University of Michigan software architect Daniel Stuart was found dead with three family members in a suspected murder-suicide last Friday. Stuart was identified as a University employee on Monday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Police believe Stuart, 47, was killed by his wife, Lauren Stuart, who then killed her children, Steven Stuart, 27, and Bethany Stuart, 24, before killing herself. The murder took place in a home in Keego Harbor.
“The investigation at the scene and subsequent autopsy … indicate that Lauren Stuart shot and killed her family members before turning the gun on herself,” read a statement issued over the weekend by the Keego Harbor police department.
Authorities found Lauren with was later deemed a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while the rest of the family had gunshot wounds to their heads.
Stuart was an employee of the University’s Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, where he worked on critical illness and injuries technology for the past two years.
Kevin Ward, the executive director of CIRCC, said in a statement to the Free Press Stuart’s work at the University was incredibly valuable. He also lauded Stuart’s character as being generous and having immense humility.
“Dan was an extraordinarily talented individual and highly valued team member who was making very important contributions,” Ward said. “Despite his immense talent, he was very humble and was always excited that his contributions may one day help save lives. He will be sorely missed.”
The investigation into the motive behind the killings is ongoing.