7 Dead in Grand Rapids; Gunman Rodrick Dantzler Takes Hostages, Shoots Himself

One of the worst days in Grand Rapids, Michigan history is over. Seven people were murdered in two separate locations. Suspect Rodrick Dantzler led police on a high speed chase, shot two motorists, took three people hostage and shot himself.

It started at 2:41 p.m. when a man called his mother to tell her that he had shot his wife. As reported by Police Chief Kevin Belk, officers investigated at the 2407 Janes St. residence. They told neighbors to stay in their homes after a stand-off incident. Meanwhile, police investigate the deaths of two people at another home at 2046 Plainfield Ave. At that point, there is no connection between the Janes and Plainfield incidents.

While police are investigating reports of the Plainfield Ave. suspect fleeing in a tan Lincoln, a report comes in of four more bodies found at 1270 Brynell Ct. NE. Police investigate more reports of deaths at Baynton Ave. home, but that turns out to be a false alarm.

Police identify the shooting suspect as Rodrick Shontye Dantzler and pursue him. At 5:30 a shootout between two vehicles at Grandville Ave. and Martha St. leaves one motorist injured, but not fatally. Police conduct a high speed chase through downtown Grand Rapids, north on US 131 and east on I-96 with suspect driving the wrong way part of the time. Police closed I-96 after the chase. Another motorist is shot at Fulton and Division St. but also not fatally.

Dantzler then enters an apartment at 3232 Rickman on Soft Water Lake off Plainfield Ave. Dantzler informs police that he has two hostages: Joyce Bean and Steve Helderman hostage. A third hostage would be revealed hiding in a bedroom. Dantzler keeps in communication with the police. At 10 p.m., Bean is released. Dantzler is contemplating surrender.

At 11:45 p.m. after a nine hour manhunt, he fatally shoots himself. The hostages are found safe after four hours in captivity. Dantzler's shooting spree that left seven people dead, is reported to be the largest body count of any mass killing in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Finally, at 12:35 p.m., Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder offered a message of support.

Domestic issues have been cited as the cause. Rodrick Dantzler is being called a "family annihilator", like Ronald "Butch" Defoe (at the Amityville Horror house). Unspecified relationships have been established between Dantzler and his victims. One victim, at the Plainfield Ave. home was identified as an ex-girlfriend. At least one of the victims was a child, Dantzler's 10-year-old daughter. There are also reports of another child in the death count.