Suspicious Death of Terecita Rene Smith
April 16, 2009

On April 16, 2009, a stranded motorist reported a possible body in the grassy area near the guard rail on the southbound US-131 Business Loop, just north of the Douglas Avenue exit.  Responding officers located the body of what appeared to be an African-American.  At that time, age and sex were unable to be determined. 

An autopsy on the victim was performed at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing on April 17.  Preliminary results did not determine the cause or manner of death.  The pathologist is continuing the investigation to determine the cause.  The victim, who was identified as Terecita Rene Smith, 24, of Kalamazoo, was identified by a fingerprint.  It is believed that Ms. Smith died at least a few days prior to her body being discovered on Thursday evening, April 16, 2009. 

Kalamazoo Township Police are asking that anyone who saw or spoke with Ms. Smith between March 19 and April 16, 2009, or saw anyone near where the body was found, to contact KTPD detectives at 343-0568, or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.  Silent Observer offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of crime.

Homicide of Peggy Jean Woods
November 07, 2008

95-20845

Victim:            Peggy Jean Woods

                        Black female, age 28

                        5’4,” 130 pounds

Black hair and brown eyes

Location:        5900 block East “Y” Avenue

Date:               8-28-95

Agency:           Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office

Summary: 

Peggy Woods was found deceased in a cornfield in Brady Township on 8/25/95.  Peggy lived in the city of Kalamazoo prior to the Homicide, and was last seen on 8/25/95 at 9:00 pm. 

Anyone with information on the murder of Peggy Jean Woods is asked to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s office at 269-383-8723 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com. 

Homicide of Christine Paddock
November 07, 2008

04-9631

Victim:            Christine Elaine Paddock

                        White female, age 39

                        5’01,” 135 pounds

Brown hair and brown eyes

Location:        East “V” Ave near Portage Rd

Date:               4-22-04

Agency:           Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office

Summary: 

Christine Paddock’s body was discovered at the edge of a farm field in      Schoolcraft Township on April 22, 2004.  An autopsy determined that her death was a homicide.  Evidence at the scene indicated that the body was left at the Schoolcraft township location and that the homicide occurred at another location.  The condition of the body would indicate that Ms. Paddock’s remains may have been left at the edge of the field for several months. 

Christine had an address in the City of Kalamazoo prior to her death.  She was reported missing the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety on September 25, 2003. 

Anyone with information on the murder of Christine Paddock is asked to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s office at 269-383-8723 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.