BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Battle Creek Police Department has arrested and charged a 34-year-old Battle Creek man with open murder following a multi-agency investigation into a missing person report that originated with the Marshall Police Department. 

On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, the BCPD Detective Bureau partnered with the Calhoun County Major Crimes Task Force to investigate the missing person's report. 

During an unrelated investigation that same day, Battle Creek police officers responded to a felony complaint involving the missing person's vehicle. Using commercial surveillance video and the city's License Plate Recognition technology, investigators identified and later located the vehicle in the possession of an adult male in Battle Creek and arrested him on charges unrelated to the missing person investigation. 

As detectives continued to pursue investigative leads, evidence indicated the missing person had been in Battle Creek. Through interviews and the examination of evidence, detectives later located the missing person deceased within Battle Creek city limits. 

Based on the circumstances surrounding the death, investigators are treating the case as a homicide. 

As a result of the investigation, the suspect was charged with open murder. He is currently awaiting arraignment in Calhoun County District Court. 

The department continues to actively investigate this case. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, no additional information is being released currently. 

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Battle Creek Police Department Detective Bureau at 269-781-0911 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer or call 269-964-3888.   

City of Battle Creek Communications Office 10 N. Division Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 966-3311 publicinput@battlecreekmi.gov www.battlecreekmi.gov