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.
Monday, January 14, 2008
POLICE: HOLLAND OFFICER CONFESSED TO KILLING WIFE
Police: Holland officer confessed to killing wife
WOODTV
Posted: Jan 14, 2008 07:42 AM CST
Updated: Jan 14, 2008 05:02 PM CST
By EMILY ZANGARO
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7619698
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine confessed to killing his wife during the third interview with police, according to court documents.
Bonus video: DeKleine in court
DeKleine was arraigned on open murder charges in the 58th District Court Monday. DeKleine, who has been with the Holland Police for 13 years, was arrested Friday.
Two documents revealed a great deal: testimony used to get a warrant for Ken DeKleine and a personal protection order filed by his wife.
In the documents, police said they found Lori DeKleine, 43, in the basement with a nylon strap around her neck. During the interview with police, DeKleine said he went into their house several hours before she died and waited for the kids to leave. He then confronted her in the kitchen and put the strap around her neck.
She fell to the floor and he took her to the basement and tried to make it look like a suicide. One of their children called 9-1-1 Thursday night, and police discovered her body.
In their investigation, police found blood at the scene that was Ken DeKleine's.
DeKleine should not have been at the house since Lori filed a personal protection order against Ken.
The PPO showed the judge allowed Ken to still carry weapons, and the courts said he was trying to get the order terminated.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department sent a release to 24 Hour News 8 acknowledging violations of the PPO had been filed with the Holland Police Department. Those cases are now in the prosecutor's hands.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithof said there were no red flags with DeKleine. "My job is to make sure that he can perform his job, and Ken did his job alright," he said. "Now, what he suppressed inside of him, yeah, I mean you can suppress something inside of you and I can be your best friend, but if you don't want me to know, I'm not going to know it."
In the courtroom sat one couple, church friends of the DeKleine's.
Amy Elwood said, "He's a good man. He just did something really bad. It's not the person we knew."
"We can't understand how this could have happened," said Thomas Elwood. Elwood and DeKleine both served in the military. In 2005, DeKleine spent a year in Iraq training soldiers.
"I can't say whether the time over there contributed to this," he said. "You wonder, though, because it's got to be traumatic in Iraq for everybody."
Kruithof said DeKleine wasn't there on active duty. "Family issues between he and his wife grew that year," he told 24 Hour News 8. "From what I believe, I don't believe he was affected by his events in Iraq. He was affected by the events that his family situation was in when he got back."
WOODTV
Posted: Jan 14, 2008 07:42 AM CST
Updated: Jan 14, 2008 05:02 PM CST
By EMILY ZANGARO
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7619698
HOLLAND -- Officer Ken DeKleine confessed to killing his wife during the third interview with police, according to court documents.
Bonus video: DeKleine in court
DeKleine was arraigned on open murder charges in the 58th District Court Monday. DeKleine, who has been with the Holland Police for 13 years, was arrested Friday.
Two documents revealed a great deal: testimony used to get a warrant for Ken DeKleine and a personal protection order filed by his wife.
In the documents, police said they found Lori DeKleine, 43, in the basement with a nylon strap around her neck. During the interview with police, DeKleine said he went into their house several hours before she died and waited for the kids to leave. He then confronted her in the kitchen and put the strap around her neck.
She fell to the floor and he took her to the basement and tried to make it look like a suicide. One of their children called 9-1-1 Thursday night, and police discovered her body.
In their investigation, police found blood at the scene that was Ken DeKleine's.
DeKleine should not have been at the house since Lori filed a personal protection order against Ken.
The PPO showed the judge allowed Ken to still carry weapons, and the courts said he was trying to get the order terminated.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department sent a release to 24 Hour News 8 acknowledging violations of the PPO had been filed with the Holland Police Department. Those cases are now in the prosecutor's hands.
Holland Police Chief John Kruithof said there were no red flags with DeKleine. "My job is to make sure that he can perform his job, and Ken did his job alright," he said. "Now, what he suppressed inside of him, yeah, I mean you can suppress something inside of you and I can be your best friend, but if you don't want me to know, I'm not going to know it."
In the courtroom sat one couple, church friends of the DeKleine's.
Amy Elwood said, "He's a good man. He just did something really bad. It's not the person we knew."
"We can't understand how this could have happened," said Thomas Elwood. Elwood and DeKleine both served in the military. In 2005, DeKleine spent a year in Iraq training soldiers.
"I can't say whether the time over there contributed to this," he said. "You wonder, though, because it's got to be traumatic in Iraq for everybody."
Kruithof said DeKleine wasn't there on active duty. "Family issues between he and his wife grew that year," he told 24 Hour News 8. "From what I believe, I don't believe he was affected by his events in Iraq. He was affected by the events that his family situation was in when he got back."
Officer Arraigned For Wife's Murder
WWMT Channel 3 News/ Kalamazoo
January 14, 2008 - 4:29PM
http://www.wwmt.com/news/holland_1346237___article.html/officer_ken.html
HOLLAND (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 13-year-veteran of the Holland Police Department has been arraigned on Open Murder charges for the death of his wife.
It all started on Thursday evening when Holland Police were called to the home of Officer Ken DeKleine on an emergency medical call. The Officer's estranged wife, Lori DeKleine, had been found unresponsive in the basement by one of the couple's two children.
After autopsy results came back and police conducted many interviews, Officer DeKleine was arrested on Open Murder charges Friday evening.
Professionally, everything seemed alright for the DeKleines. Ken was a well-liked community policing officer with the Holland Police Department, and Lori worked part-time for their church Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
But on a personal level, their was a lot of strain on their relationship. Even before Newschannel 3 profiled Officer DeKleine in 2005 as he prepared to head over to Iraq to train officers, a neighbor says the couple had filed for divorce.
"Yeah, we were aware of it, Ken shared his frustration with that," said Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Lori had filed a personal protection order against Ken in January of '07. In it, a number of restrictions were listed, stating that DeKleine was prohibited from entering the couple's house, stalking Lori, or threatening her, verbally or physically. The PPO was filed with Holland Police, the very place where Ken continued to work as an officer.
On Thursday, the discovery of Lori's body happened while Ken was on duty and at a training exercise.
"He was made aware of the call, obviously officers intervened before, he did not get into the house or anything," said Chief Kruithoff.
Less than 24 hours later, Ken was in jail, awaiting arraignment on the murder charges.
Now the attention has turned to helping the couple's two teenage children, may end up losing both parents.
"There's a lot of grief and both sides of the family have come together, just trying to make the right decisions and do the right things to take care of the kids," said a family spokesperson.
Lori's funeral was held Monday afternoon at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
News channel 3 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
WWMT Channel 3 News/ Kalamazoo
January 14, 2008 - 4:29PM
http://www.wwmt.com/news/holland_1346237___article.html/officer_ken.html
HOLLAND (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 13-year-veteran of the Holland Police Department has been arraigned on Open Murder charges for the death of his wife.
It all started on Thursday evening when Holland Police were called to the home of Officer Ken DeKleine on an emergency medical call. The Officer's estranged wife, Lori DeKleine, had been found unresponsive in the basement by one of the couple's two children.
After autopsy results came back and police conducted many interviews, Officer DeKleine was arrested on Open Murder charges Friday evening.
Professionally, everything seemed alright for the DeKleines. Ken was a well-liked community policing officer with the Holland Police Department, and Lori worked part-time for their church Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
But on a personal level, their was a lot of strain on their relationship. Even before Newschannel 3 profiled Officer DeKleine in 2005 as he prepared to head over to Iraq to train officers, a neighbor says the couple had filed for divorce.
"Yeah, we were aware of it, Ken shared his frustration with that," said Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Lori had filed a personal protection order against Ken in January of '07. In it, a number of restrictions were listed, stating that DeKleine was prohibited from entering the couple's house, stalking Lori, or threatening her, verbally or physically. The PPO was filed with Holland Police, the very place where Ken continued to work as an officer.
On Thursday, the discovery of Lori's body happened while Ken was on duty and at a training exercise.
"He was made aware of the call, obviously officers intervened before, he did not get into the house or anything," said Chief Kruithoff.
Less than 24 hours later, Ken was in jail, awaiting arraignment on the murder charges.
Now the attention has turned to helping the couple's two teenage children, may end up losing both parents.
"There's a lot of grief and both sides of the family have come together, just trying to make the right decisions and do the right things to take care of the kids," said a family spokesperson.
Lori's funeral was held Monday afternoon at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
News channel 3 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
CHURCH GRIEVES SLAIN MEMBER; COP TO BE ARRAIGNED
Church grieves slain member; cop to be arraigned
Posted by Nardy Baeza Bickel and John Tunison
The Grand Rapids Press
January 14, 2008 05:49AM
Categories: Breaking News, DeKleine case
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/church_grieves_slain_member_co.html
HOLLAND -- As family and friends gather today to bury Lori DeKleine -- allegedly killed by her estranged police officer husband -- parishioners at their church struggled to understand.
"We loved them both so much," said Linda Bylsma, a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. "We are still in shock."
Today's services for Lori DeKleine will come as 13-year Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine is expected to be arraigned on an open murder charge. He has been in the Ottawa County Jail since his arrest Friday.
Sunday morning worship services at the church focused heavily on the tragedy as a counselor from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services spoke to parishioners about their grief.
"We were just focusing on being a (church) family on Sunday," Bylsma said. "It was just a time of sharing."
Ken and Lori DeKleine were in the process of getting a divorce, and he moved out of the home almost a year ago. Lori DeKleine, 43, had a court order requiring her husband to stay a certain distance from the home, although a neighbor said he disobeyed it at least once.
Police were called to the residence, but state criminal records show Ken DeKleine, 44, was never charged with a violation.
Lori DeKleine worked on the church newsletter in the congregation office, and Ken DeKleine remained active in the church, even after the couple's separation.
"We want to be there for Lori's family, but we want to be there for Ken, too," she said. "And we know not everyone is going to be ready yet to be there for Ken.
"You can't even imagine something like this," she said.
Randy Johnson, Lakeshore services director for Pine Rest, said parishioners are trying to handle "some pretty intense emotions and thoughts.
"A lot of people are trying to cope with this by trying to make sense of it but, most of the time, there is no logic to this kind of tragic event," he said.
The DeKleine's two children, Bre and Christopher, are students at Holland Christian High School.
Holland Christian Schools Superintendent Glenn Vos said the school is preparing to deal with the loss in the long term.
Sunday night, counselors were to spend time with students in need of a familiar face, and additional crisis and counseling teams were to be at school today.
While the school has dealt with the loss of students and family members in the past, dealing with an act of alleged violence is different, he acknowledged.
"We do not have a lot of experience in this arena. By God's grace, it's not something we deal with often," he said.
"There is another layer of grief for kids. There's anger ... there's frustration and, I think, sometimes you have to deal with that differently.
"There's a potential trial, and there's all kinds of things," Vos said. "(This) is a long-term process, and we're trying to prepare ourselves to do that."
A neighbor of the DeKleines said Lori DeKleine "lived for her children." She served on the school's Theater Arts Patrons board.
Posted by Nardy Baeza Bickel and John Tunison
The Grand Rapids Press
January 14, 2008 05:49AM
Categories: Breaking News, DeKleine case
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/church_grieves_slain_member_co.html
HOLLAND -- As family and friends gather today to bury Lori DeKleine -- allegedly killed by her estranged police officer husband -- parishioners at their church struggled to understand.
"We loved them both so much," said Linda Bylsma, a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. "We are still in shock."
Today's services for Lori DeKleine will come as 13-year Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine is expected to be arraigned on an open murder charge. He has been in the Ottawa County Jail since his arrest Friday.
Sunday morning worship services at the church focused heavily on the tragedy as a counselor from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services spoke to parishioners about their grief.
"We were just focusing on being a (church) family on Sunday," Bylsma said. "It was just a time of sharing."
Ken and Lori DeKleine were in the process of getting a divorce, and he moved out of the home almost a year ago. Lori DeKleine, 43, had a court order requiring her husband to stay a certain distance from the home, although a neighbor said he disobeyed it at least once.
Police were called to the residence, but state criminal records show Ken DeKleine, 44, was never charged with a violation.
Lori DeKleine worked on the church newsletter in the congregation office, and Ken DeKleine remained active in the church, even after the couple's separation.
"We want to be there for Lori's family, but we want to be there for Ken, too," she said. "And we know not everyone is going to be ready yet to be there for Ken.
"You can't even imagine something like this," she said.
Randy Johnson, Lakeshore services director for Pine Rest, said parishioners are trying to handle "some pretty intense emotions and thoughts.
"A lot of people are trying to cope with this by trying to make sense of it but, most of the time, there is no logic to this kind of tragic event," he said.
The DeKleine's two children, Bre and Christopher, are students at Holland Christian High School.
Holland Christian Schools Superintendent Glenn Vos said the school is preparing to deal with the loss in the long term.
Sunday night, counselors were to spend time with students in need of a familiar face, and additional crisis and counseling teams were to be at school today.
While the school has dealt with the loss of students and family members in the past, dealing with an act of alleged violence is different, he acknowledged.
"We do not have a lot of experience in this arena. By God's grace, it's not something we deal with often," he said.
"There is another layer of grief for kids. There's anger ... there's frustration and, I think, sometimes you have to deal with that differently.
"There's a potential trial, and there's all kinds of things," Vos said. "(This) is a long-term process, and we're trying to prepare ourselves to do that."
A neighbor of the DeKleines said Lori DeKleine "lived for her children." She served on the school's Theater Arts Patrons board.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
MANY WONDER WHAT WENT WRONG POLICE OFFICER IN CUSTODY FOR WIFE'S DEATH
Many wonder what went wrong
Police officer in custody for wife's death
Holland Sentinel News
Sunday, January 13, 2008
BY MEGAN SCHMIDT megan.schmidt@hollandsentinel.com (616) 546-4279
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/011308/local_20080113004.shtml
Lori DeKleine had always been an active church member. Last Sunday, she went to services at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. So did her husband, Ken. They attended separately.
Ken DeKleine, a Holland police officer for 13 years, is now in the Ottawa County Jail, accused of killing Lori, 43, at her home Thursday on Calvin Avenue. His arraignment on open murder charges will be Monday at Holland District Court.
Neighbors and family are coping with the circumstances surrounding what one person called "a really nice couple."
"The family is going through a tremendous amount of shock and grief right now," said Brad Ward, an elder for the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and family spokesman.
Lori had been a part-time secretary for the church, in charge of putting together its newsletter.
The church, 836 E. Eighth St., is across the street from the DeKleine home.
Ward did not say where the DeKleines' two children were staying. Both children attend Holland Christian High School.
Principal Troy Stahl described Friday as "a difficult day."
He said a school-wide prayer was held Friday morning for the DeKleine family and that counselors are available for students and staff.
Lori had been a part of the high school's Theatre and Arts Program for several years, becoming its board president in the past year.
"She was very involved in anything her kids were involved with," Stahl said.
"She was someone who wanted to be a part of their lives."
Neighbor Craig Bouwman remembers watching the couple's two teenage children help Ken DeKleine carry boxes to a car parked across the street from the DeKleine home last summer.
It was the first sign that indicated to Bouwman that the DeKleines' marriage was in trouble, he said.
In August, Bouwman said he ran into Ken DeKleine at a campground on Lake Michigan Drive, where DeKleine confirmed that he and Lori were separated.
"He said him and Lori were no longer together," Bouwman said Saturday. "He was very quiet and somber about it."
Bouwman said that during his six years living on the corner of Calvin Avenue and East Eighth Street, he had known the DeKleines to be "a really nice couple."
Ken DeKleine was the first person to welcome him to the neighborhood when he first moved in, Bouwman recalled.
But something changed in the relationship after DeKleine returned from a 2005 stint as an international police liaison officer in Iraq.
"I think when he came back from Iraq, things fell apart," he said.
A former member of the National Guard, DeKleine graduated from officer training and became a 2nd lieutenant before he resigned from the Guard in 1994 to become a police officer.
In an April 2007 interview with The Sentinel, DeKleine said he had gained a deeper appreciation for the United States and that the hardest part about being in Iraq was the separation from his wife and children.
Jerry Vandenberg, who lives several houses down from the DeKleine home, was surprised to see half a dozen police cars outside the DeKleine home Thursday night.
"They were there until I went to sleep at 1 a.m.," he said. "The next day, I saw state police parked outside and everything was lit up with spotlights in the garage."
A few who saw DeKleine regularly said they had not seen any indication that he was upset.
Chris Robinson, owner of Washington Avenue Minit Mart, 434 Washington Ave., said DeKleine would come into the convenience store about once a week on duty just to see how things were going, he said.
"He'd talk to us for at least 20, 30 minutes each time," Robinson said Saturday. "He didn't seem like anything was bothering him."
Cashier Becky McConville said she had never seen DeKleine in a bad mood during any of his visits to the store and that she frequently talked with him about her children.
A memorial service for Lori DeKleine is 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church.
Police officer in custody for wife's death
Holland Sentinel News
Sunday, January 13, 2008
BY MEGAN SCHMIDT megan.schmidt@hollandsentinel.com (616) 546-4279
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/011308/local_20080113004.shtml
Lori DeKleine had always been an active church member. Last Sunday, she went to services at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. So did her husband, Ken. They attended separately.
Ken DeKleine, a Holland police officer for 13 years, is now in the Ottawa County Jail, accused of killing Lori, 43, at her home Thursday on Calvin Avenue. His arraignment on open murder charges will be Monday at Holland District Court.
Neighbors and family are coping with the circumstances surrounding what one person called "a really nice couple."
"The family is going through a tremendous amount of shock and grief right now," said Brad Ward, an elder for the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church and family spokesman.
Lori had been a part-time secretary for the church, in charge of putting together its newsletter.
The church, 836 E. Eighth St., is across the street from the DeKleine home.
Ward did not say where the DeKleines' two children were staying. Both children attend Holland Christian High School.
Principal Troy Stahl described Friday as "a difficult day."
He said a school-wide prayer was held Friday morning for the DeKleine family and that counselors are available for students and staff.
Lori had been a part of the high school's Theatre and Arts Program for several years, becoming its board president in the past year.
"She was very involved in anything her kids were involved with," Stahl said.
"She was someone who wanted to be a part of their lives."
Neighbor Craig Bouwman remembers watching the couple's two teenage children help Ken DeKleine carry boxes to a car parked across the street from the DeKleine home last summer.
It was the first sign that indicated to Bouwman that the DeKleines' marriage was in trouble, he said.
In August, Bouwman said he ran into Ken DeKleine at a campground on Lake Michigan Drive, where DeKleine confirmed that he and Lori were separated.
"He said him and Lori were no longer together," Bouwman said Saturday. "He was very quiet and somber about it."
Bouwman said that during his six years living on the corner of Calvin Avenue and East Eighth Street, he had known the DeKleines to be "a really nice couple."
Ken DeKleine was the first person to welcome him to the neighborhood when he first moved in, Bouwman recalled.
But something changed in the relationship after DeKleine returned from a 2005 stint as an international police liaison officer in Iraq.
"I think when he came back from Iraq, things fell apart," he said.
A former member of the National Guard, DeKleine graduated from officer training and became a 2nd lieutenant before he resigned from the Guard in 1994 to become a police officer.
In an April 2007 interview with The Sentinel, DeKleine said he had gained a deeper appreciation for the United States and that the hardest part about being in Iraq was the separation from his wife and children.
Jerry Vandenberg, who lives several houses down from the DeKleine home, was surprised to see half a dozen police cars outside the DeKleine home Thursday night.
"They were there until I went to sleep at 1 a.m.," he said. "The next day, I saw state police parked outside and everything was lit up with spotlights in the garage."
A few who saw DeKleine regularly said they had not seen any indication that he was upset.
Chris Robinson, owner of Washington Avenue Minit Mart, 434 Washington Ave., said DeKleine would come into the convenience store about once a week on duty just to see how things were going, he said.
"He'd talk to us for at least 20, 30 minutes each time," Robinson said Saturday. "He didn't seem like anything was bothering him."
Cashier Becky McConville said she had never seen DeKleine in a bad mood during any of his visits to the store and that she frequently talked with him about her children.
A memorial service for Lori DeKleine is 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church.
SLAIN WIFE FEARED OFFICER, FRIEND SAYS
Slain wife feared officer, friend says
Sunday, January 13, 2008
By John Tunison and John Agar
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1200208554281170.xml&coll=6
HOLLAND -- To neighbors and fellow officers, Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine was almost perfect -- polite, sociable, a devoted Christian and good at his job.
But to his estranged wife, he had become a threatening presence, a friend and neighbor of Lori DeKleine said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, devastated after learning late Thursday that Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement.
She was so concerned she had a personal protection order against her husband, a 13-year respected police veteran now facing a murder charge in a slaying that has stunned the community.
The order was supposed to keep him away, although Paauwe remembered one instance when he came too close to the Calvin Avenue home and police were called to the scene.
"This is just mind-blowing," Paauwe said. "I think there had been some pushing and shoving, but I never thought it would come to this."
Ken DeKleine, 44, was the father of two teens with his wife. He was to be arraigned Monday on an open murder charge in Holland District Court.
The news shocked former colleagues, who knew DeKleine as an easygoing cop who could defuse tough situations.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," retired Sgt. Mark Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame.
Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
With 33 years in police work, Bos figured little could surprise him.
"I was just drained, unbelievable. This was just a tremendous shock." he said.
Lori DeKleine's body was discovered about 6:50 p.m. Thursday by her teenage son, Christopher, who called 911. Police investigated whether her death might be a suicide, but an autopsy and inconsistencies at the scene pointed at homicide.
Ken DeKleine was arrested late Friday. The cause of death was not released, and Ottawa County Medical Examiner David Start, who performed the autopsy, referred questions to police.
Relatives of the DeKleines were at the couple's home Saturday afternoon to collect clothes and other items for the children, Breanne and Christopher, both Holland Christian High School students.
The DeKleines' home is across from Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori worked as publications editor and the couple still attended even while separated.
Family members declined comment.
A Holland Heights CRC elder said the congregation was in shock.
Brad Ward said both Lori and Ken were involved in youth and Sunday school programs.
"They were well-respected, a great family. There's a lot of grief right now," he said, asking the community to pray for the family.
Lori was a member of Focus Plus, a support group for attention-deficit disorder, served on the Holland Christian Schools Tuition Assistance Board and had been a teacher at Borculo Christian School.
Ken DeKleine moved out of the family's home sometime after December 2006, neighbor Victoria Paauwe said. She said she believed the personal protection order was issued the next summer.
"I don't think he wanted the divorce," said Paauwe, who also described Ken as a "nice guy" and the first person to greet her when she moved in 18 months ago.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights CRC, 836 E. Eighth St. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to the DeKleine children's education fund.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
By John Tunison and John Agar
The Grand Rapids Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1200208554281170.xml&coll=6
HOLLAND -- To neighbors and fellow officers, Holland police Officer Ken DeKleine was almost perfect -- polite, sociable, a devoted Christian and good at his job.
But to his estranged wife, he had become a threatening presence, a friend and neighbor of Lori DeKleine said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, devastated after learning late Thursday that Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in her basement.
She was so concerned she had a personal protection order against her husband, a 13-year respected police veteran now facing a murder charge in a slaying that has stunned the community.
The order was supposed to keep him away, although Paauwe remembered one instance when he came too close to the Calvin Avenue home and police were called to the scene.
"This is just mind-blowing," Paauwe said. "I think there had been some pushing and shoving, but I never thought it would come to this."
Ken DeKleine, 44, was the father of two teens with his wife. He was to be arraigned Monday on an open murder charge in Holland District Court.
The news shocked former colleagues, who knew DeKleine as an easygoing cop who could defuse tough situations.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," retired Sgt. Mark Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame.
Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
With 33 years in police work, Bos figured little could surprise him.
"I was just drained, unbelievable. This was just a tremendous shock." he said.
Lori DeKleine's body was discovered about 6:50 p.m. Thursday by her teenage son, Christopher, who called 911. Police investigated whether her death might be a suicide, but an autopsy and inconsistencies at the scene pointed at homicide.
Ken DeKleine was arrested late Friday. The cause of death was not released, and Ottawa County Medical Examiner David Start, who performed the autopsy, referred questions to police.
Relatives of the DeKleines were at the couple's home Saturday afternoon to collect clothes and other items for the children, Breanne and Christopher, both Holland Christian High School students.
The DeKleines' home is across from Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori worked as publications editor and the couple still attended even while separated.
Family members declined comment.
A Holland Heights CRC elder said the congregation was in shock.
Brad Ward said both Lori and Ken were involved in youth and Sunday school programs.
"They were well-respected, a great family. There's a lot of grief right now," he said, asking the community to pray for the family.
Lori was a member of Focus Plus, a support group for attention-deficit disorder, served on the Holland Christian Schools Tuition Assistance Board and had been a teacher at Borculo Christian School.
Ken DeKleine moved out of the family's home sometime after December 2006, neighbor Victoria Paauwe said. She said she believed the personal protection order was issued the next summer.
"I don't think he wanted the divorce," said Paauwe, who also described Ken as a "nice guy" and the first person to greet her when she moved in 18 months ago.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at Holland Heights CRC, 836 E. Eighth St. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to the DeKleine children's education fund.
UPDATE: FRIEND SAYS SLAIN WOMAN FEARED HUSBAND
Update: Friend says slain woman feared husband
Posted by John Tunison and John Agar
January 13, 2008 02:36AM
Muskegon Chronicle
Categories: Breaking News, Holland, Ottawa County
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/update_friend_says_slain_woman.html
HOLLAND --The wife of a Holland police officer now accused of murdering her was afraid of him and had a personal protection order to keep him away, a neighbor said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, the next-door neighbor of Lori DeKleine, 43.
Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, is expected to be arraigned Monday in Holland District Court on a charge of open murder for his wife's death. Her body was found late Thursday in her Calvin Avenue home in the Holland Heights neighborhood by her teen son.
The arrest and death stunned many in the community, including retired officers who know DeKleine well and described him as an easy-going cop known to defuse tough situations.
He was the last anyone suspected in something like this, retired Sgt Mark Bos said. Officers knew they could count on him.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame. Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
Paauwe said Lori DeKleine took out the protection order against her husband several months ago. He was asked to leave the home, and did, sometime after Christmas 2006, she said.
The DeKleines, the parents of two Holland Christian High School students, were well-known in the community and at their church, Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori was publications editor.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at the church, with visitation 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday.
Posted by John Tunison and John Agar
January 13, 2008 02:36AM
Muskegon Chronicle
Categories: Breaking News, Holland, Ottawa County
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/01/update_friend_says_slain_woman.html
HOLLAND --The wife of a Holland police officer now accused of murdering her was afraid of him and had a personal protection order to keep him away, a neighbor said.
"I know she was scared of him and didn't want him in the house," said Victoria Paauwe, the next-door neighbor of Lori DeKleine, 43.
Officer Ken DeKleine, 44, is expected to be arraigned Monday in Holland District Court on a charge of open murder for his wife's death. Her body was found late Thursday in her Calvin Avenue home in the Holland Heights neighborhood by her teen son.
The arrest and death stunned many in the community, including retired officers who know DeKleine well and described him as an easy-going cop known to defuse tough situations.
He was the last anyone suspected in something like this, retired Sgt Mark Bos said. Officers knew they could count on him.
"If somebody would have ever said, 'Is Ken DeKleine even capable of something like that?' I'd have bet him a million dollars, no way," Bos said. "It's tragic. It's a shame. Now, we've got two teen-agers and no parents."
Paauwe said Lori DeKleine took out the protection order against her husband several months ago. He was asked to leave the home, and did, sometime after Christmas 2006, she said.
The DeKleines, the parents of two Holland Christian High School students, were well-known in the community and at their church, Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, where Lori was publications editor.
Services for Lori DeKleine are 1 p.m. Monday at the church, with visitation 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
NEIGHBORS SAY OFFICER CHARGED WITH KILLING HIS WIFE HAD RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST HIM
Neighbors say officer charged with killing his wife had restraining order against him
Nick Monacelli
WZZM News / Channel 13
Created: 1/11/2008 9:19:39 PM
Updated: 1/12/2008 11:39:51 PM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86142
Holland – While a Holland police officer sits in jail, new information sheds light on a marriage neighbors say was falling apart.
Police arrested Officer Ken DeKleine for killing his wife Thursday night in the couple's home.Police say on 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.
At first it was thought Lori DeKleine committed suicide, but police say the evidence pointed elsewhere."
Based on the evidence that investigators had and the interview, Ken DeKleine was charged with open murder," says Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Kruithoff says the couple had been having marital problems, which Ken DeKleine had been open and honest about.
"Ken's been very open about the difficulties he's had with his wife, it's not a secret, and the results of this event are very shocking and disturbing to us."
The chief says it's been difficult for everyone involved, including his police force. "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, but say they shouldn't be surprised. Saturday, a neighbor close to the DeKleines told WZZM 13 News their marital problems had been on-going. She says Ken DeKleine moved out of the home in February 2007 and Lori had taken a restraining order out against him.
"I do know she was a little scared of him," says the neighbor. "There was a restraining order, he did violate that once."
Ken DeKleine was taken into custody Friday and charged with open murder. He will be arraigned in the 58th District Court on those charges Monday. The Ottawa County Prosecutor and investigators will also meet Monday to determine more specific charges.
Saturday afternoon family gathered outside the home, knowing first and foremost they need to take care of Ken and Lori's children Bre and Chris; both students at Holland Christian High School.
"Both sides of the family have come together and are really trying to work through this and make sure they're doing what's in the best interest of the kids," says Brad Ward, a spokesman for the family.
And in the face of tragedy, Lori's neighbor also knows the teenagers need support more than anything."(Lori) lived through her children, absolutely loved them. Just keep them real close to your heart, and many prayers for them because they're going to need them."
Ken DeKleine is a 1987 graduate of 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 and worked at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation for DeKleine begins Sunday from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., and from 7:00p.m. To 9:00p.m. at the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Her memorial service will be Monday at 1:00p.m.
Nick Monacelli
WZZM News / Channel 13
Created: 1/11/2008 9:19:39 PM
Updated: 1/12/2008 11:39:51 PM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=86142
Holland – While a Holland police officer sits in jail, new information sheds light on a marriage neighbors say was falling apart.
Police arrested Officer Ken DeKleine for killing his wife Thursday night in the couple's home.Police say on 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.
At first it was thought Lori DeKleine committed suicide, but police say the evidence pointed elsewhere."
Based on the evidence that investigators had and the interview, Ken DeKleine was charged with open murder," says Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff.
Kruithoff says the couple had been having marital problems, which Ken DeKleine had been open and honest about.
"Ken's been very open about the difficulties he's had with his wife, it's not a secret, and the results of this event are very shocking and disturbing to us."
The chief says it's been difficult for everyone involved, including his police force. "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, but say they shouldn't be surprised. Saturday, a neighbor close to the DeKleines told WZZM 13 News their marital problems had been on-going. She says Ken DeKleine moved out of the home in February 2007 and Lori had taken a restraining order out against him.
"I do know she was a little scared of him," says the neighbor. "There was a restraining order, he did violate that once."
Ken DeKleine was taken into custody Friday and charged with open murder. He will be arraigned in the 58th District Court on those charges Monday. The Ottawa County Prosecutor and investigators will also meet Monday to determine more specific charges.
Saturday afternoon family gathered outside the home, knowing first and foremost they need to take care of Ken and Lori's children Bre and Chris; both students at Holland Christian High School.
"Both sides of the family have come together and are really trying to work through this and make sure they're doing what's in the best interest of the kids," says Brad Ward, a spokesman for the family.
And in the face of tragedy, Lori's neighbor also knows the teenagers need support more than anything."(Lori) lived through her children, absolutely loved them. Just keep them real close to your heart, and many prayers for them because they're going to need them."
Ken DeKleine is a 1987 graduate of 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 and worked at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation for DeKleine begins Sunday from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., and from 7:00p.m. To 9:00p.m. at the Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church.
Her memorial service will be Monday at 1:00p.m.
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