Mich. woman shot dead near her home, police seek suspect

DALTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Authorities say a woman first thought to have died after being struck by a hit-and-run motorist in western Michigan was actually shot in the head.

The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Muskegon County authorities say 36-year-old Rebekah Sue Bletsch's body was found Sunday in Dalton Township, near her home. Sheriff Dean Roesler says no one reported hearing a shot.

Roesler said investigators are looking at several theories, including the possibility it was a "random crime of opportunity."

The sheriff's department said Bletsch was apparently out walking or jogging. A passerby found her about 6 p.m. on the shoulder of the low-traffic road. Roesler said the victim had valuables on her person when found, which makes robbery an unlikely motive, according to the Chronicle.

The paper reports the investigation began as a "probable hit-and-run fatality," but further policing of the scene uncovered bullet casings hear the victim's body. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday. Investigators hope the results will clear up some key details.

Roesler said the victim's husband and 11-year-old daughter were out of town at the time. He said the husband is not a suspect.

Officials are forming a task force to investigate.