Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Hancock Township man.
Houghton County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the body of 87-year-old Alvin Kempainen in his home at 53403 Salo Road, while performing a well-being check.
Kempainen had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
An investigation by deputies and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab revealed three persons of interest. All were identified as family members who live in Hartland, Wisconsin – Margaret Kempainen, a 50-year-old female; Jacob Kempainen, a 20-year-old male Jacob Kempainen, and a 16-year-old juvenile whose name is being withheld.
The three suspects were located in a vehicle traveling south on Interstate 35 in Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. They were stopped in Clear Lake lowa at approximately 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. All were interviewed by detectives from both Clear Lake and the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office.
Margaret and Jacob were taken into custody and are lodged in the Cerro Gordo County Jail pending charges, potential extradition to Michigan and arraignment.
The investigation continues.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office thanks those involved in the collaborative investigation, including the Michigan State Police, the Hancock City Police, the Houghton City Police, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, the Clear Lake Police Department (lA), U.P.S.E.T. West, the Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office, the Houghton County Medical Examiners Office, Mercy Ambulance, and the law enforcement officials in the State of Wisconsin, State of Minnesota and the State of lowa who assisted.
Original story:
Houghton County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating the death of an elderly Hancock Township man.
Deputies were dispatched to the man’s home around 10:30 this morning (Tuesday) for a wellness check.
They found the man’s body inside the home, along with indications that he may have been the victim of foul play.
Officials say there is no threat to the public at this time. Neither the victim’s identity nor the exact location of the incident have been released. Additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
The sheriff’s department is being assisted by the Michigan State Police, the Hancock City Police Department, the Houghton City Police Department, the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, the Houghton County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Mercy EMS.
