MASON COUNTY, Mich. — William Marble, 68, was shot and killed by a state trooper after allegedly pointing his gun at the trooper, according to the Michigan State Police.
Tuesday night, around 11 p.m., Michigan State Police said they drove to Marble’s home in Amber Township in the 1200 block of Dennis Road. They were responding to a ‘possible 911 hang up call.’
As a trooper checked on a woman in the home, police said Marble appeared and pointed a weapon at the trooper. That’s when the trooper shot Marble in the chest. The 68-year-old was rushed to a hospital but died shortly after being shot.
The news came as a surprise to one of Marble’s former students and colleagues. Paul Shoup, Mason County Eastern Schools superintendent, said Marble’s alleged actions are out of character. Shoup noted that he had not seen Marble in several years.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of what transpired, but it wasn’t the gentleman that I know,” Shoup told FOX 17.
He said Marble taught business courses at Mason County Eastern Schools for 33 years. Shoup said he worked with Marble for 10 years.
“He was well-liked, well-respected by his colleagues, well-liked by the students, great sense of humor, and a great wit,” Shoup recalled.
Marble retired in 2002.
“He always had a smile on his face,” Shoup recalled.
Lieutenant Kevin Leavitt with the Michigan State Police Hart post said the trooper was placed on paid administrative leave. That is standard procedure as an investigation into the use of force takes place.
According to state police policy, a trooper is permitted to draw and fire his or her weapon if the trooper believes there is imminent danger to law enforcement personnel or others. That is considered self-defense.
Leavitt said alcohol is believed to be a factor. Investigators are waiting for toxicology and autopsy results to come back. Police said the Mason County Sheriff’s Department and the Ludington Police Department assisted at the scene. The next step is for each department to compile their reports and present them to the Mason County prosecutor’s office for review.
