Eastpointe Son Charged with Murder After Missing Mother Found in Storm Drain

An Eastpointe resident, aged 26, has been indicted on first-degree premeditated murder following the discovery of his mother’s body in a storm drain. Samantha Guinther, aged 47, was reported missing since June but was found deceased this week near Hayes Avenue and Stephens Road.

Judge Kathleen Galen of the 38th District Court has set a $10 million bond in the murder case against the accused, who has pleaded not guilty. Additionally, he faces unrelated drug charges with a bond of $25,000. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has levied multiple charges, including homicide and evidence tampering.

Assistant Prosecutor Rebecca Kelley suggests the motive behind the killing may be related to Guinther’s concerns for her grandchildren’s safety, which she reported to Child Protective Services. Guinther’s absence was noted after her daughter reported an unusually long period without contact since June, sparking police investigations across Eastpointe, Roseville, and northeast Detroit.

Interim Police Chief Corey Haines detailed that the investigation shifted from a missing person to a homicide case after extensive research, interviews, and technology use. On October 25, a search at Guinther’s last known address led to the arrest of her son and another person, who was later released without charges.

The findings were a culmination of persistent efforts by the Eastpointe Police Department, which started with scarce evidence but resulted in apprehending the alleged perpetrator. Jackson is set for a probable cause conference on November 8 and a preliminary examination on November 15.

The resolution of Guinther’s case exemplifies the diligent work by local law enforcement in solving complex cases with limited initial leads. The ongoing investigation now awaits the forthcoming legal proceedings as the community processes this tragic event.