Grosse Pointe Woods

Law enforcement agencies work to solve homicide

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — It’s a rarity that Grosse Pointe Woods public safety officers have to tackle a homicide case, since it hasn’t happened since the early 1990s, and there has been only one murder since at least the mid 1980s in the city, according to FBI crime statistics.

Last week, law enforcement officials were trying to solve the Nov. 26 homicide of Donald Lionel DeWulf, 54. Woods police weren’t alone in their work to investigate.

“The Grosse Pointe Woods Detective Bureau is actively investigating this homicide with the assistance of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, (Michigan State Police) Detective Bureau and the Detroit Police Homicide Unit,” Woods Public Safety stated in a press release.

Local media reports stated that DeWulf had died from a gunshot wound to the head. He was found in his home in the 2000 block of Hampton by a family member shortly after 9:30 a.m. Nov. 26, according to police information.

Police weren’t giving out many details as they worked on the investigation last week. A couple of media releases included little information. Police listed “unknown” in regard to any suspects last week.

Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office representative Maria Miller acknowledged the lack of released information in an email.

“We certainly understand that there are many unanswered questions that the family and the public have about the homicide of Mr. DeWulf,” she said. “However, it is not appropriate to comment on the facts or evidence related to the case at this time. It is most important that the police continue their work and focus on the investigation without distractions.”

DeWulf was a Lakeview High School graduate in the mid-1970s, according to his obituary at www.tributes.com.

“Donald loved the outdoors,” the online obituary stated. “He enjoyed golfing and fishing and spending time during the summer on Harsens Island. Recently he started hunting. His true love in life was spending time with his family.”

Police are asking anyone who might have information to call the Detective Bureau at (313) 343-2412.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1043.