63 year old Jon Otis Burnett, the suspected shooter in a double homicide in Orangeville Township on June 21, was arraigned Monday afternoon on two counts of Open Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault by Strangulation and four counts of Felony Firearm.
Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said Burnett lived in the area of the murders, as did the first victim, identified as Gary L. Peake, 73, from Plainwell. The second victim, Bryce N. DeGood, 21, was from Haslett. Authorities said Burnett also attacked his wife and allegedly tried to strangle her.
There is no clear motive for the slayings, Leaf said. Bond was set at ten million dollars, cash or surety. A Probable Cause Conference was set for July 3, 2019 at 8:15 a.m.
The shooting happened about 2 p.m. Friday near Lindsey and Lewis roads northwest of Delton in Orangeville Township. One victim was deceased in a nearby residence; the other was outside in the roadway. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene quickly and arrested Burnett.
Investigators are Deputy Kevin Erb, Deputy Brian Hansford, Det. Sgt. Janette Maki and Det. Jeremiah Kimbel.
Deputies were assisted by Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Prairieville and Barry township police departments, Orangeville Fire Department, Wayland Ambulance Service and Barry County Central Dispatch.
