BELDING, Mich. — Law enforcement wants to check on the well-being of the former owner of a foreclosed home that caught fire under suspicious circumstances earlier this month.
The Ionia County Sheriff's Office also wants to talk to 62-year-old Joseph Marhofer about that fire.
Authorities said during the early morning hours of June 7, the Belding Fire Department responded to a home in the 8000 block of Krupp Road for a house fire.
Deputies learned the home had been foreclosed, and that former owner Marhofer sent some concerning messages to family and friends shortly before the fire was called in.
Loved ones said he sent them some messages indicating "they wouldn't have to worry about him anymore."
Authorities said video from a convenience store in Belding showed Marhofer buying a few items on June 9, but they haven't seen him since.
Marhofer stands about 6'4" tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He was last known to drive a gold 2011 Ford F-150 with Michigan plate BA87383.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joseph Marhofer is asked to contact Dt/Sgt Phillip Hesche at 616-527-5363.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, know there is help available to you. The Michigan Crisis Access Line offers 24/7 help and answers calls to 988. You can also text 988 for help.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
