HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have identified the man killed in a stabbing incident Thursday night in Holland Township, shedding light on what investigators say was a violent domestic dispute.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim was 52-year-old Darrell Sandusky, a resident of Park Township. Following an autopsy, medical examiners officially ruled his death a homicide.
The attack, however, did not end with Sandusky’s death. Deputies reported that two other adults were also injured during the stabbing. A 24-year-old man remains in the hospital in critical condition, while a 55-year-old woman, though also wounded, was released after receiving treatment. Authorities say she is continuing to recover outside the hospital.
Investigators quickly identified a 25-year-old man from Holland Township as the person believed to be responsible for the stabbings. The sheriff’s office said the man was detained at the scene and interviewed extensively by detectives. Despite that, he has since been released as the case remains under active investigation.
As of Friday morning, no formal charges had been filed. Authorities explained that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute, emphasizing that all individuals involved were known to one another. The sheriff’s office added that the 25-year-old suspect lived at the residence where the stabbing occurred, located inside the Leisure Estates mobile home community near Butternut Drive and north of James Street. The three people who were stabbed did not live at the residence, according to deputies.
What exactly sparked the violence has not yet been made clear. When asked if the suspect might have acted in self-defense, Capt. Jake Sparks of the sheriff’s office said investigators are keeping all possibilities open and are working carefully to establish the facts.
The release of the suspect, despite the homicide ruling, highlights the complexities of cases where domestic disputes and possible self-defense claims are involved. Prosecutors often require a thorough examination of evidence, witness statements, and forensic results before charges can be authorized. Officials stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and additional details may surface as detectives continue their work.
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who might have information about the stabbing to step forward. Residents can contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office directly at 616-738-4000 or share tips anonymously through Silent Observer at 877-887-4536.
Meanwhile, the community of Holland Township is left grappling with the violence. The Leisure Estates mobile home park, typically a quiet residential area, has now become the focus of a homicide investigation, unsettling neighbors and raising concerns. For Sandusky’s family and those injured, the road ahead will likely be marked by grief and recovery, as officials continue piecing together what led to the deadly confrontation.
As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to be released regarding the circumstances of the attack and whether charges will ultimately be filed against the suspect. For now, authorities are asking for patience while they carefully review the evidence and testimony surrounding the tragic events of Thursday night.
