A devastating incident has shaken a Michigan community, leaving a family and authorities grappling with the unimaginable. A six-year-old boy, Rowan Milford Morey, was found deceased alongside his father, Michael Steven Winchell, in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide.
A Desperate Search
The boy’s mother contacted the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office on August 19, after Winchell failed to return Rowan to her custody as scheduled. A frantic search ensued, with deputies scouring Winchell’s property and searching for any sign of the pair.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
As the search continued, family members joined the effort, and on August 21, they made a tragic discovery. An isolated camper on Winchell’s property was found, and upon breaking a window, they saw Winchell’s lifeless body. Police forced entry and found both Winchell and Rowan deceased inside.
A Community in Mourning
The investigation is ongoing, but initial reports suggest Winchell took his own son’s life before turning the gun on himself. Rowan’s mother expressed her grief on Facebook, saying, “Thank you for sending your prayers for a safe return. Unfortunately, our fears were confirmed, and Rowan has been found but is no longer with us.”
A Senseless Tragedy
The community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of a young life and the unimaginable actions of a father. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help when needed and the devastating consequences of unchecked struggles.
