PORT HURON, Mich. — A Port Huron community is reeling after a devastating act of violence inside a family home Thursday morning left one child dead and two others critically injured. Authorities have identified the suspect as Jeff Smerer, the father of the victims, who is accused of opening fire on his children during the early morning hours.
Police say the shooting unfolded just after sunrise, when Smerer allegedly turned a gun on his three youngest children. His 17-year-old son was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene. A 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were also wounded in the gunfire and remain in critical condition at area hospitals, where doctors are working urgently to save their lives.
Officials said the horror could have been even worse if not for the swift actions of the children’s mother and older brother, who managed to wrestle with Smerer and restrain him until law enforcement officers arrived. Their courage, investigators say, likely prevented further tragedy inside the home.
Port Huron police, assisted by county investigators, quickly secured the scene and took Smerer into custody without further violence. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not yet released the names of the children, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time of profound grief.
Neighbors described the scene as overwhelming, with a heavy police presence, multiple ambulances, and fire crews rushing to the residence. Many community members stood in shock, struggling to process how such a tragedy could happen so close to home.
“This is something that will affect our community for a long time,” one neighbor said. “We’re heartbroken for the children and their mother. It’s just unimaginable.”
Smerer is expected to face multiple charges, including homicide and attempted homicide. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
For now, Port Huron mourns a young life cut short and prays for the recovery of the two children still fighting for survival. Vigils and community support efforts are already being organized as residents come together in solidarity with the family.
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