An apparent murder suicide last week in Westland remains under police investigation.
Joseph King, 52, and Melissa Hattar, 46, both of Westland, were found dead by police officers responding to a 911 call last week. According to police reports, the 911 call was received at 7:20 p.m. April 15. During the call, a man told the dispatcher he had just shot his girlfriend and that he was going to shoot himself. While on the call, the dispatcher heard what sounded like a gunshot, police said.
The call went silent following the sound.
Westland police officers were immediately dispatched to the home located on the 1400 block of Surrey Heights just west of Palmer and John Hix roads in the city. Believing there to be an emergency situation, officers forced entry into the residence. Upon entering the home, officers located two subjects who appeared to have suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Both King and Hattar resided at the Surrey Heights address, police said.
The Westland Fire Department responded immediately after the scene was secure, but responders were unable to render physical aid as both subjects were deceased upon their arrival, police said.
