BARRY COUNTY, Mich. — Michael Carl Cooley, the 34-year-old suspect in the assault of an elderly Hastings woman, has been found dead, according to police.
Cooley’s death put an end to the intense manhunt in Rutland Township Wednesday afternoon. Though his official cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, police believe he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
During a press conference, officials said he entered the home of an 82-year-old Hastings woman Tuesday evening and asked to use her phone. He then held her captive in the home and assaulted her.
Other sources have told FOX 17 she was sexually assaulted before he left the home Wednesday afternoon, but police have not released the full details of the incident.
“I’ve never been afraid. I’ve lived here 30 years and I’ve never been afraid ever but I am now,” said Jeanne Floria, who lives nearby the victim.
