****UPDATE 3/6/23****
The suspect in this case, James Leonard Taylor, 32, of McDonough GA, was arraigned in the 58th District Court in Holland for Open Murder and Felony Firearm. Bond is denied at this time.
The victim is identified as Aaron James Barlow, 54, from Covert.
****UPDATE 3/4/23****
Yesterday the suspect was lodged at the Ottawa County Jail and this morning the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges for Open Murder and Felony Firearms. The suspect is being held without bond and is expected to be arraigned on Monday, at which time more information should be available.
The victim’s name is not being released yet due to the family notification process.
Investigators will be continuing to follow up on multiple tips, interviews, search warrants, and evidence.
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A quick update is all we can give at this time, as we have investigators and multiple teams actively working this case, trying to gather additional evidence and information.
Holland Police officers were dispatched to the area of Abbey Ct at approximately 3:00 a.m. reference to a man with a gun and shots fired. Officers arrived on scene and observed a suspect flee on foot. Officers quickly surrounded the area and found the victim in a car in the parking lot, with multiple gunshot wounds. They worked quickly to secure a safe area, provide emergency medical care, and bring in the EMT’s and Paramedics, however the victim was deceased.
Holland Police officers were assisted by Ottawa County Sheriff’s deputies and a Michigan State Police trooper, in creating and maintaining a perimeter around the area. Holland Police canine teams and drone were called in to search the area, along with the Holland Police tactical team and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s tactical team, drone and canine. Notice was sent out to the apartment residents in the area, Holland Heights Elementary School start was delayed, and later a media press release was sent out to notify the public in the area. After extensive tracking and searching, a call was received in to dispatch about a suspicious person possibly matching the description nearby. Officers located the suspect in the area of 12th/Dartmouth and took him into custody without incident at 8:25 a.m.
According to witnesses the suspect was known by the victim, and neither the suspect or the victim lived in the apartment complex.
Additional information will be given out when we are able to share more.