Intruder Claimed Being Chased By Killers
Sebewa Township – Ionia County, MI: On January 1, 2019 at 10:38pm, Ionia County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 4000 block of East Musgrove Hwy in Sebewa Township on a reported burglary in progress.
The original dispatch indicated that an intruder had forced his way into the home and had claimed to the startled homeowners that he was being chased by someone else who was trying to kill him.
The homeowner of the residence, once arming himself with a firearm, went outside with the man but couldn’t locate anyone or any evidence that anyone else was outside or had been chasing the intruder.
When the parties re-entered the home a short time later, the man reportedly began acting erratically, became very angry with the homeowner and assaulted him.
The homeowner then discharged his firearm at the intruder, striking and killing the man prior to Ionia County Sheriff’s Deputies arriving on scene.
The decedent is identified as Justin Eddy, 40, of Lansing MI. There is no known connection between Justin Eddy and the homeowners. It’s unknown why Eddy chose that particular home to enter, although drugs and alcohol are suspected factors in this case.
The homeowner has not been arrested at this time, pending Prosecutor review, and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Evidence was collected at the scene and will be processed and submitted to the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police, Sunfield Fire Department, Portland Ambulance, Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office, Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia County Central Dispatch, and Reed/Hoppes Towing.
Investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 616-527-5737.