Who was Gina Bryant? 'Down-to-earth' Michigan woman murdered by ex-boyfriend who later turned the gun on himself
DETROIT, MICHIGAN: A Michigan woman was murdered by her former boyfriend who later turned the gun on himself on Friday, October 13, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Gina Bryant, 25, was last seen a day before the tragic incident unfolded on October 12.
Her co-workers, who grew concerned when she failed to turn up following a lunch break, apparently started to receive “odd” texts from her phone, the sheriff's office said, according to People.
The victim's boyfriend was waiting for her
As per the authorities, Bryant returned home for lunch while her ex-boyfriend, Justin Wendling, 26, was waiting for her.
The sheriff’s office said video surveillance showed Wendling leading Bryant to his car. Bryant’s parents received a call from Wendling the following day who stated that he had killed Bryant and intended to kill himself, police noted.
What did the surveillance video show?
Surveillance video showed that Wendling shot and killed Bryant at a truck stop in LaSalle, Ill at about midnight on October 13, police said.
Wendling then escaped to Iowa where he fatally shot himself in the head when approached by local officers, the sheriff’s office stated.
What did the victim's sister say?
According to the Detroit News, Bryant’s sister Angelica Gintner, told the outlet that her now deceased sister lived with Wendling in Grand Blanc Township after they began a relationship 11 months ago.
But her mother and sister moved her out of the apartment they shared in late September after she told them that Wendling was abusing her for months, Gintner said.
“She was very beautiful, down-to-earth, giving woman," Gintner said of her sister, adding "She could brighten up a day with just her smile. She'd give you the shirt off your back. She was caring and compassionate.”
Bryant had been studying nursing at the University of Michigan-Flint at the time of her death and Wendling was a doctor in Flint, The News reported.
The same outlet also reported that the dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan-Flint sent an email to colleagues of Bryant.
"Gina was an extraordinary young woman with much ahead of her," McCurren reportedly wrote.
Justin Wendling's family declined to comment
Although Wendling's family declined to comment as of now, the hospital officials where he was a resident offered a statement.
"Ascension Genesys Hospital has recently learned of the death of one of our residents," spokeswoman Christine Gleason said in the statement, adding "Emotional and spiritual support services are being offered to staff and providers during this difficult time. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement."