WZZM 13
November 26, 2013
A woman is dead and three others were sexually assaulted during an overnight standoff in Mecosta County.
The incident began at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday when police were called to a home on Cramer Drive on reports of a shot fired. Upon arrival, deputies were told that a gunman was inside with hostages.
Kathleen Hawley, 58, of Morley was shot and died at the scene. Three women, ages 20-30, were inside, along with two 7-year-old boys, and a 10-month-old girl. The gunman held the hostages overnight, but released two of the women and the children before sunrise.
Duncan Eric Willis II came out of the home peacefully at about 7 a.m. and surrendered to police. The hostages reported that they were sexually assaulted during the standoff. The children were not harmed.
Willis was charged Friday afternoon with one charge of homicide, six counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, kidnapping, weapons charges, and being a habitual offender.
The Mecosta County Sheriff says Willis is a neighbor from across the street and had walked into the home. He also appeared to be intoxicated.