Michigan Murder Suspects Apprehended in North Iowa Formally Charged

A pair of Michigan homicide suspects, apprehended in north Iowa two weeks ago, have been formally charged with murder in Michigan.

On December 19th, Clear Lake Police were contacted by the Houghton County Michigan Sheriff’s Office to assist with a murder investigation, with suspects 50-year-old Margaret Kempainen and 20-year-old Jacob Kempainen in the Clear Lake area.

The Kempainens, both from Hartland, Wisconsin, were considered armed and dangerous, but were detained without incident by CLPD, with assistance from  the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Garner Police Department.

The Kempainens were booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail and have been extradited back to Michigan, where last week they were formally arraigned on one count each of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are accused in the shooting death of Alvin Kempainen, Jacob’s grandfather, in Hancock Township, Michigan on or about December 18th.

Both Kempainens are being held without bond and face life in prison if convicted

Authorities say a 16-year-old family member was also sent back to Michigan from Clear Lake.