News
Missing 25-year-old Gina Bryant from Macomb Township shot and killed, suspect Justin Wendling commits suicide
The suspect also stated he had killed the victim and was going to kill himself.
Mount Clemens, MI – The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was notified of a missing person, Gina Bryant, a 25-year-old female from Macomb Township. Coworkers became concerned when she did not return to work following her lunchbreak and they began receiving odd text messages from her phone.
It was suspected that Ms. Bryant was with ex- boyfriend, Justin Wendling, a 26-year-old male from Holly, MI. MCSO investigation revealed that the suspect had been waiting at the victim’s home when she returned for lunch.
A neighbor’s surveillance video showed the suspect leading the victim to his vehicle at approximately 1:42PM on 10/12/2023.
On 10/13/2023, the suspect’s parents allegedly received a phone call from the suspect. They alerted law enforcement officials to the location of the suspect and victim in LaSalle, Ill.
The suspect also stated he had killed the victim and was going to kill himself.
Tragically, surveillance video and witnesses from a truck-stop in LaSalle, Ill., confirmed that the suspect had shot and killed the victim at approximately 12:00AM on 10/13/2023. The suspect then fled to Bettendorf, Iowa.
It was reported to the MCSO that as local officers approached the vehicle, the suspect shot and killed himself.
“Unfortunately, the MCSO is seeing an uptick of Domestic Violence cases. These incidents are tragic not only to the victims & survivors, but to family members as well,” stated Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Please, if you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, do not hesitate to reach out.”
If you or someone you know in in an unsafe situation and needs assistance, please contact:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
- Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-866-864-2338 or text 1-877-861-0222
- Turning Point Macomb (24-Hour Hotline)– 586-463-6990
