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Arson Victim Had Gunshot Wounds

Other episodes in this series: 
IPR News Features
Date: 
November 22, 2011

By Bob Allen

Investigators of arson at a home in Benzie County found one of the victims to have been shot several times.

The fire consumed the home of Chris and Linda Luedtke last Wednesday morning. Their remains, and those of their 17-year-old son Christopher, were confirmed through DNA tests over the weekend.

Lab results showed Christopher died before the fire started.

A search warrant issued through District Court says one of the male victims had two gunshot wounds to the head and two to the chest from a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. It's not been released which male victim had the gunshot wounds.

Investigators found the gun near what is believed to be the female victim.

The Benzie County Sheriff's office also is searching phone and e-mail records and financial statements for more details. Sheriff Rory Heckman says they're not ruling out murder/suicide or triple homicide.

Yesterday, more than a thousand people filled Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort for the family's funeral.

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See More: arson, Crime, Fire, Frankfort

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