Timothy Kildee: Michigan congressman Dan Kildee's brother shot dead, victim's son arrested as suspect

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BURTON, MICHIGAN: In a press conference, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson revealed that Timothy Kildee, the brother of Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee, was shot and killed on Tuesday morning, March 19. 

The incident occurred at Timothy's home in Vienna Township, Michigan, where he was allegedly shot by his 27-year-old son. 

The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, is presently in police custody.

What charges could be brought against the 27-year-old suspect?

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton stated in the press conference that the individual could face multiple charges including "a count of open murder, a count of carjacking, a charge of armed robbery, a charge of using a firearm during the commission of a felony, a charge of carrying a concealed weapon and likely a motor vehicle infraction for the crash."

Congressman Kildee, aged 65, was informed of the shooting by Swanson and is currently traveling back to Michigan from Washington, DC, as People reported.

The Democratic representative wrote in a post on X formerly known as Twitter, "Our family is grieving and heartbroken. There are no words to describe the loss of a beloved brother and family member, especially in such a terrible tragedy. I thank the community for honoring my family's privacy during this very difficult time." 

What was the initial report after shooting?

The police were initially contacted regarding a domestic dispute in Burton, Michigan, at approximately 2:50 a.m. on the 3500 block of Columbine Street. Swanson mentioned that a firearm was involved in the verbal altercation.

Following the altercation, Timothy's son left the residence on foot and reached out to his mother, who happens to be Timothy's ex-wife. 

"Sometime between that and shortly after five o'clock in the morning today. That mother picked him up and was taking him back to his dad's place,” Swanson explained.

While en route to Timothy's home in Vienna Township, the 27-year-old abruptly exited the moving vehicle. Subsequently, the parents began searching for their son.

Later, the father returned home alone, which was noticed by the other son who was asleep at Timothy's residence. 

Swanson claimed, ”A confrontation was heard by the family member on the other side of the basement." He added, “And there was a comment made [by the suspect] about ‘Give me your wallet and your keys.’” The wallet and keys were then found on the suspect after the incident. 

The other son then informed the authorities that he heard a gunshot, which Swanson believes to be the shot that resulted in the victim's death.

The 27-year-old suspect reportedly commandeered the victim’s car and fled the scene at high speed. Just eight minutes after the shooting, the suspect collided with a pickup truck carrying two people.

As a result of the crash, the suspect sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where they are currently under police supervision. 

The occupants of the other vehicle are reported to be "doing well" despite sustaining minor injuries.

Swanson indicated that an investigation is ongoing, while Leyton mentioned that no charges have been filed yet. There are suspicions of potential substance abuse by the 27-year-old, which will be confirmed by toxicology reports, according to Leyton.

Swanson remarked, “The behavior of the suspect lends anyone to believe that there was some type of breakdown and or other entanglements that caused him to be so violent.”