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Man kills woman in downtown Grand Rapids, injures self

A woman was stabbed and killed near Heartside Park. The suspect then stabbed himself multiple times, police say.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A woman is dead after a man stabbed her in Grand Rapids before injuring himself.

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of S Division. Police say the woman was stabbed and died from her injuries at the scene. 

The man, who police say is the suspect, then stabbed himself multiple times.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said he's suffering from multiple stab wounds and is severely injured. If he survives, police will pursue charges, Winstrom said. 

He believes it was a domestic situation that led up to the deadly stabbing. 

The scene, right near Heartside Park, is a busy area for pedestrians. Winstrom says multiple witnesses saw the act, including students at nearby Grand Rapids Catholic Central. 

"This is devastating for the neighborhood," said Winstrom, "it's a very horrific scene for them to see."

Winstrom says those involved are known around the Heartside Park area.

"They're not strangers to us. That makes it a little extra sad," he said.

Investigators still aren't sure what led to the stabbing, though it Winstrom said it could've been a breakup or an ambush.

"The story will come out, but I doubt it will make sense to us," Winstrom said.

Catholic Central, on nearby Sheldon Boulevard, was not put on lockdown after the suspect was sent to the hospital. Investigators didn't believe there was any threat to the public.

"I think there's still so much progress to be made to support victims of domestic violence," said Winstrom. "To see a relationship end in a deadly stabbing, it's tough to wrap your head around."

Division Avenue is closed for investigation at this time. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616) 456-3380 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org.

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