Police visit Brake's former employer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Grand Rapids manufacturing plant, where a quadruple homicide suspect used to work, is in close proximity to a shooting, a beating and the deaths of three prostitutes - crimes also possibly connected to Troy Brake.

Brake has already been charged with the murders of Sharmaine Zimmer, her sons Jeremy and Tyler, and Jeremy's girlfriend Katherine Brown in their Wright Township home in September.

Employees told 24 Hour News 8 Brake worked at Pridgeon and Clay on the southwest side of the city. They say police stopped there at one point as part of the investigation.

Employees say Brake worked the weekend shift in the tool room. Those 24 Hour News 8 talked to say they are shocked to hear of the latest charges and his possible involvement in such violent acts.

They say Brake was for the most part "quiet. Never really said anything," adds Bernard Idziak.

One of the big breaks police got to make their arrest was when they talked to a prostitute who claims Brake beat and sexually assaulted her. She said when he didn't have any money she asked him to drop her off, but he refused. That is when she says Brake beat her.

She called police who then alerted local taxi companies to be on the lookout for Brake. A taxi dispatcher who put Brake in a cab headed to Sparta called police with the tip that led officers to Brake and his arrest.

Brake is accused in a Sept. 1 shooting on Division Avenue near Pridgeon and Clay. The alleged assault with the prostitute occurred five weeks later about two miles away from Pridgeon and Clay.

Grand Rapids police are also looking into a possible connection with Brake and the killings of three area prostitutes - Starkinya Vance, Shakara Carter and Linda Gardner.

Court records show Brake worked at GR Spring and Stamping on Grand Rapids' northwest side in September 2007. The facility is near the crimes as well.