In Genesee County, Michigan, on Wednesday, October 18, the search for a missing 60-year-old woman started progressing in a more somber direction, specifically a homicide inquiry.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson shared these updates in a public address. The spotlight is now on the woman’s husband, who authorities believe played a role in her disappearance and later ended his own life.
Both Kelly McWhirter and her husband, Steven Higgins, 57, were declared missing the previous day, Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the nature of the investigation had evolved, moving from a case of missing individuals to a criminal probe. To emphasize the seriousness of the situation, Sheriff Swanson announced, “This is no longer a rescue. This is a recovery.”
A significant discovery was made by detectives who found signs of a violent encounter in a house in Flushing, Michigan that took place over the preceding weekend. Based on their evaluation, it was determined that one of the two, either McWhirter or Higgins, had sustained an injury leading to “significant blood loss.”
Their subsequent findings led them to McWhirter’s automobile in Norwalk, Ohio. The deduction made was that Higgins had driven her car to Ohio post the Flushing incident, then came back to retrieve his own car. Disturbingly, clear signs of a physical altercation were observed in McWhirter’s vehicle, adding more uncertainty to the unfolding narrative.
The next phase of the investigation saw the police successfully locating Higgins’ vehicle. Initiating a traffic stop, they aimed to question him in relation to their ongoing investigation. Sheriff Swanson provided insight into the encounter, saying, “There was a confrontation between the driver, later identified as Steven Higgins, and the officers trying to give verbal commands.” The situation escalated when Higgins did not follow directives to leave his vehicle. The events culminated with Higgins shooting himself. Despite being quickly taken to a medical facility, Higgins did not survive his injuries. Following this, Swanson declared, “This is a homicide investigation and our suspect is dead.”
Swanson disclosed that he had a personal connection with McWhirter, who had been an employee at the Sheriff’s office for several years, describing her as a “beautiful soul.” Her absence from work at the Genesee County Board of Commissioners the Monday prior had set off concerns.
Authorities remain dedicated to uncovering the entire chain of events, hoping to offer some solace to affected families and the community.
