BEDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has released the identities of the two individuals involved in a tragic murder-suicide that took place over the weekend in Bedford Township. Authorities confirmed that 17-year-old Gwendolyn Fay Smith, a recent 2025 graduate of Bedford Public Schools, and 33-year-old Ryne Jacob Leist, both of Temperance, were found deceased inside a residence on West Sterns Road on Friday, June 14.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic and heartbreaking news of the loss of one of our own—Gwendolyn Smith, a 2025 graduate of Bedford High School. Gwen was an extraordinary young woman whose presence left an indelible mark on our school community,” Bedford Public Schools wrote in a social media post.
Deputies responded to the home in the 1600 block of West Sterns Road after receiving a call for a welfare check. Upon entry, they discovered the bodies of Smith and Leist. While details surrounding the incident remain under active investigation, officials have labeled it a murder-suicide.
In a public statement, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as a “tragic incident” and noted that investigators are working to piece together the circumstances leading up to the deaths. Autopsies are currently being conducted by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, which will help determine the official causes of death.
“Sheriff detectives are working diligently to conduct a complete investigation into this tragic incident,” the department said in a release. “We ask for the community’s patience as this investigation continues. The Sheriff is confident there is no threat to the community.”
The loss of Gwendolyn Smith has shaken the Bedford community. Known among classmates and teachers for her bright spirit and promising future, her life was tragically cut short just days after celebrating her high school graduation. The school district has not yet released a formal statement but is reportedly offering grief counseling and support to students and staff affected by the news.
No further details about the relationship between Smith and Leist have been publicly released. Authorities have not commented on a potential motive as they continue to interview witnesses and examine forensic evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, community members are left grieving and searching for answers in the wake of a devastating and deeply unsettling event. Further updates will be provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as more information becomes available.