Reward fund in Bouwman murders grows

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - The reward fund for solving a double murder case in Kent County has grown to $8,700 thanks to an anonymous $5,000 donation and a $1,000 donation from Woodland Mall.

The amount was originally set at $2,500 by Silent Observer, which received a donation from Lacks Enterprises.

David Bouwman, 81, and his 80-year-old wife, Vivian, were shot to death in their Kentwood home on Stowevalley Drive in the early hours of Jan. 5. Their 2001 Cadillac DeVille was stolen, driven four miles to an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Madison Avenue SW and set on fire.

Kentwood police said they have 8-10 detectives working almost around the clock and they haven't reached the point of frustration.

"Right now, we've probably had 50-some tips and things are progressing," Chief Tom Hillen told 24 Hour News 8. "We just don't have those persons in custody at this time."

One person of interest, 22-year-old Javonte Higgins, was already wanted for home invasion. His criminal history goes back to when he was a teenager -- burglary, possession of marijuana and resisting police.

Several sites, including his mother's home on Vicksburg Court in Kentwood, was searched. That home is not far from where the Bouwmans were killed on Jan. 5.

Hillen wouldn't say if they found any evidence in that search.

"We're making progress. I would have liked if we could have scooped somebody up last night. It didn't work out that way, but we're staying vigiland and pursuing these people."

The sketch of a second person of interest has generated many tips but no confirmed identification.

"Some of them just flat-out turn out to be dead-ends," Hillen said. "Other ones you have to pursue them a little further."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Kentwood Police Department at 616.698.6580 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

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Anyone wanting to add to the reward fund can mail a tax-deductible donation to:

The David and Vivian Bouwman Reward Fund
Silent Observer
P.O. Box 230321
Grand Rapids, MI  49523