Sheriff: Montcalm case a homicide

PIERSON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The case of a husband and wife found dead inside a Montcalm County home is being treated as a homicide, Sheriff Bill Barnwell said in a statement late Friday afternoon.

Victims Michael and Kathleen Greene, ages 59 and 56 respectively, were found in the Pierson Township home, according to the statement. A neighbor had called 911 around 11:15 p.m. Thursday to report a fire at the house.

First responders noticed something that made them believe the two did not die because of the fire, Barnwell told 24 Hour News 8 earlier Friday. And in his Friday afternoon statement, the sheriff confirmed the blaze was not what killed the pair.

Investigators are not releasing the method of death, he added. And no information was released on a motive or any known suspects.

The home in the 3000 block of Shorecrest Drive is for sale and according to court records, the two had filed for divorce this summer. But the Greenes were living in the home at the time the fire started, according to the statement.

Neighbor Max Powell said he didn't know the neighbors well "but waved and always spoke." He said there didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary about them.

An autopsy is set for Saturday. Barnwell asks anyone with information about the case to call (989) 831-7590.