SISTER LAKES, MI — A tragic domestic incident at a home in Sister Lakes, Michigan, early Thursday morning has led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man following the brutal assault and death of his mother, authorities said. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that law enforcement was dispatched to the residence after a distress call was made to 911.
Deputies arrived to find 55-year-old Gloria White unconscious in her home around 5:15 a.m. Despite immediate life-saving attempts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Early reports indicated a frenzied 911 call during which Gloria White sought urgent help as an intruder broke in and assaulted her.
According to Sheriff Dan Abbott, a neighbor tried to intervene during the attack after overhearing the disturbance, and was injured in the process. The neighbor’s intervention, however, was instrumental in temporarily disrupting the attack, potentially preventing further violence.
Authorities quickly located and arrested the suspect, identified as Aidan White, the victim’s son, shortly after he fled the scene. He was subsequently charged with open murder and first-degree home invasion.
Sheriff Abbott highlighted the grim nature of the audio captured during the 911 call, which detailed the break-in and the violence that ensued. This incident marked another troubling chapter in Aidan White’s history with local law enforcement, with multiple prior encounters reported by the neighbouring Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
Post-arrest, Aidan White has reportedly been cooperative with police investigators as they continue to piece together the events that led to the tragic ordeal. “This case has been profoundly challenging for all involved, shaking the community and the family at its core,” Sheriff Abbott stated, expressing his condolences and urging the community to keep those affected in their thoughts.
During a subsequent court appearance, Aidan White was held on a $2 million cash or surety bond. Investigators also recovered two weapons at the scene, believed to be used in the attack. Highlighting concerns regarding the suspect’s mental health, his defense attorney secured a status conference set for December 11 to address these issues.
This sorrowful incident has left the Sister Lakes community in shock as they come to terms with the violence that shattered the early morning calm, reminding them of the fragility of peace in even the quietest neighborhoods.