Antique dealer, 74, killed; no arrests

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Robert "Bob" Medema was not only a well known antique dealer, he also made a lot of friends over the years.

On Saturday, the 45th anniversary of his business, Emporium, being open, many of those friends left flowers and notes on the fence outside his Kalamazoo Avenue antique shop.

Mike Tifal was one of those friends who came by. "He was such a good guy and it's so senseless...to lose a guy like him."
 
Down, out and with no place to call home, Medema, 74, took Tifal in a few years ago.

"It's sad, ya know. It's unbelievable," Tifal said. "I can't even believe it. Just can't believe it."
   
Medema was found dead inside his home along the 2400 block of Oakland Drive just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

Investigators have released few details about the case. They haven't said how he died, who found his body or if there were signs of forced entry into his home. They don't want to jeopardize the investigation by releasing too much information.
   
24 Hour News 8 asked investigators Saturday if they believe Medema was targeted, or if it was a random crime.

"At this point and time, we do have some leads, we do have some evidence but at this point and time, we don't want to release anything after that," said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Sgt. Matt Elzinga.

Authorities said on Sunday the crime did not appear to be random.
 
Tifal said he was questioned by police on Saturday.

"Just to try and...if they can come up with anything whatsoever," said Tifal.

He and other friends speculate Medema's kindness and the fact he carried a lot of cash may be factors in his death.

"He would see some homeless -- someone pushing a grocery cart with a lawn ornament in it -- he says, 'Oh I'll give you 15 bucks or whatever it is,'" explained Tifal.

"I mean everyone would see him pull out his money and buy stuff, and I think some desperate person just took advantage of him."

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to contact Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269.337.8994 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.