MECOSTA COUNTY, Mich. — The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office identified the 41-year-old man who deputies said was shot and bludgeoned to death in his home early Wednesday morning as Richard Simko.
The incident occurred in the 5000 block of Truman Road in Fork Township.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on a felony murder warrant in connection to Simko's death. Those close to Simko said the 16-year-old suspect was his son.
A years-long family friend of Simko said he was known as Rick to them, and that he was a "nice man and a great father." They said all he wanted to do was take care of his children, including his son.
They also said Simko leaves behind two daughters and he loved to fish.
Theresa Mercer, a neighbor to Simko, described him as a good, hard-working man.
Mercer said Simko had become friends with her boyfriend in the year they had lived near each other, and he enjoyed working on vehicles.
"They had a good connection together," she said.
Mercer said his family has been in her thoughts throughout the day.
"That's all I've been thinking about," said Mercer. "I just hope that they can heal with this. It's a horrible thing."
Deputies said the 16-year-old suspect remains in custody and is awaiting his arraignment in court.
The sheriff's office said he's a ward of Osceola County Probate Court and has a history of committing crimes in Osceola County.
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