POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH KILLING HIS WIFE

Police officer charged with killing his wife
Created: 1/11/2008 9:19:39 PM
Updated: 1/12/2008 7:46:58 PM
WZZM Newshttp://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86142

Holland - A Holland police officer is charged with killing his wife. Officer Ken DeKleine was taken into custody and charged with Open Murder Friday night.

ENHANCED CONTENT: Calvin College Alumni page on Ken DeKleine

Police say on Thursday, January 10th, they responded to a medical emergency in the 200 block of Calvin Avenue.

When they arrived at the home they found 43 year old Lori DeKleine dead in the basement. She was married to Officer Ken DeKleine.

The Ottawa county Sheriff's Department was called in to investigate. They say they found several inconsistencies at the scene which led them to believe the victim did not commit suicide or die of natural causes. Investigators say an autopsy confirmed investigators suspicions and the case was ruled a homicide. Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff says the couple had been having marital problems and may have been separated.

He says it's been difficult for everyone involved, "When people find out about this, it will be disturbing to everyone who knows Ken, because this absolutely is a person you wouldn't expect this from."

Neighbors agree. Saturday a neighbor close to the Kleine's told WZZM 13 News that their marital problems had been on-going. She says that Ken DeKleine moved out of the home in February 2007, and Lori had taken a restraining order out against him.

Ken DeKleine was taken into custody and charged with Open Murder. He will be arraigned in the 58th District court on these charges next Monday.

Chief Kruithoff says when the investigation began to unfold they had time believing it, "It was shocking. There was every emotion displayed because Ken was everybody's friend."

Ken DeKleine is a 1987 graduate from Calvin College. He recently served a one year tour in Iraq as an International Police Liaison Officer.

Lori DeKleine is a 1986 graduate from Calvin College.

The couple have two children together.

WZZM 13 News is in Ottawa County working this developing story and we will have more online and on air as soon as it becomes available.