Mom lost 3 in Dantzler rampage

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - When Rodrick Dantzler went on a rampage and killed seven people, Pat Emkens lost two daughters and a granddaughter.

Kimberlee Emkens, her sister Amanda Emkens and Amanda's 10-year-old daughter Marissa were slain in their home Thursday. Kim was an ex-girlfriend of Dantzler. She, Amanda and Marissa lived together in a home on Plainfield.

Pat Emkens said she is overwhelmed by the support she and the other families involved are getting from the community. She found the bodies and said she knew right away who was responsible.

A benefit, organized by Kim's friends to help raise money for the three funerals, was held at Diamond Hall.

"I'm very grateful for the community and their outpouring of love," Pat Emkens told 24 Hour News 8. "All the people that I work with have been just amazing, and all of my family have been amazing, my extended family, my friends. I can't explain how grateful I am because I couldn't (get through) this without them."

There will be a triple service for Kimberlee, Amanda and Marissa Emkens.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Avenue NE.

The funeral service will be held at St. Jude Church, 1120 4-Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday.