Elizabeth Weber, Troy Balcer Obituary, Death – A tragic incident in Gaines Township on Monday has resulted in the deaths of a man and a woman in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as 43-year-old Elizabeth Weber and her boyfriend, 52-year-old Troy Balcer. Both were residents of Gaines Township.
The shooting took place shortly after 1 p.m. in the 6700 block of Madison Avenue, located just north of 68th Avenue. Authorities received a 911 call about a domestic disturbance, which reportedly escalated into gunfire. The caller told dispatchers they heard shots being fired.
When first responders arrived at the home, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Weber and Balcer inside. Investigators believe the couple had been involved in an argument that turned violent. According to police, Balcer is suspected of shooting Weber multiple times before fatally shooting himself.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Weber sustained several gunshot wounds, while Balcer had a single fatal gunshot wound. The evidence at the scene supports the conclusion of a murder-suicide, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Sgt. Scott Dietrich of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office urged community members to seek help if they ever find themselves in escalating domestic situations. He emphasized the importance of using available resources before situations become deadly. “We’re asking if you get to the point where you need help, or you need to ask for help, there are domestic resources,” he said. “Here in Kent County, you can use 211 to reach out to someone. We just ask that you reach out to us. If there’s an argument in the home and you want us to defuse it, please call us and let us be the middleman to help solve some problems.”
This incident highlights the serious and often hidden dangers of domestic conflict. Law enforcement officials continue to stress that help is available for individuals in abusive or unstable relationships.
For those facing similar issues, support is accessible through the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which operates 24/7. The hotline can be reached by calling 800-799-7233, and people can also seek help by texting START to 88788.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives, authorities hope this tragedy will serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking intervention before conflicts escalate. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the details surrounding the shooting while also encouraging those in need to utilize support services.
This case adds to the growing concerns surrounding domestic violence and the need for increased awareness, intervention, and prevention.
