Sheriff’s Department Reports Two Likely Suicides
(Oakland County Sheriff’s Dept., April 4, 2014)
INCIDENT:  16:27 hrs. April 1– City of Rochester Hills  Suicide   # 14-047049
SUMMARY: Deputies were dispatched along with the Rochester Hills Fire Department to the 3900 block of Hidden Creek on a possible suicide.  Per the complainant she arrived home and found her daughter with a rope around her neck hanging from the deck railing.
OUTCOME OF INCIDENT:  Upon arrival deputies found the victim lying on the ground in the backyard. A note was found written on the back of her left hand.  It was later revealed the mother had cut her daughter down.  The mother indicated her daughter has a long history of mental illness and depression.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by a doctor from Crittenton Hospital via Rochester Hills Fire and a Detective from the sub-station was requested to assist with the investigation.  The Medical Examiner’s Office responded and took custody of the deceased.  An autopsy is scheduled for the morning.  Investigation continues.
VICTIM, SUSPECT or ARRESTEE INFORMATION: (Deceased): 21 year old female resident of Rochester Hills.
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INCIDENT:  18:00 hrs. April 1– Addison Township  Suicide    # 14-047113
SUMMARY: Deputies  along with the Addison Twp. Fire Department were dispatched to an address in the 1200 block of Mountain Estates on a report of a deceased person.  The caller indicated he arrived home and found his son suffering from a gunshot wound and was beyond help.
OUTCOME OF INCIDENT:   The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. A .38 caliber handgun was found next to the hand of the deceased. The father indicated his son suffered from depression and only recently started on a new medication. No note was located and a Detective was requested to assist with the investigation. An investigator from the  Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded and  took custody of the deceased pending an autopsy. Investigation continues.
VICTIM, SUSPECT or ARRESTEE INFORMATION: (Deceased):  26 yr. old male resident of Addison Twp.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION:
“Suicide is a major public health issue, but it is preventable,” said George Miller, Director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services in a previous article. “It is important for everyone to recognize the warning signs and risk factors for suicide to prevent the loss of lives.”
Warning Signs:
~Talking about, or making plans to die
~Talking about “ending the pain”
~Persistently feeling sad, lonely or “empty”
~Insomnia or excessive sleeping
~Social isolation and withdrawal
~Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Risk Factors:
~Previous suicide attempt(s)
~Depression or other mental illness
~Substance use
~Family history of suicide
~Physical illness and /or chronic pain
If you or someone you know is in crisis, do not leave the person alone and do not isolate yourself.  Call your doctor, 911, go to a hospital emergency room for immediate help, or ask someone to help you.  The phone number for Common Ground’s 24-hour Crisis and Resource Helpline is 800-231-1127 and is available 24 hours a day.
Additional Resources:
Common Ground – www.commongroundhelps.org
Oakland County Community Mental Health – www.occmha.org
Easter Seals – www.mi.easterseals.com
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – www.samhsa.gov
National Alliance on Mental Illness – www.name.org