Car found; people ID'd in road rage

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Two people of interest have been identified by Grand Rapids police in the road rage shooting that left Lance Byers dead on a street near Saint Mary's Hospital.

Both people are in their 20s, and police said neither knew Byers.

The 42-year-old father was on his way to work at the Department of Human Services when he was mortally wounded after a minor traffic accident.

Police said one of the people is the owner of that unique Pittsburgh Pirates hat found at the scene of the shooting at Lafayette and State Street SE.

The black Lincoln Navigator involved in the incident was found in a garage at a home in Kentwood, GRPD Chief Kevin Belk said. However, police would not say if the people of interest live in that Kentwood home, or if they owned the Navigator.

That's all good news for those who loved Lance Byers, but still they have no comfort.

"It doesn't make it any easier because still, a life was lost and that is not going to go away," said the mother of Byers' daughter, Kelli Kopen.

"I feel hope for justice, I'm just that kind of person," Eric Byers, the victim's father said. "I don't feel any better because my son is still gone. I just believe that with these type of people off the streets, it's a safer and better place."

A tip received by the investigators led to this new information, police said. They would not say if they've had direct contact with the people of interest.

Those who loved Byers are hoping police can solve the crime and make an example out of the shooters.

"It's important to me that these people get caught because heaven forbid, people go around thinking they can do things like this and there will be no repercussions," said Sue Kopen, the grandmother of Byers' daughter.

Police said no one is in custody at this time and they are continuing their investigation.