POLICE: DEKLEINE CONFESSED TO STRANGLING WIFE; PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER REVEALS NEW DETAILS

Police: DeKleine confessed to strangling wife; personal protection order reveals new details
WZZM News, Channel 13
Created: 1/14/2008 2:19:36 PM
Updated: 1/14/2008 6:59:54 PM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86211

Holland - Police documents released today say Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine confessed to strangling his wife to death.

DeKleine was formally charged on open murder charges this afternoon in Ottawa County District Court.

Investigators found the body of his wife, Lori, in the couple's Holland home on Thursday.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department says Holland Police turned the case over to them. After sheriff's investigators reviewed the evidence and received information from Lori DeKleine's autopsy, they arrested her husband.

In an arrest warrant released today, police say they questioned DeKleine three times and that he confessed during the third interrogation.

The warrant says DeKleine strangled his wife, using a strap around her neck. Investigators say DeKleine placed her body in the home's basement in an attempt to make her death appear to be a suicide.

In the warrant, investigators say they recovered blood from the scene and presume it belongs to DeKleine. They say he claimed he was bitten on his lip by his wife.

DeKleine was arrested Friday afternoon after the Ottawa County Sheriff was called to assist Holland Police Thursday night after her body was found.

A Personal Protection Order has been in place since January 31, 2007 against DeKleine and there have been violations of that PPO.

Our partner the Grand Haven Tribune has obtained a copy of the personal protection order. It was filed on January 31st, 2007 and quotes Lori DeKleine. She says, "I have become increasingly terrified and afraid for my life," referring to Holland Police Officer, Ken DeKleine.

In the protection order, Lori DeKleine claims she was coerced into sexual acts on several occasions during their marriage and molested while on sleep medications. She also says, “Ken has been a sexual and emotional bully throughout our marriage, beginning on our honeymoon,” DeKleine went on to say, “His behavior continues to stifle my well-being and safety.”

We will continue to follow this story on WZZM 13 News at 11pm and you can also read more in tomorrow's Grand Haven Tribune.