Bowling coach messaged girl before murder-suicide, dad says
Share this @internewscast.com

A Michigan bowling coach, who tragically shot a 17-year-old girl in her home, had been sending her inappropriate messages, according to the girl’s father. This revelation has added to the shock in the small community.

In Bedford Township, Michigan, a community about an hour from Detroit, residents have been grappling with the heartbreaking news that Ryne Leist killed 17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith, whom he coached, before reportedly taking his own life.

As community members discussed the events of June 14 on Facebook, allegations about Leist’s unsettling behavior surfaced, although one local urged caution against making hasty judgments.

That’s when Smith’s father Levi jumped in.

“I’ve seen enough of the emails he sent my daughter before he killed her to know it’s not speculation,” Levi Smith cryptically posted in a Facebook discussion group for Bedford Township.

“He deserves to rot in a special hell,” Smith said of Leist, 33.

Leist volunteered as the coach of the bowling club at Bedford High School, where Gwendolyn Smith was on the team. He is believed to have shot the girl multiple times in her stepfather’s home, authorities said.

Smith’s stepfather returned home at around 6 p.m. to discover the mortally wounded teen and her alleged killer.

Gwendolyn Smith, described as a “kind,” “talented” and “extraordinary young woman,” had just graduated high school two weeks before.

Former friends and classmates of the Leist meanwhile, told a different tale about the coach.

“I do remember him being a loner,” said Monica Mckenzie. “Somehow he slipped through the cracks.”

Kara Thornton said she knew Leist when she was 15 and he was 20.

“He got my name tattooed on his arm. We never dated, I never wanted to,” said Thornton, who now lives in Hawaii.

“He would try sleeping with me and my friends, he’d meet us at parks and then drive us to the middle of nowhere, giving us alcohol…he was always so gross, always trying to date underage girls,” she claimed.

“A few years back he was trying to be a ‘photographer’ to take nudes of women,” she added.

“It’s hard looking back and realizing how f—d it all was, haven’t thought about him in years.”

It’s unclear if Leist broke into the victim’s stepfather’s home or was let in, said authorities, who didn’t specify the nature of the relationship between the two.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did clarify that “Gwendolyn did not consider the relation between the two of them to be romantic.”

Smith’s death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner’s office, and Leist died of suicide.

Leist volunteered as a coach with the school’s bowling club, a gig he’d obtained through his employment at the local bowling alley.

He had recently resigned from that position.

Levi Smith could not be reached for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Sophie Turner injures back, temporarily halts 'Tomb Raider' production

Sophie Turner’s Back Injury Halts ‘Tomb Raider’ Filming: Production Faces Temporary Delay

Production of the “Tomb Raider” series has been temporarily paused following a…
Hundreds of protesters swarm proposed NYC men’s homeless shelter site, physically block construction truck

Protesters Rally at Proposed NYC Men’s Homeless Shelter Site, Halting Construction Efforts

A wave of outrage swept through Brooklyn on Sunday evening as protesters…
Israel bars Catholics from praying at holy site, outraging US Ambassador Mike Huckabee

Israel’s Controversial Ban on Catholic Prayers at Holy Site Sparks Outrage from US Ambassador Huckabee

For the first time in centuries, Israel has prohibited Catholic officials from…
Our Chicago: For more than 50 years, Haymarket Center has helped people struggling with addiction

Chicago’s Haymarket Center: A 50-Year Legacy of Supporting Addiction Recovery

In 1975, Haymarket Center was established in Chicago by Monsignor Ignatius McDermott…
Woman helping cancer-stricken friend executed in alleged carjacking attack: 'Heard a scream'

Good Samaritan Tragically Killed in Suspected Carjacking While Assisting Friend Battling Cancer

A tragic incident unfolded in Texas as a woman lost her life…
San Francisco supervisor delays resignation decision as she navigates personal health crisis

San Francisco Supervisor Postpones Resignation Amid Personal Health Challenge

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive figure among San Francisco’s supervisors, has reversed…
Trump dominates CPAC poll as conservatives rally behind agenda, back Iran action

Trump Leads the Charge: CPAC Poll Reveals Strong Conservative Support and Bold Iran Strategy

A recent survey has underscored the steadfast influence of President Donald Trump…
California man found dead in back of police car outside station as new details emerge

Shocking Discovery: California Man Found Dead in Police Cruiser – Unveiling the Mysterious Details

Eric Valencia’s loved ones are urging the Azusa Police Department to clarify…
March Madness: Illinois to face UConn in its first Final Four in 21 years after teams beat Iowa, Duke in Elite Eight

Illinois Advances to Final Four for the First Time in 21 Years After Victory Over UConn

CHICAGO — In a thrilling victory on Saturday, Illinois secured its first…
Plainfield celebration of life honors legally blind Moe Joe's chef Charlie Doman who worked to help visually impaired teens

Honoring Charlie Doman: The Inspiring Journey of Moe Joe’s Beloved Blind Chef and Advocate for Visually Impaired Teens

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Despite being legally blind, Chef Charlie Doman possessed…
North Korea tests solid-fuel missile engine as Kim boosts threat to US mainland

North Korea Escalates Tensions: Solid-Fuel Missile Engine Test Signals Enhanced Threat to US Mainland

In a demonstration of its ongoing military advancements, North Korea conducted a…
California's famous Justin Vineyards settles sexual harassment lawsuit

Justin Vineyards Faces Legal Reckoning: Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Settlement Rocks California Wine Industry

A winery proprietor in California has agreed to a $1.49 million settlement…