Police: Decatur murder suicide had history of violence, past relationship, protective order

michiganstatepolicegood531259
michiganstatepolicegood531259

Police have provided an update in last week’s murder suicide in Van Buren County.

After receiving two separate 911 calls informing them that a murder suicide was going to take place at 38954 82nd Ave, Decatur Township, police arrived at the residence to find 49-year-old Wayne Westphal and 34-year-old Tara Phillips dead of apparent gunshot wounds on the kitchen floor, according to a release from Michigan State Police on Wednesday.

Investigations showed that Westphal and Phillips had previously been in a relationship, but may have still lived together, police said. Court records revealed to police that a valid no contact order on file between them, with Phillips as the protected party. A firearm was later observed underneath Westphal.

“The court issued no contact order was currently in effect,” said MSP Public Information Officer DuWayne Robinson, in a follow up. “Not sure if Phillips had moved out and visiting or still living there. Westphal was one of the 911 callers. He called to report a murder suicide. One of Phillips’ relatives was the other caller. Phillips called this relative prior to the incident to inform them of what was happening. This person asked to not be identified.”

Additionally, detectives confirmed there was a history of domestic violence between the couple.

Upon arrival, troopers forced entry into the home after no response while knocking on the door. Two individuals, a male and female, were discovered deceased on the kitchen floor, each with an apparent gunshot wound.

Initial evidence at the scene and follow up investigations continue to indicate this was an apparent murder suicide.

If you are in danger or victim of domestic assault, you can receive help by calling 911 or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.

This incident remains open pending autopsy results, toxicology analysis, and further investigation.