At 11:45p.m. police issued this release: 

On Wednesday December24^th, 2014around 10:28 am, the Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Departmentwas dispatched to 3892 Snow Rd in Lake Charter Township on adeath investigation.  Adeceased person was found lying outside in a back yard.

This person was later ID as Christine Franklin, 62 yr. old female who resides next door at 3918 Snow Rd.

Early on in the investigation, it was learned that an argument took place between Christine and her husband Dennis Franklin 64 yr. old male. The argument was witnessed by another family member. Dennis walked away that night. A Berrien County K9 and the Lake Township Fire Department searched the area for Dennis and they were unable to locate him.

The deceased showed no obvious signs of trauma.  An autopsy is scheduled for Friday December 26^th 2014 in Grand Rapids, MI.

Around 10:00 PM investigators confirmed that Dennis Franklin returned home.

This case remains open, pending further investigation.

Also assisting with the investigation was:

Berrien County Sheriff Dept. Detective Bureau,

Berrien County Sheriff Dept. Crime Scene Technicians

Berrien County Sheriff Dept. Road Patrol

Berrien County Medical Examiner's Office

Lake Township Fire/Rescue &

Michigan State Police

Signed,

Shawn Martin

Chief of Police

Original Story: 

A body was found in a back yard in Bridgman on Christmas Eve and police said the death is suspicious. The woman has been identified as 62-year-old Christine Franklin, and police are asking the public for help finding her husband 65-year-old Dennis Franklin Sr.  

On Tuesday family members told police that the wife and husband got into an argument around 5:30p.m. and the husband left. Around 10:30a.m. neighbors found the body of Christine Franklin in a backyard in the 3900 block of Snow Road. Police believe the victim lived a few homes away. 

On Wednesday police said the husband is considered a missing person. He is identified as 65-year-old Dennis Frankling Senior. He was last seen leaving his home at 3892 Snow Road. 


An autopsy is scheduled to be performed in Grand Rapids on Friday to determine the cause of death. 

The Baroda Lake Police Department is investigating and they are being assisted by the Berrien County Sheriff's Department. Call them if you have a tip.