DECATUR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan State Police say it appears a Decatur man shot his ex-girlfriend and then took his own life at a home in Van Buren County’s Decatur Township Friday night. It apparently happened after the woman called a relative to say it was going to happen, and the man called 911 to report the murder-suicide too.
Troopers responded to a suspicious situation at 38954 82nd Avenue around 9:30 p.m. after receiving two separate 911 calls informing them that a
murder suicide was going to take place there.
According to a news release, troopers forced entry into the home after no response while knocking on the door. Two individuals, a male and female, were discovered deceased on the kitchen floor, each with an apparent gunshot wound. A firearm was later observed underneath the male subject.
The deceased male was identified as 49-year-old Wayne Westphal of Decatur, with the dead woman identified as 34-year-old Tara Phillips of Decatur.
Troopers say Westphal and Phillips had previously been in a relationship and resided together. Court records revealed a valid no contact order on file between them with Phillips as the protected party. Additionally, detectives confirmed there was a history of domestic violence between the couple.
They say they are not sure if Phillips had moved out and visiting, or was still living at the home.
They do know Westphal was one of the 911 callers. He called to report a murder-suicide. One of Phillips’ relatives was the other caller. Phillips apparently called the relative prior to the incident to inform them of what was happening.
Initial evidence at the scene and follow up investigations continue to indicate this was an apparent murder-suicide.
