Shortly before 11 p.m. Friday, Michigan State Police released a statement summarizing its initial investigation into a shooting that happened earlier today at approximately 4:30 p.m. in White Pigeon.

A separated married couple, a man and woman, both of Sturgis, met at the McDonald’s in White Pigeon for their customary child exchange. With the female victim sitting in her vehicle and the male suspect standing outside, a verbal altercation took place.

“At some point the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the victim multiple times and then subsequently shot himself,” Michigan State Police stated. “The victim, a 25-year-old Sturgis woman, was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. The suspect, a 29-year-old man also from Sturgis, was transported to Kalamazoo Bronson Hospital where he remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.”

As of 11 p.m. Friday, the names of neither the victim nor the suspect have been released.

No one else was shot or injured during the incident. The couple’s children were not present during the incident. They were apparently with other family members.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by multiple agencies, including White Pigeon and Constantine Police & Fire units; Three Rivers Police & Ambulance; St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office; Life Care Ambulance, Med Flight and Samaritan Flight.

As of Friday evening, the incident remains open pending further investigation, autopsy results, and lab analysis. When completed, a copy of the full report will be submitted to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

“This is an unfortunate tragedy,” Michigan State Police stated. “Help us keep all those affected by this incident, including the children and both families, in our thoughts and prayers.”

Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.