hours. Kalee Bruce was found in the utility room at her workplace, a victim of a After analyzing 219 cities in Michigan, Benton Township takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Michigan based on the most recently reported FBI data -- 2020. Police announced the new You'll find high rates of burglary and larceny. With a potential suspect to bring in, the police executed a search warrant at the room Kevin used in the building.

"}}]}. Wright is being held on a $1 million bond. It was rumored that the murderers had disposed of the bodies by feeding them to pigs. Police described the other victims as Gardner's associates, three dealers and four prostitutes, who were killed in order to eliminate them as witnesses. ORV, motorcycle, and groomed snowmobile trails, Steiner's Museum of pioneer artifacts is in nearby, First Dam Canoe Race (Michigan Canoe Racing Association), This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 04:09. Happiness is a state of mind. ", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Police have yet to comment on a possible motive for the slayings. [8][11], At the time it occurred, the Hazelwood massacre was "the biggest mass slaying in Detroit's history". The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Michigan City, IN per 100,000 people. Please contact us for more information. So, if youre wondering what led to Kalees unfortunate death and how the culprit was captured, weve got you covered. On February 16, 1998, she had an evening shift from 5 PM to 8 PM at the front desk. FLINT, MI The Michigan Supreme Court on Thursday heard oral arguments from attorneys in the case of an alleged member of the Flint Howard Boys street gang who is Find support in this generous community of friends and family, or contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline 24/7. Excellent. [1], Vera Gibson, who lived with her husband and children in the apartment directly above the murder scene, said she woke to the sound of breaking glass, presumed to be the sound of the three survivors breaking the sun porch window, and then heard several gunshots a few minutes later. Detroit ranks as the based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Press release from Michigan City Police Department: On December 24, 2021 at approximately 3:39 pm, Officers with the Michigan City Police Department began to hear gunfire in the area of 10th and Wabash St. Through interviews, the authorities came across Kevin Holtzer, a man who lived in one of the rooms at the Beach Condominiums. Are you safe? So, if youre wondering what led to Kalees unfortunate death and how the culprit was captured, weve got you covered. All the more reason to hurry [17], No one has ever been arrested, and the case remains open.[18][16]. All of the bodies were found in the living room. [2] Subsequent analysis confirmed that the guns in the house were not used in the massacre. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. MCPD would ask anyone with information about this incident to contact the lead detective , Detective Mark Galetti at 219-874-3221 ext. The 2018 This event occurred when a dock worker accidentally shipped five hundred pounds of fire retardant Fire Master instead of the feed supplement Nutrimaster,[8] leading to the contamination of various farm animals, including cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep. [4][6][7][8], Four men were seen fleeing the house;[1] witnesses described them as wearing windbreakers and tam o' shanter hats. Gibson described the Gardners as a "pleasant couple" who had moved in recently. These are the Michigan cities that have the highest crime rates. Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians), Violent crimes in Michigan City are 49% higher than the national average, In Michigan City you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime, Year over year crime in Michigan City has decreased by 8%. Population: 9,710Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 5)Violent Crimes Per 100k: 3,192 (Most dangerous)Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,171 (12th most dangerous)More on Benton Harbor: |Cost Of Living|Crime Report. As per the show, Kevin had supposedly gotten the new pair because the old ones were stained. What are the circumstances that make these Michigan cities this way? As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 2,016 people, 826 households, and 537 families residing in the CDP. Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail, "Michigan Organizations, Oscoda County Chamber of Commerce". For example, Palmer Woods is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats. [8], Four days after the Hazelwood massacre, Williams was shot six times and killed at a motel on the west side of Detroit. WebPRIM is a new grid based magazine/newspaper inspired theme from Themes Kingdom A small design studio working hard to bring you some of the best wp themes available online. Any city with that many politicians in residence is bound to have a lot of crime. Sumpter Township police officials announced in a Facebook post that Raymond Lee Bailey, 37, was in custody after he went to the Bay County, Michigan, Sheriff's Office around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday and turned himself in. No, Michigan is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #25 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. May 21, 2021. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

You also want to make sure you're religious about locking your doors here because Muskegon Heights also has the fourth highest burglary rate in Michigan. a year, we'd give a more favorable review. For example, Palmer Woods is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'roadsnacks_net-leader-2','ezslot_14',705,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-leader-2-0');Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America -- 296.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. [1], Bannon called it "an execution-type slaying". For example, Palmer Woods is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Yes, Detroit is a dangerous city. Any ties went to the smaller city. All WeTip call information is sent directly to the LaPorte County Prosecutors Office. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. (WNDU) - A 24-year-old man has been charged with murder after a shooting on Christmas Eve in Michigan City. As an unincorporated community, Mio has no legal autonomy as an incorporated municipality.

"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is Detroit, MI a dangerous city? Population: 659,616Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 1)Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,178 (Third most dangerous)Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,210 (11th most dangerous)More on Detroit: |Cost Of Living|Crime Report. Have a look: In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Michigan cities over 5,000 in population. They set about eliminating potential suspects that knew Kalee or were known to be in the area around the time of the murder. WebJon Zimney. But not every part of this town has a family-friendly air. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Man charged with murder in Michigan City shooting, Local Indiana boys basketball Sectionals postponed due to inclement weather, WNDU Vault: The struggle of leaving South Bend after a Notre Dame home game. Do you get enough sleep? Much of the area sits on the Grayling outwash plain. The property crime rate in the Wolverine State ranks 43rd highest in the United States -- 30.5% better than US average property crime rate. Long died on scene. WebMichigan is home to some of the most dangerous cities in the United States. [1][2] The massacre occurred near 12th Street, the focal point of the 1967 Detroit riot. Not very safe. [7], In 1973, a polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) contamination event caused farmers in the area to destroy their herds. Police officers went to a house on Sunday after getting to a call about a possible homicide, officials said in a statement. From the hardship and poverty caused by the contraction of the region's once-thriving auto industry to the headline-generating water crisis, the community has had a difficult run. Unfortunately, that city would be Detroit. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Copyright 2022 WNDU. He had also traveled to New York City, but was reportedly lured back to Detroit by a phone call from Williams advising Gardner of a potentially profitable drug deal. WebFebruary 22, 2021. And I'm sad to say, there's a Michigan city that ranks dead last on that list, making it the saddest city in America. This new way to examine fluctuations in the crime rate reveals patterns that are important for Robbery rates fell in the average U.S. city by 23 percent, while murder, rape, and aggravated assault all climbed by 25 percent or more. It is the county seat of Oscoda County. [1][2] Analysis of the cartridges identified the murder weapons as a .30 caliber carbine, a .32 caliber pistol, and a .45 caliber automatic. [8] Police described Gardner and another individual, Gerald Williams, as "middle-rank heroin dealers". On November 21, 1985, childhood friends David Tyll and Brian Ognjan were beaten to death with baseball bats outside of a local bar. -. Inspector Bannon described the apartment as a suspected narcotics den. It was higher than in 92.4% U.S. cities. [5] All eight victims were African-American. And with all those frustrations, it's no surprise that crime is also a big issue in Detroit. Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. HOLLAND, MI A person accused of killing someone early Friday near a Holland apartment complex has been charged with murder. [17], On July 13, 1936, Mio recorded a daily high temperature of 112F (44C), which is the highest temperature ever recorded in the state of Michigan.[18]. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. Rather, the community endures the number 8 highest rate of violent crime in the state. 24-year-old Mark Wright Jr. has been charged with murder, as well as carrying a gun without a license. Here are the top 15 most dangerous cities in Michigan. "Quilts and Handrafted Furniture - Auction - Northern Michigan Relief Sale Michigan - Mio, MI". [8] As of 2014, PBB is still detectable in the blood tests of some people in this area.[8]. The authorities also learned that there was money missing from the office. Males had a median income of $29,542 versus $20,927 for females. [1] Neighbors reported that young people had recently been seen going in and out of the house, during the night. Around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to an As with most situations, there's bound to be problems with that many people. WebMichael Stark, a 49-year-old resident of Royersford, Pa., has been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery and related offenses for the death of 50-year-old Matthew But here, violations like bribery and influence peddling aren't the main problems. With regards to property crimes, Michigan City has a daily crime rate that is 2.35 times more than the Indiana average and 2.14 times more than the national average. Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city. They compared 182 of the largest, and some of the most populated, cities in the nation and took a look at three key facets; 1) Emotional & Physical Well-Being, 2) Income & Employment and 3) Community & Environment. The population density was 270.1 inhabitants per square mile (104.3/km2). [8], Unhappy with the diluted heroin being supplied by Williams and Gardner, the Toronto dealers in March had traveled with a representative to Detroit to search for a new source of supply. That includes 16 murders and 121 sexual assaults. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.99. WebMarch 03, 2023 2:22 PM. They also learned that he tried to flee to Indiana on a train under a fake name but was arrested in Chicago, Illinois, during the changeover. She also had injuries consistent with strangulation. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Michigan City is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities. The high school has about approximately 170 students and 17 teachers, some of which double as middle school teachers. There is more crime than I'd like in this area. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. So please don't beat us up. Prison records indicate that he remains incarcerated at the Alger Correctional Facility in Munising, Michigan. Inside, he made a terrifying discovery and immediately called 911. Kevin owned boots similar to those that left the prints at the crime scene. We want to point out again that there's still safes places in Benton Township and that this isn't a comment on the people that live there. The property crime rate in the ranks 93rd highest in the United States -- 20.89% worse than US average property crime rate. The community is centered in the Huron National Forest along the Au Sable River. To compile our list, we looked at violent crimes and property crimes in cities with a population of 5,000. An identical temperature was also recorded on the same day in the village of Stanwood, in Mecosta County. Bailey's vehicle was found abandoned on Saturday near Bay City, Michigan, roughly 120 miles north of Sumpter Township and near where he surrendered on Sunday night. The latest FBI crime data shows that Benton Township ranks as the most dangerous city in Michigan for 2022. On June 14, 1971, shortly before 4:30 a.m., eight persons were shot in the living room of an apartment at a red-brick house located at 1970 Hazelwood Street in Detroit. Keith Appling was sentenced Friday to 18-to-40 years in prison for second-degree murder, according to reports. Yes, yes, we know the jokes. People who knew Kalee described her as a friendly figure who always helped others out. Detroit ranks as the #32 most dangerous out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. And finally "Community & Environment" was made up of separation and divorce rates, hate-crime incidents per capita, and ideal weather. In addition, Michigan City is safer than 5% of cities in the entire United States. The murder rate in Muskegon Heights was the 11th highest in Michigan for 2020 and residents had a 1 in 58 chance of being the victim of an attack. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 8.98 square miles (23.3km2), of which 8.37 square miles (21.7km2) is land and 0.61 square miles (1.6km2) (6.79%) is water. As per the show, a tip revealed that Kevin had similar-looking boots and was known to have a temper. However, that state of mind can be affected by many factors. The violent crime rate in michigan ranks tenth highest in the United States -- 23.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. [2] A total of $673 ($4,500 in 2022 dollars[9]) in cash was found on the victims, including five $100 bills. The following day, the maintenance supervisor came in for his shift and noticed the light on in the utility room. Shortly after, the farmers noticed deformities and sickness among their livestock and newborn calves. Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. Albion sits in the middle of the state, along I-94 on the route between Detroit and Battle Creek. [13][14][15], As of 2001, the Hazelwood massacre remained the worst mass killing in the city's history. Officers found long lying on the sidewalk near Wabash Street and West 11th Street in Michigan City after reports of gunfire in the area on Christmas Eve. On top of that, 1,094 people in Kalamazoo were attacked, murdered, or raped in 2020. Summing up the numbers, Michigan City has decreased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year. The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Michigan City, IN is on the rise or declining. [2], Three other occupants of the apartment, two women and one man, escaped by breaking through the rear window of a sun porch and fleeing down an alley. Census-designated place & unincorporated community in Michigan, United States, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mio, Michigan, "Mio Bed and Breakfasts, Michigan Lake to Lake Bed and Breakfast Association - Michigan Lake to Lake Bed and Breakfast Association", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mio Post Office, "State Climate Extremes Committee - Records - Michigan", "PBB exposure forced farmers to destroy their herds", "2 brothers found guilty of murdering hunters", http://www.michigan/sportsman.com/form/achieve/index.php/t/51347.html, 48647 5-Digit ZCTA, 486 3-Digit ZCTA - Reference Map - American FactFinder. [3] 17-year-old Shamar Williams is now behind bars for murder and several other charges. Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city. It doesn't bring him back, but it's something. Authorities are expected to transfer Bailey as soon as Monday back to Wayne County, where murder charges against him are pending. WebIn Michigan City, you have a 1 in 174 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. There were 1,191 housing units at an average density of 159.6 per square mile (61.6/km2). Wright is also charged with Carrying and Handgun without a License, A-Misdemeanor and is being held on a $1,000,000.00 bond. But one thing we are sure about is our number one most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton Township. Gardner and an accomplice reportedly then robbed the dealers, getting away with approximately $13,000 in cash, $4,000 in jewelry, and $3,000 to $4,000 in cocaine. [8], In retaliation, the Toronto dealers reportedly hired gunmen to kill Gardner. Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America -- 296.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. [8], A few days into the investigation, police began following a lead tying the massacre to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Now, Flint Township is technically a different municipality. About 13.9% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over. Gardner learned of the plan and kidnapped the representative from a taxi cab. Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Michigan City? We will update the results when data becomes available in September 2022. There are a total of 101 Michigan City police officers. WebMICHIGAN CITY One person was killed and another in critical condition following a shooting in Michigan City, police said. If you're looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America. The subject, who suffered an apparent gunshot wound, was determined to be deceased upon their arrival. ", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In terms of property crime, your chances of being a [1] He said that four of the seven killed had criminal records for narcotics and prostitution. To see where these Michigan cities with more issues than a newspaper are located, take a look below at our most dangerous cities in The Great Lakes State for 2022.The Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan For 2022Benton TownshipKalamazooBenton HarborDetroitMuskegon HeightsLansingAlbionFlint TownshipThree RiversHighland Park. He was a heroin addict who had been ordered to enter a federal narcotics treatment center in Kentucky as a condition of probation, but it rejected him due to his "anti-social behavior". If you're looking to be that diamond in the ruff, or you're just curious to see if your city made the list, take a look at our list below. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. All we're saying is that if folks had slightly better odds than 1 in 52 of being attacked over. In Michigan City, the total number of daily crimes is 2.22 times more than the Indiana average and 2.03 times more than the national average. With that context, it's no surprise that the community ranks as the number 8 most dangerous spots in Michigan. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. This includes 857 larcenies in an area with a population of just 30,178. And if you don't see your city there, head to the bottom. The neighborhoods and shopping centers in these Michigan cities are not ALL bad. The violent crime rate in michigan ranks tenth highest in the United States -- 23.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. WebMichigan Population and Rate of Crime per 100,000 People 1960 - 2019 DisasterCenter.com developed the following table to rank the rates of crime in Michigan over time in relation to the rates of crime of other States . DETROIT. (WNDU) - Authorities in Michigan City have made another arrest in a deadly shooting that happened on Christmas Eve. The Hazelwood massacre was a June 1971 mass murder in which eight individuals were shot and killed at a house on Hazelwood Street in Detroit, Michigan. Second person charged with murder in deadly Michigan City shooting, Local Indiana boys basketball Sectionals postponed due to inclement weather, WNDU Vault: The struggle of leaving South Bend after a Notre Dame home game. On But a message on the GoFundMe page reads, "if you are the victim of domestic abuse, know you are not alone. Population: 10,724Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 3)Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,715 (Seventh most dangerous)Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,674 (Eighth most dangerous)More on Muskegon Heights: |Cost Of Living|Crime Report. In other words, make sure you still have all your valuables after a day out at Silver Beach. Is that income enough to pay for all your bills and daily living expenses? There is virtually no crime in this area. The seven victims who died at the scene were: All seven were shot in the head at close range; cartridges were recovered from guns with three different calibers. : This data reflects the 2020 calendar year and was released from the. Police believed that one of the victims, heroin dealer and pimp Robert Gardner, was the target and that the others were killed to avoid leaving witnesses.