Charges Issued Related to Body Discovered In Woods in Alpine Township
ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich: On the morning of June 15, 2025, deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3900 block of Yorkland Drive NW after a resident discovered a deceased individual in the wooded area. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau and Major Case Team immediately launched an investigation.
Earlier that same day, deputies had responded to a report of gunshots in the 4100 block of Alpenhorn Dr NW. A suspect, Santiago Barajas, was located and arrested on a concealed weapons charge after being contacted near the scene. Following the discovery of the deceased individual, investigators linked the two incidents.
The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined the victim died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office has since authorized additional charges against 18-year-old Santiago Barajas for Felony Firearm and Manslaughter. Barajas was arrested on the afternoon of 7-1-2025. He is expected to be arraigned this week.
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ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich: On the evening of June 15, 2025, deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3900 block of Yorkland Drive after a resident discovered a deceased individual in the wooded area behind the buildings. We understand that news like this can be alarming for residents in the area.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau and Major Case Team immediately began an investigation. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has since completed an autopsy, determining the 28-year-old male victim, from the Grand Rapids area, died from gunshot wounds.
An 18-year-old suspect, from Grand Rapids, has been taken into custody in connection to the incident. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case, and the suspect is expected to be formally arraigned soon. Additional details about the incident will be released following arraignment, following legal procedures and to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.
There is no threat to the public. We encourage anyone with information, particularly security camera footage from the area, to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer.
Safety remains our top priority as we continue to work closely with our partners to bring resolution to this case.
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ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich: On the evening of June 15, 2025, deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3900 block of Yorkland Drive NW in Alpine Township after a resident discovered a deceased individual in the woods behind the Ybuildings. Deputies responded and located the body of an adult male.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, along with the Major Case Team, is actively investigating. Based on the preliminary information, the death is suspicious and will be investigated thoroughly.
At this time, the identity of the individual will not be released until family has been notified. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
There is no known ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area or who may have surveillance footage is encouraged to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at (616) 632-6125 or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.
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