Names Released In Laurium Murder Case

A Calumet woman is dead after allegedly being shot by a family member in Laurium Saturday.

32-year-old Christian Paul Kitti was arraigned in 97th District Court on charges of Homicide—Open Murder, punishable by Life in prison, and a felony firearms charge.

The charges are in relation to the death of 44-year-old Kimberly Renee Bess of Calumet, whom Laurium police say was found dead from an apparent gun shot at a residence on the 100 block of Florida Street in Laurium Saturday night.

Kitti and Bess are said to be related, but Prosecution Attorney Michael Makinen was not able to specify how they are related.

Makinen said Bess reportedly went to the Florida Street residence to mow the lawn and police believe she was shot sometime around 6:00pm.

Laurium police were called out to the house later that evening and found the victim’s body in the side yard of the residence.

Kitti was located inside the house and was taken into custody.

Makinen said Kitti has a history of substance abuse and is currently on probation with two drunk driving convictions on his record.

Kitti was required to perform daily PBT’s at the Laurium Police Department.

However, police believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.

The weapon allegedly used in the shooting is reportedly registered to Kitti and was in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Makinen said they have witnesses who can place Kitti at the scene at the time of the shooting and who saw him leave the scene immediately after.

Kitti is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on August 1st and a preliminary exam on August 8th.

The court denied bond and Kitti remains lodged in the Houghton County Jail.