Michigan Father Accused of Fatally Shooting Teen Son, Critically Injuring Two Children in Planned Attack
PORT HURON, Michigan — A 44-year-old Michigan father has been charged after police say he shot and killed his 17-year-old son and critically injured two younger children in a carefully planned attack inside their home earlier this month.
Suspect Said He Planned Shooting for a Week
The suspect, Jeffrey Smerer, allegedly admitted to police that he had been planning the attack for about a week. Authorities say Smerer was facing sentencing in an indecent exposure case and was overwhelmed with stress, leading him to plot a murder-suicide.
On the morning of September 11, Smerer reportedly retrieved a .380 pistol from a gun safe under his bed, then entered the bedroom of his 13-year-old son Bentley and 12-year-old daughter Kinzley. According to testimony from Port Huron Detective Grafton Sharp, Smerer said “good morning” before stepping into a bathroom, where he questioned in the mirror if he could go through with the act. Moments later, he returned and opened fire.
Teen Son Killed in Living Room
Police said Smerer first shot Bentley, who was under a blanket using his phone, and then aimed at Kinzley, striking her in the throat. He later turned the gun on his 17-year-old son Kayleb, who was sitting on the couch in the living room, aiming directly at his head. Kayleb was killed instantly, while his siblings were left critically injured.
When the pistol allegedly jammed, Smerer tried to cut his wrist and ingested multiple medications in a failed suicide attempt. His wife and 19-year-old son were home at the time and managed to disarm him before calling police.
Surviving Children Face Lifelong Injuries
Family members said Bentley suffered facial fractures, while Kinzley underwent facial reconstruction surgery and is now paralyzed from the neck down with a bullet lodged in her spine. Both remain in recovery.
Despite the violence, relatives described Smerer as a father who once “did everything” for his family but struggled with mental health. His brother-in-law told WXYZ: “He started having issues, searched out for medical help, and didn’t get what he needed. He seemed like he needed more support and he didn’t get it.”
Legal Proceedings Underway
Smerer survived his suicide attempt and is now facing murder and attempted murder charges. A judge denied him bond on Tuesday and ordered him to have no contact with his surviving children while awaiting trial.
The Port Huron community is mourning the tragic loss of Kayleb Smerer while rallying to support Bentley and Kinzley as they recover from the devastating attack. For more breaking crime updates and Michigan justice news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.