Man charged in double homicide

MARSHALL, Mich. (WOOD) - The man charged with killing his mother and daughter was arraigned Monday in a Battle Creek courtroom.

Johan Vanniekerk, an African national of Fort Wayne, Ind., allegedly killed the 3-year-old and 72-year-old in a Marshall hotel room Friday.

Vanniekerk and the two bodies were found at the Comfort Inn near I-69.

He allegedly took his daughter, Brenda, and his mother, Laura Vanniekerk, from their Fort Wayne home. Police got involved after receiving a call from Johan Vanniekerk's wife, saying he had assaulted her and then fled with Brenda and Laura.

Vanniekerk's wife said she received text messages from him that indicated he would harm someone.

Using phone records, Vanniekerk was traced to the Marshall hotel, according to Marshall's acting public safety director.

Authorities broke down the door and found everyone.

Marital and job problems could have led to the killings.

"They had separated not too long ago," said Michael Joyner, of the Fort Wayne Police Department in reference to Venniekerk and his wife.

"We believed that the battery was a result of that, coupled with a recent loss of employment."

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