Two people found dead in Ypsilanti Township apartment; Sheriff's Department investigating
Washtenaw County sheriff's detectives are investigating the deaths of a man and woman found inside their residence at Lakeshore Apartments in Ypsilanti Township on Sunday.
Police said they found no signs of traumatic injuries. A suspected cause of death has not been determined.
Deputies found the couple — a 54-year-old man and 51-year-old woman — at about 5:39 p.m. at the complex at 2180 Lakeview Drive after conducting a welfare check at the request of family members, sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson said.
Two residents of Lakeshore Apartments were found dead Sunday.
File photo
After a deputy knocked on the door and received no answer, an apartment complex manager unlocked the door and let deputies inside, Jackson said. Deputies found the bodies, Jackson said.
Jackson said nothing appeared out of place or was obviously missing from the apartment. He said he did not know where the bodies were found.
According to Jackson, the couple was not married, but had dated for years. He said he did not know the last time they were reportedly seen alive.
Firefighters tested for carbon monoxide, but found none, Ypsilanti Township Fire Capt. Vic Chevrette said. A pet cat was found alive inside the apartment, Jackson said.
Washtenaw County Medical Examiner Bader Cassin said autopsies would be conducted later today.
A security guard at the complex would not let a reporter on the property this morning. A representative for the complex declined to comment to AnnArbor.com.
AnnArbor.com's Cindy Heflin contributed to this report.
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Comments
A2RN
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:08 a.m.
The link to the "Related" article is incorrect - it takes you back to this article.
Soothslayer
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
Not sure where they were found but if it was CO poisoning dangerous levels can be caused by an improperly maintained or damaged central heating system. They'd have to do some testing to see if there is an issue and the levels can build up.
monkeysee
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
The concentration camp comment was uncalled for and totally inappropriate. I too have lived at Lakeshore for the past year. The complex is safe and security protects their residents. The manager and her staff are kind, courteous and care about the residents. The community is clean, well-maintained and every employee that I have encountered has been wonderful. Deborah - if you took the stick out of your derriere long enough to realize how insensitive and rude your comment was you might realize we are glad you do not live here. We don't need people like that here. There is no evidence that indicates Lakeshore apartments or its management staff had anything to do with the deaths of these two people. My heart and condolences go out to the family and friends of those who died. The residents in this community mourn with you. God bless you.
quitelistener
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
No comments or reporters allowed in? Lee, are you suggesting a conspiracy? Great Reporting!
dmkellman
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
It's really sad that something like this happened. I hope they're able to discover the cause soon. Message to Deborah though, do you even know what a concentration camp is? Your comment is just downright offensive. I've lived there for almost a year, and my experience there has been nothing than that of a pleasant one. I would have renewed my lease in a heartbeat if it weren't for the fact that I'm moving out to live closer to work, and be with my gf.
dexterreader
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
Interesting story. I hope annarbor.com will post a follow-up story once there are more details.
EMUinsider
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
I completely agree with you MCM. I too am a resident of Lakeshore and am appalled at the notion that Lakeshore "practically a concentration camp". Security is an issue and it is why we are a gated community. I have lived here for six months and haven't had a single issue with security or the apartment complex. As MCM stated, I feel just as safe today as I did last week before the deaths. Although these deaths were tragic, it really has nothing to do with the apartment complex other than the two individuals resided there.
mcm
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
The comparison of Lakeshore to a concentration camp is not only incorrect but it is done in bad taste. As a resident of Lakeshore, I can tell you that security is a major concern. I, however, do not feel any less safe living there as of this weekend. While certainly not the best apartment community in Ypsilanti township, it is nowhere near the worst. Not only am I saddened by the loss of two lives, I am also appalled at the opportunity some find to point blame. I am confident that the authorities will get to the bottom of this quickly.
Deborah
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
That place is practically a concentration camp. I am surprised it was not the smell that brought attention. Thankfully they had family that cared so they were found sooner. I would never ever live in that complex and am so glad I got my partner out of their last year.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
ok, I have been reading about CO detechtors and some CO weight/air question info sites. Seems like very different info is out there.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
I was under the impression CO hangs low, that is why you plug in CO detectors down low (unlike smoke detectors which you place higher on the wall or ceiling b/c smoke rises) anyway, a cat could easily climb and reach higher ground. The CO could have risen, found an exit point/disapaited and not harmed a cat that was above the exit point? I have heard that space heaters have been culprits with CO poisoning. But maybe some fireman can post more insite into this as maybe I am wrong.
Daniel White
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
The "lowly guard" was doing her job. It is a gated community and residents pay for their privacy. Lee I am sure if you were to set up a meeting with the manager she would accommodate you when more information is available. It is unfortunate that some other news outlets ran with the carbon monoxide angle, nothing like setting of mass hysteria in the name of getting the story first.
Cash
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
Good article, Lee, based on the fact they wouldn't even let you into the complex. Please keep us updated.
SW40
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.
I'm sure if the reporter would have been allowed entry to the complex this mystery would have already been solved as evidence by the fine work Lee has done in recent months.
Joe Citizen
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.
That is strange. I wonder if it was food or medication related if the pet was found okay. I also like the last line of the article! Way to get in a dig at the lowly guard Lee.
JoySeeker
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.
so sad
average joe
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 9:45 a.m.
WXYZ also mentioned that the man went to the local ER a day or two before, complained he felt really ill, but not very specific.
Cash
Mon, Jan 17, 2011 : 9:15 a.m.
This one is weird. WDIV also mentioned that there was a pet alive in the apartment as well, so carbon monoxide looks unlikely.