Police: Crossbow Death Was Suicide
HOWELL (WWJ) - Police say a man visiting Southeast Michigan from Northern Michigan killed himself by firing an arrow into his chest.
Howell Police Tuesday responded to a call about a possible slip and fall at an apartment complex near M-59. There they found 53-year-old Chris Martin Allen dead with an arrow in his chest. They also found a crossbow lying nearby.
Police said Allen, from Wellston, which is west of Cadillac, had been staying with relatives at the apartment complex since the holidays.
On Wednesday, Howell Police Chief George Basar explained how it was determined that Allen died by his own hand.
"After having a chance to meet with the family members our investigators we able to uncover substantial evidence, including a final note to the family, to allow us to conclude that Mr. Allen died as a result of a self-inflicted wound," Basar said.
Chief Basar said that, although it may seem unlikely, sadly, it is possible to take your own life with a bow and arrow.
"It is physically possible to inflict the wound yourself ... not necessarily easy, but it is possible," he said.
Basar said as soon as the Sparrow Hospital in Lansing completes the autopsy, the case will be closed.
