Suspect in Grand Rapids, Michigan Shooting Rampage
34-year-old Rodrick Shonte Dantzler initiated a manhunt after he killed several people in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids Police Department

The Grand Rapids shooting by 34-year-old ex-con Rodrick Shonte Dantzler killed seven people yesterday. He then shot and killed himself after he was surrounded by police. Four bodies were found in a Grand Rapids home and four more were found in a home across town.

Dantzler shot and killed Jennifer Marie Heeren, his 29-year-old ex-girlfriend, and their 12-year-old daughter. He also murdered Heeren's parents. Across town, Dantzler killed Amanda Emkens, 27, Marisa Emkens, 11, and ex-girlfriend Kimberlee Emkens.

The Grand Rapids Press reported that his hostility was founded in domestic issues. Friends have described Dantzler as bipolar.

Grand Rapids' WZZM-TV said that the suspect demanded Gatorade and threatened to kill two hostages in a third location if he didn't get it. Police delivered the Gatorade.

Dantzler reportedly fired at officers several times and gunfire was reciprocated. A bystander sitting in her car was a victim of the gunfire.

State Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said that Dantzler was discharged from prison in 2005. Marlan said that he has not been under state supervision since then. Dantzler's Facebook page said that he was a tech building engineer and a Grand Rapids citizen.

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