The St. Joseph River in Berrien County has been a figure of prosperity, a byway to burgeoning industry and, at times, a symbol of unsteadiness for two sister cities.
Over 27 years ago, the body of teenager was pulled from the River. What led to Eric McGinnis’s death remains a mystery and continues to have ripple effects in the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
Since Eric’s death, other bodies have been pulled from the water. Some believe black people living in Benton Harbor are being targeted and attacked.
Others believe there’s been no foul play – just a set of unfortunate circumstances.
The ABC 57 Investigative Team is looking into six mysterious deaths; bringing you inside the investigations step-by-step.
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Age: 44
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: Unemployed
Last seen alive: November 9, 2011
Location: Napier Avenue Bridge, St. Joseph Township
Reported missing: November 12, 2011
Body found: December 29, 2011
Location of body: St. Joseph River off Blackhawk Trail, St. Joseph Township
Official cause of death: Asphyxia by drowning
Official manner of death: Accidental
Age: 61
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: Unemployed
Last seen alive: April 29, 2017
Location: Searles Street, Benton Harbor
Reported missing: May 10, 2017
Body found: June 17, 2017
Location of body: St. Joseph River/Benton Harbor
Official cause of death: Asphyxia/Drowning
Official manner of death: Undetermined
Age: 39
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: Disabled
Last seen alive: April 7, 2014
Location: High Street, Benton Harbor
Reported missing: April 10,2017
Body found: May 25, 2014
Location of body: Lake Michigan 2 miles off St. Joseph
Official cause of death: Asphyxia by Drowning
Official manner of death: Suicide (Autopsy Report)/Accident (Death Certificate)
Dewayne C. Flowers AKA Dwight
Age: 33
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: Parolee
Last seen alive: November 10, 2013
Location: Elvern Drive, Benton Harbor
Reported missing: November 10, 2013
Body found: November 30, 2013
Location of body: St. Joseph River off Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor
Official cause of death: Mixed Drug Toxicity/Cocaine & Heroin
Official manner of death: Undetermined
Age: 16
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: High School Student
Last seen alive: May 17, 1991
Location: State Street, St. Joseph
Reported missing: May 18, 1991
Body found: May 22, 1991
Location of body: St. Joseph River off North Pier Street
Official cause of death: Asphyxiation by Drowning
Official manner of death: Undetermined
Age: 48
Residence: Benton Harbor
Occupation: Disabled
Last seen alive: May 9, 2018
Location: Upton Drive, St. Joseph
Reported missing: May 10, 2018
Body found: May 28, 2018
Location of body: Lake Michigan/Off Tiscornia Beach, St. Joseph
Official cause of death: Probable Drowning
Official manner of death: Undetermined
The River: Lingering questions
10/16/18
ABC57's Brian Conybeare examines the mystery surrounding the deaths of six African Americans from Benton Harbor.
The River: Six faces
10/16/18
ABC57's Clifton French introduces you to 6 people from Benton Harbor whose bodies were pulled from the water.
The River: Debunking rumors
10/23/18
ABC 57's Clifton French digs into the rumors surrounding some of the cases.
The River: The divide
10/23/18
ABC57's Brian Conybeare examines the river as a divider.
The River: The future of investigations
10/30/18
ABC57's Clifton French finds out where the investigations go from here.
The River: Bridging the divide
10/30/18
ABC57's Brian Conybeare learns about how residents are bridging the divide.