'Our Hearts Are Broken': Search for Missing 6-Year-Old Michigan Boy Ends in Tragedy After He and Dad Found Dead

Authorities say a 6-year-old boy in Michigan reported missing by his family was found dead two days later alongside his father in what is believed to be a murder-suicide.

On Aug. 19, the mother of Rowan Morey called police when his father, 48-year-old Michael Steven Winchell, failed to bring the child home on time, police told the Morning Sun.

According to Isabella County Sheriff Michael Main, deputies went to Winchell’s house in Chippewa Township several times and were unable to locate anyone at the residence.

Deputies began contacting Winchell’s friends and relatives, but none were able to get in contact with him either, Main said.

Authorities searched for Morey and Winchell throughout Aug. 20 and into the morning of Aug. 21, when family members arrived on scene and discovered an isolated camper on the rear of the property.

One of the family members broke out a window in the camper and found Winchell dead, officials said.

Deputies entered the camper, where they found both Winchell and Morey dead.

According to investigators, Winchell gunned down his 6-year-old son before then turning the gun on himself.

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In a statement to WJRT, the boy’s mother and stepfather thanks the community for help in the search.

“Our hearts are broken, and we can’t comprehend how to move on from this,” the statement said. “We will take time to grieve but ask the community for their continued help and ask you to join us in demanding more to protect our children.”

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