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Family identifies missing woman found dead in Muskegon Heights, death investigation underway

While details are scarce, authorities say they have a 39-year-old Muskegon man in custody in connection to the investigation.

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Authorities in Muskegon say they believe they have recovered the body of a woman who had been missing since October 2021. 

Officers with the Muskegon Police Department, Muskegon Heights Department and The Muskegon STOP (Violence against Women) Grant have been investigating the 49-year-old woman's disappearance, and recently received a tip leading to the discovery near Summit Avenue and 6th Street in Muskegon Heights.  

"I'd say in the last week we've had a lot of fast moving developments and ultimately it lead to last night being able to find the woman's body," Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson said. "She was found in a public area along an alleyway."  

Family members tell 13 ON YOUR SIDE police informed them Tuesday morning that Brenda Hooper's remains were found. Hooper's niece Shanequa Cooper says it wasn't like her aunt to stop communicating with family members in October. 

"I just don't understand, she was doing good and about to start a new job," Cooper said. "This was way too long, and unusual for her not too be seen or heard."

Cooper says family members have been in contact with police in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights since they reported Hooper missing. 

Muskegon Police Department detectives aren't revealing any more details but did say a 39-year-old Muskegon man is in custody in connection to the case.

Cooper says the man in custody and her aunt were in a relationship.

Prosecutor Hilson tells 13 ON YOUR SIDE the suspect is being held for lying to police during a major investigation. The man's name is being withheld until charges are filed. Hilson says the suspect may be arraigned on Wednesday.

"Charge him, we need justice, my aunt didn't deserve that," Cooper said. 

If anyone has any information on this incident, please call the Muskegon Police Department as 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.

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