Self-Described ‘#1 Dad’ Allegedly Admits to Killing Fiancé and Stepsons, Sparing His Own Child: Reports

A Michigan man has been charged with murder after authorities say his fiancée and her two teenage sons were found shot to death inside their Grand Rapids home.

Jacqueline Neill and her sons, Cameron Kilpatrick and Michael Kilpatrick, were discovered fatally shot on Tuesday, Jan. 27, according to court documents cited by 13 ABC and WOOD TV.

Police were called to the home after a distressed 911 call from 44-year-old Charles Broomfield, reports say. Responding officers found the three victims dead inside the residence, while Broomfield’s 5-year-old son was not injured and was escorted out, according to WWMT, 13 ABC and WOOD TV.

Broomfield initially told investigators the killings happened during a break-in, according to court documents cited by 13 ABC and WOOD TV. Investigators allege he said he was walking downstairs when he saw an intruder point a gun at Neill, prompting him to run back upstairs to his child.

He allegedly claimed a second person followed him upstairs and that, during a face-to-face encounter, he could hear gunshots coming from downstairs. He also told police the person took his gun and demanded he hand over what he had, adding that the individual left only after Broomfield pleaded for his and his son’s safety, the documents state, per 13 ABC.

Investigators allege Broomfield said he then heard two gunshots from the area of Cameron and Michael’s bedrooms.

At the scene, investigators found a lanyard with a photo of Broomfield and his young son that read “#1 Dad,” according to the court documents cited by 13 ABC.

Authorities later reported inconsistencies in Broomfield’s account and said he ultimately confessed to the shootings, leading to his arrest, according to WOOD TV and 13 ABC, citing investigators.

Broomfield is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to WWMT, 13 ABC and WOOD TV, citing court records and the Kent County prosecutor’s office.

It was not immediately clear whether he has entered pleas, and his attorney’s information was not publicly available.

Broomfield appeared virtually in court Thursday with his attorney and told the judge he did not understand the murder charges, prompting his attorney to explain them, WOOD TV reported. When asked if he understood the weapons charges, he replied, “Yes, I guess,” according to the station.

A judge denied bond, citing the seriousness of the allegations and concerns that he could be a flight risk.

The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office was not reachable for comment. Grand Rapids police did not respond to a request for additional information.