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‘Domestic’ issue locks down nursing facility; man killed after standoff

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ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- A 44-year-old man was shot and killed by police after a standoff Wednesday morning at a hotel in Berrien County.

Marcus Deon Meridy, of Benton Harbor, allegedly abducted his ex-wife from an assisted living facility prior to the standoff at the American Inn, 1050 East Napier Ave.    Meridy was shot and killed in the police standoff and his wife was taken to the hospital for treatment.

According to a release from Michigan State Police, Meridy abducted his wife from the assisted living facility early Wednesday morning.   Officials located his vehicle at the American Inn at about 9 a.m., and discovered he and his ex-wife were in a room on the second floor.

Police say they slid a cell phone under the door and attempted to negotiate with Meridy for more than 30 minutes.   They broke into the room after they heard a gunshot at about 9:47 a.m.   Meridy allegedly fired one round at police before being shot and killed.

The woman who Meridy abducted suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to police.