OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – He was a retired Grand Haven police sergeant, 30 years on the job.
His wife retired after 30 years as an elementary school teacher.
William “Bill” Kitzmiller and his wife, Donna, both 80, were married 54 years. They were “true partners in life.”
They died together, too.
The husband in late September called Ottawa County Central Dispatch to report that he had killed his wife, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and would be killing himself, too.
“I’ve given my wife a merciful ending from her Alzheimer’s disease and I am going to follow her now in death,” he told the 911 dispatcher.
Moments later, a gunshot sounded.
Related: Police believe man, woman, both 80, died in murder-suicide
Ottawa County sheriff’s Capt. Jacob Sparks said that out of respect for the couple’s family, he would not identify the husband and wife – or disclose any health-related information. A relative also declined comment.
A recording of the 911 call, obtained by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press in a Freedom of Information request, death certificates and an obituary showed that the Kitzmillers were the couple who died in a murder-suicide at their house on 178th Avenue in Grand Haven Township.
MLive has decided to tell the Kitzmillers’ story because the information may help others who are caregivers to a loved one battling disease.
Caregivers report higher levels of stress than the general population. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14% of the U.S. population provides unpaid care to someone 65 and older who needs help because of conditions of aging.
Kathryn Ribant Payne, communications director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan, did not know the Kitzmillers’ circumstances but said being a caregiver can be a difficult role.
Her agency offers a 24/7 help line (800-272-3900), online support groups, help with care plans and access to resources available in particular communities.
In some areas, small stipends are available so a caregiver can hire someone to give them a break.
“It’s a really challenging disease to care for people living with this.”
In Michigan, there are 380,000 people providing care to 202,000 with Alzheimer’s. Over 30 percent of caregivers report depression, with 66 percent having chronic health problems themselves.
About 22 percent report being in poor health.
“Caregivers are in a tough place and can end up in a place of desperation,” she said.
“The biggest thing to tell people is we are here to help people in their time of need,” Ribant Payne said. “If it’s 3:30 in the morning and you don’t know what to do, call and get help.”
She said that the Alzheimer’s community is encouraged by advances in medication. She said early diagnosis is important and encouraged people to talk to their doctors rather than write off potential signs as simply senior moments.
Bill Kitzmiller referenced his wife having Alzheimer’s disease during his 8:58 a.m. 911 call.
The dispatcher asked his name, address and phone number. His response was bleeped out.
The caller then said: “The front door to the house is open, unlocked. There are notes on the kitchen table with some information. That’s all. Thank you very much.”
The dispatcher said: “Wait, so what happened? What did you do?”
The response was bleeped out. Moments later, dispatchers heard a gunshot, according to a recording of the call.
Peter McWatters, executive director of Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority, listened to the 911 call shortly after the man shot himself.
He said the dispatcher, who started a little over year ago, could not have changed the outcome. Bill Kitzmiller said he had already shot his wife and was going to take his own.
“He was very direct in what he said and was going to do,” McWatters, a retired acting deputy chief for Grand Rapids Police Department, told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press.
“You can’t take a call like that and not be impacted,” he said. “She didn’t have the level of experience of an older dispatcher. It was difficult for her. … She handled it well.”
He talked to the dispatcher that day to make sure she was OK. She provided essential information to police responding to the scene.
Dr. Matthew Carr, an Ottawa County medical examiner, determined that Donna Kitzmiller was fatally shot in a homicide, just minutes before the 911 call.
“Decedent was shot in head by husband,” the death certificate said.
The husband died by suicide after he shot himself in the head, his death certificate showed.
A memorial celebration of life for the couple was Oct. 4.
“Bill and Donna shared 54 years of a loving marriage together and were true partners in life,” their obituary said.
They met while attending Albion College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970. He and his wife dedicated their careers to the Grand Haven community.
He became a Grand Haven police officer while she taught for Grand Haven Area Public Schools at Ferry Elementary, Central Elementary and Mary A. White Elementary.
They traveled all over the world. She had a passion for nature and wildlife while he enjoyed outdoor adventure, their obituary said. They also enjoyed the family cottage on Lake Michigan.
Anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, which is a 24/7 service.
For caregivers of an Alzheimer’s patient who need immediate support, the Alzheimers Association of Michigan offers a 24/7 help line, 800-272-3900.
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