Grand Rapids mourns family killed in domestic violence tragedy

Community holds vigil to honor victims and call for action on domestic abuse

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The Grand Rapids community gathered for a vigil to honor Jacqueline Neill and her two teenage sons, Cameron and Michael Kilpatrick, who were shot and killed last week. The family's loved ones and local leaders used the event to call for increased awareness and action to address domestic violence in the city.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the Grand Rapids community, with leaders emphasizing the need for more support and resources for those facing abuse. The vigil aimed to encourage others to speak up and seek help when facing domestic violence challenges.

The details

Jacqueline Neill and her two sons, Cameron and Michael Kilpatrick, were shot and killed in their home last week. Neill's fiancé, Charles Broomfield, has been charged with three counts of premeditated murder and felony firearm charges after confessing to the killings. The vigil drew the attention of local leaders, including the mayor and city commissioners, who stood in solidarity with the family and called for action to address domestic violence in the community.

  • The vigil was held on February 2, 2026, days after the deadly shooting.
  • The killings occurred last week, on an unspecified date.

The players

Jacqueline Neill

The mother who was shot and killed, along with her two teenage sons.

Cameron Kilpatrick

One of Jacqueline Neill's teenage sons who was killed in the shooting.

Michael Kilpatrick

The other teenage son of Jacqueline Neill who was killed in the shooting.

Charles Broomfield

Jacqueline Neill's fiancé, who has been charged with three counts of premeditated murder and felony firearm charges after confessing to the killings.

Joanne Elzinga

Jacqueline Neill's younger sister, who spoke at the vigil about her sister's motherly presence in her life.

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What they’re saying

“We all hope that someone will see this and say, 'Today's the day I'm gonna call the number, today's the day I'm gonna get out of this bad situation,'”

— Joanne Elzinga, Jacqueline Neill's younger sister

“We must work together to find solutions and give support to folks within domestic violence challenges.”

— Marshall Kilgore, City Commissioner

“Let's start the year by saying let's commit ourselves just like people do New Year's resolutions. Let's have a commitment to uplifting folks who have domestic violence challenges. Let's commit ourselves to finding innovative ways to public safety.”

— Marshall Kilgore, City Commissioner

What’s next

The city says state funding is on the way for the Public Safety Trust Fund, which may help support innovative efforts to address domestic violence in the community.

The takeaway

This tragic case has highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, resources, and action to support victims of domestic violence in the Grand Rapids community. Local leaders are calling for a renewed commitment to public safety and finding solutions to domestic abuse challenges.