5 years later: Husband only suspect

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - It has been five years since a Courtland Township mother of three was stabbed to death, but her estranged husband remains the number one suspect.

Renee Pagel was killed in August 2006. Her body was found in her bed.

Detectives have said all signs point to Renee's husband, Michael, but they do not have enough evidence to prove he did it.

As soon as she died, Pagel's friends began spreading the word of her death and trying to find anyone with tips.

"We are not on a witch hunt, we are just in search of the truth," Chris Crandle said.

Crandle and other friends sold bracelets to spread awareness last year. The group also erected a billboard around town after Renee died.

The friends continually update the Website they built to keep her legacy alive.

"It's her children that are left behind and the issues that they face and that they will face," Crandle said. "That's where it hurts."

Renee was set to finalize her divorce with her husband, Michael, right before she died.

24 Hour News 8 was told on Thursday afternoon that he has taken the kids and moved up north.

The phone number for him has been disconnected.

Friday evening, Pagel's friends will gather at the cemetery where Renee Pagel's body is buried.

They'll hold a "celebration of life" on the five year anniversary of her death.

The group will also begin working on a giant peice of artwork in Renee's memory to be displayed at Art Prize 2012.

"There's a bible verse John 12:24 that says 'Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it cannot produce new seeds,'" Crandle said. "And that's whats happened with this. Renee's the seed that fell to the ground and died but there are new beautiful things that are coming."

Kent County Detectives working this case said they are still actively investigating.

Since the case has reached the five year mark with no arrests, it could be handed to the Cold Case Team. However, 24 Hour News 8 is told there have not been any plans made for that yet.