A tragic murder-suicide in Temperance, Michigan has left a community in mourning after a former high school bowling coach shot and killed a 17-year-old student before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities say Ryne Leist, 33, entered the home of Gwendolyn “Gwen” Smith and fatally shot the teen in her stepfather’s residence on June 14. He then took his own life. The stepfather discovered both bodies upon returning home.
Smith, a recent Bedford High School graduate and standout athlete, had no romantic involvement with Leist. He previously passed all standard background checks and resigned from his coaching role at a local bowling alley shortly before the incident.
Investigators are still examining how Leist gained access to the home and are reviewing communication between him and Smith in the days prior to the shooting.
The Bedford school district has launched crisis response measures to support grieving students and faculty. Meanwhile, the community has rallied behind Smith’s family, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $18,000.