Tagged: Rodrick Dantzler

Kevin Belk, Grand Rapids Police Chief, released the names of the victims killed in yesterday's shooting rampage.

From WZZM13.com:

At a home on Brynell Court NE, Rodrick Shonte Dantzler killed Jennifer Heeren, 29, his estranged wife, their daughter, Kamrie Heeren-Dantzler, 12, and Jennifer's parents, Rebecca Lynn Heeren, 52, and Thomas Heeren, 51.

At a home on Plainfield Avenue, Kimberlee Emkins, ex-girlfriend of Dantzler, Amanda Emkins, 27, Kimberlee's sister and Marissa Lynn Emkins, 10, Amanda's daughter, were also shot and killed.

Two people were wounded as Dantzler shot from his car while fleeing police. Those people suffered minor injuries.

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell says yesterday’s violent murders and hostage situation in his city has shaken the community to its roots.

But he says Grand Rapids is still a great community and a safe city.

"I don’t for a minute think that that defines Grand Rapids in any way or that it suggests that we are a city that is changed, or less safe today," said Heartwell.

Heartwell praised the city's police force, saying their actions saved lives.

34-year old Rodrick Danztler took his own life last night while negotiating a hostage release with the police.

Police say earlier in the day he shot and killed seven people, including an ex-girlfriend and his daughter, and a second ex-girlfriend and her daughter who was not his child.

After an 8-hour manhunt and standoff, police say the suspect in the shooting deaths of 7 people in Grand Rapids yesterday killed himself while holding 3 people hostage. Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith was on the scene in Grand Rapids into the night. She spoke this morning with Michigan Radio's Christina Shockley about what we know so far about the suspect, the victims, and what comes next in the police investigation.