In a quiet corner of Michigan where neighbors know each other by name and schools form the heart of the community, grief has settled over Monroe County like a heavy fog when three teenagers lost their lives in separate acts of violence, leaving behind devastated families, unanswered questions, and a community searching for meaning in the heartbreak.
Two 16-year-olds, identified as Faith Renee Hamilton and Landon Lafond, were found dead with gunshot wounds Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, in Raisinville Township, Monroe County.
According to the Sheriff’s office, the pair was discovered lying outside a vehicle along a remote stretch of Heiss Road near Steffas Road just before 10 a.m. During a news conference on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough confirmed the teens had been dating and shared new details that point to a possible murder-suicide.
Investigators found writings inside a car tied to Lafond that suggested he planned to kill Hamilton and then take his own life. However, officials say autopsy results are still pending and have not officially confirmed the manner of death. Hamilton was reportedly discovered by her uncle, who then called 911.
The vehicle, authorities say, was linked to Lafond, but it’s still unclear whether Hamilton arrived at the scene with him or by some other means. Despite the disturbing nature of the discovery, authorities reassured the public that there was no threat to the broader community.
Both teens were students at Airport Community Schools, which has since activated its crisis management team to support grieving classmates. Officials emphasized that this tragedy is not connected to a separate murder-suicide incident that occurred earlier this month in Bedford Township.
They also urged others in the community who need help to reach out through central dispatch for support services. Sheriff Troy said, “It’s been tragic, it’s been [sic] a significant impact on our community, the tranquility.”
A GoFundMe page created to help with funeral expenses has been set up for Hamilton. Dana Niemi, who organized the page, said Hamilton was known as “big Faith” by her little cousins, and she was deeply loved by everyone.
Hamilton’s father, Kyle Hamilton, also shared an emotional post on Facebook. He thanked everyone who has shown his family support, even though “I’m not sure how to navigate through this.”
The grieving father further said, “My baby touched so many lives at just 16 she was the light in ANY room and she will be missed so much!!! [sic]” He added that he appreciated the condolence calls, but was unable to respond as he wasn’t in the right “mental space”.
The obituary created for Hamilton revealed that the 16-year-old was a “member of the Varsity tennis team, the junior varsity volleyball team, and ran track and field in the ninth grade.” She also received an award of excellence from DECA, which prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
Likewise, a GoFundMe page was created for Lafond to cover funeral expenses. The page organized by Sara Embree described Lafond as “a kind, caring, and loving soul.”
Meanwhile, the incident in Bedford Township happened on June 14, 2025, when a 33-year-old named Ryne Leist allegedly shot and killed 17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith before dying by suicide. Leist was a former school bowling coach.
Authorities said Smith did not believe there was any romantic relationship between her and the former coach. However, they noted that a communication between the two had happened five days prior. That communication is under investigation.
Monroe County Intermediate School District Superintendent Dr. Stephen McNew, who spoke to CBS about the tragic incidents, said, “Tight-knit communities in Monroe County are reeling after three teens died in separate incidents over the last week.”
