Michigan Father Charged After Shooting Three Children, Killing One

Jeffrey Smerer, a 44-year-old man from Port Huron, Michigan, is facing trial on multiple felony charges after shooting his three children on September 11, killing his 17-year-old son Kayleb and critically injuring his 13-year-old son Bentley and 12-year-old daughter Kinzley. Smerer reportedly planned the attack for a week and committed the shootings on the day he was scheduled to be sentenced for an indecent exposure conviction involving a child at his family's daycare. The surviving children were hospitalized, with Kinzley paralyzed from the neck down and Bentley suffering facial fractures. Smerer attempted suicide after the shootings but was disarmed by his wife and eldest son. He is charged with open murder, assault with intent to murder, first-degree child abuse, and felony firearm counts, and his bond was denied with an order to have no contact with the surviving children. The case has drawn community support, with GoFundMe donations exceeding $67,000 to assist the family with medical and housing expenses.