Deputies investigate 71-year-old man’s death as homicide.

Deputies investigate 71-year-old man’s death as homicide.

35-year-old Ludington man in custody.

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HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — A 71-year-old Ludington man was found dead at a residence in the 6000 block of West Maple Street ( in what is known as Hamlin Lake Estates) Wednesday evening, March 16, and police are investigating the man’s death as a homicide, said Mason County Undersheriff Derrek Wilson.

A 35-year-old Ludington man was arrested in connection to the murder following a foot chase.

“On March 16, 2022 at approximately 7:18 p.m., (Mason-Oceana 911) received a 911 call,” stated Undersheriff Wilson in a press release. “It was reported that a subject had been stabbed at an address in the 6000 block of West Maple Street within Hamlin Township…  The caller also reported that one male suspect fled the scene on foot. 

“Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene at approximately 7:27 p.m. Shortly after arriving, a 71-year-old Ludington man was found deceased inside the residence.    

“At approximately 7:48 p.m., deputies located a male subject matching the description of the suspect in the area of Culver Road and Sixth Street,” said the undersheriff. “Upon making contact, the subject fled on foot into a wooded area. After a short foot pursuit, deputies were able to take the subject into custody. He is described as a 35-year-old Ludington man and is currently lodged at the Mason County Jail on resisting and opposing a police officer charge. 

“The victim’s cause of death is unknown at this time, pending autopsy,” Wilson said.  “The incident is being investigated as a homicide. The victim’s name is being withheld until next of kin is notified. This is an active investigation and more details will be released as they become available.  

“Mason County deputies and detectives have worked through the night.”

Wilson said the Mason County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Mason-Oceana 911, Hamlin Township Fire Department, Life EMS, Michigan State Police Hart Post, MSP Crime Lab, Mason County Victims Services, Mason County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit, and Manistee Police Department. The Mason County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit was also utilized. 

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