Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Murder of Hancock Township Man

Two individuals have been apprehended in relation to the tragic murder of 87-year-old Alvin Kempainen in Hancock Township. The Houghton County Sheriff’s deputies made the shocking discovery while conducting a routine well-being check at his residence on Salo Road, specifically at 53403 Salo Road.

Upon entering the premises, the deputies found Mr. Kempainen deceased, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. The discovery prompted an immediate investigation by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Through their diligent efforts, law enforcement officials identified three persons of interest in the case. All three were revealed to be family members residing in Hartland, Wisconsin. The suspects were identified as Margaret Kempainen, a 50-year-old female, Jacob Kempainen, a 20-year-old male, and a 16-year-old juvenile whose identity is being withheld due to legal reasons.

Soon after identifying the suspects, they were located traveling in a vehicle southbound on Interstate 35 in Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. Law enforcement officers successfully intercepted the suspects in Clear Lake, lowa, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Detectives from both Clear Lake and the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office conducted comprehensive interviews with all three suspects.

Following the interviews, Margaret and Jacob Kempainen were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail. They await potential charges, extradition to Michigan, and subsequent arraignment.

The investigation into this distressing incident remains ongoing. The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the various agencies and individuals involved in the collaborative effort, 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 Examiner’s Office, Mercy Ambulance, and the law enforcement officials in the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and lowa.

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Original Report: Death of Elderly Man under Investigation by Houghton County Sheriff’s Deputies

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Deputies have launched an investigation into the tragic death of an elderly man in Hancock Township. Responding to a wellness check call, deputies arrived at the man’s residence at around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Upon entering the premises, law enforcement officials discovered the lifeless body of the man. Disturbingly, evidence at the scene suggested that foul play may have been involved in his demise. However, authorities have assured the public that there is currently no imminent threat to their safety.

At present, the victim’s identity and the precise location of the incident cannot be disclosed as investigations are ongoing. Further details will be released as the diligent investigation progresses.

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted in this complex case 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.

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