ST. JOSEPH, MI (WHTC) – More details are surfacing about the deadly courthouse shooting in Berrien County.
Sheriff Paul Bailey says gunman Larry Darnell Gordon, 45, of Coloma was handcuffed in the front making it doable for him to wrestle a gun from Deputy James Atterbury.
Gordon also tried to take hostages and as he was trying to find his escape route, he may have gotten lost and then banged on the door on the judge’s chamber.
The Berrien County Courthouse will reopen today for staff only and grief counselers will be on hand. Sheriff Bailey says he not only plans to have more security there but also is looking into the protocol of handcuffing inmates with their hands in the front.
Bailiffs Joseph Zangaro and Ronald Kienzle were shot and killed during the incident. Deputy James Atterberry is reported in good condition, and Kenya Ellis, who works security at Benton Harbor High School is also expected to make a full recovery.
– WKZO also contributed to this story.
