Sylvania man wanted in Blissfield shooting deaths

Thomas Jack Fritz

The home where two sisters were shot in Blissfield, Mich.

BLISSFIELD - Authorities have named a suspect in the deaths of two sisters were shot at a Blissfield home Friday night and say he might be armed and dangerous.

Michigan State Police say Thomas Jack Fritz, 38, of Sylvania, is wanted for questioning in the fatal shootings of the sisters, ages, 24 and 33, who were found dead in a North Lane Street home shortly after 11:40 p.m. Friday.

A third victim, reported by authorities to be the mother of the sisters, is hospitalized, but is expected to survive.

Police report that Mr. Fritz is a white male, about 5 foot, 9 inches and 186 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. They said he is driving a burgundy or maroon, 2002 Honda, four-door, with Ohio license plates, EQP8075.

Police said they believe Mr. Fritz might be enroute from Michigan to Ohio, and believe he is armed and dangerous. They are asking residents who think they might see him to contact police immediately and not approach him.

Thomas Jack Fritz

Anyone with information should call Michigan State Police at 517-241-8000.

Police blocked off access to the North Lane Street street home for more than an hour today as investigators arrived at the crime scene. During that time, a parade for the annual River Raisin Festival was held as planned at 10:30 a.m.

Blissfield Police Chief Jane Kelley said she has never handled a homicide case and the deaths are believed to be the first in the village of 3,340 since sometime in the 1930s.

The suspect is described as the estranged boyfriend of the 34-year-old woman, who was at her own home when the shootings occurred at 11:40 p.m. The older victim has children who were not home at the time, Chief Kelley said.

A neighbor, Linda Butler, said she didn’t hear anything Friday night until an ambulance arrived about midnight. Ms. Butler said she had just returned home from a fireworks show for the annual festival.

Ms. Butler said she believes the women’s mother was the one who called 911 from the crime scene. She was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in Toledo.

The 34-year-old woman had three children, all boys.

Neither the suspect’s nor the women’s names have yet been released. Yellow crime tape remained wrapped across the front of the two-story home today.