Monroe County Sheriff Provides Updates on Two Recent Tragedies

BEDFORD TWP., Mich. — Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough held a news conference Wednesday to address two recent tragedies in the area. The sheriff discussed the investigations into the deaths of two individuals in Bedford Township and two teenagers found dead in Raisinville Township.

The first incident involved 17-year-old Gwendolyn Fay Smith and 33-year-old Ryne Jacob Leist, whose bodies were discovered in the 1600 block of W. Sterns Road on June 14. Officials ruled Smith’s death a homicide and Leist’s death a suicide. According to the sheriff’s office, they were acquaintances, and despite social media rumors, they were not in a dating relationship.

The sheriff stated, ‘We want to clarify that there is no employment connection between Leist and Bedford Public Schools.’ He emphasized that the local community had been shaken by these events, calling Smith a gifted student remembered for her kindness and spirit.

In the second case, two teenagers were found shot dead in a vehicle on Heiss Road in Raisinville Township on June 17. The deceased have been identified as 16-year-old Faith Hamilton and 16-year-old Landon Bryan LaFond. While Hamilton is being referred to as the victim, LaFond is considered a suspect. The sheriff’s office confirmed there is no threat to the public, assuring community members of their safety.

Tom Hannah, a nearby resident, expressed shock at the events, stating, ‘This is abnormal for the area, and we’re concerned about the manner of deaths.’ Fundraising efforts have begun to assist the families of both victims.

As investigations continue, the sheriff’s office plans to provide further updates as more details become available.