The world is an uncertain and dangerous place. It’s even worse when you throw your name into politics.
And now a shocking death rattles Congressional Democrats to their core.
The younger brother of a Michigan Democratic lawmaker was slain early Tuesday, and the relative’s adult son has been charged in connection with the crime.
Timothy Kildee, 57, was fatally shot in Vienna Township, just north of Flint, according to authorities.
According to Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, the 27-year-old suspect, who Swanson did not name because he has not been formally charged, is in a nearby hospital after suffering “serious injuries” after he stole Timothy Kildee’s vehicle and drove it into a pickup truck.
“Our family is grieving and heartbroken,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), 65, stated. “There are no words to describe the loss of a beloved brother and family member, especially in such a terrible tragedy.
“I thank the community for honoring my family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” added Kildee, who announced this past November he would not seek re-election after 12 years in Congress.
Swanson said officials were first summoned to a home in nearby Burton, Mich., for a domestic argument shortly before 3 a.m.
“The domestic dispute that happened in Burton did not have anything to do with the deceased Timothy Kildee,” Swanson said. “But the suspect was there, at another family member’s house who showed up. There was a confrontation there. A gun was presented and then from there he left.”
The suspect fled on foot and phoned his mother, Timothy Kildee’s ex-wife, who picked him up and returned him to his father’s house, Swanson said.
However, the suspect allegedly leaped out of the moving vehicle and fled again.
The woman contacted Timothy Kildee, and the couple went on a search for the suspect. Around 5 a.m., Kildee arrived home without his ex-wife.
Kildee’s other kid, who was sleeping in the basement, overheard a shouting match between the suspect and his father.
Swanson stated that the other son heard the perpetrator demand Kildee to “give me your wallet and your keys” before a single gunshot was fired.
Timothy Kildee’s wallet was eventually discovered on the suspect, who took over his father’s truck and crashed it into another pickup truck carrying two people, according to Swanson.
Swanson said the two people in the pickup were not seriously injured.
Swanson stated that there are no additional suspects in the case at this time. According to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, the defendant might face charges such as murder, carjacking, and armed robbery.
Law officials did not mention a possible reason for the killing.
“There’s a potential of some substance abuse,” Swanson said.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
