REMUS, Mich. (WZZM) - The search for a murder suspect in Mecosta County is over and neighbors are relieved.
34-year Sean McLafferty was found dead inside an empty home in Wheatland Township with a self inflicted wound to his chest.
Neighbor Dianne Sellers says the cabin is only used a few times a year. "It didn't surprise me because it's been broken into so many times."
Sellers is one of the many residents in Mecosta County, who were on high alert. Tuesday night, deputies spotted McLafferty running into the woods with a shotgun. "I thought if he stays out there in the woods, somebody's going to come up on him. I knew he was in there," says Sellers.
McLafferty was wanted for the murder of his girlfriend, 32-year old Kristie Purcey. She was found stabbed to death outside his apartment in Grand Rapids Monday night. McLafferty fled to Mecosta County, where he was known to hunt. He was eventually found inside the empty cabin, with a self inflicted stab wound to his chest. It was a sad ending, but one that brought some relief to the neighbors. "I was worried, you know, somebody would get hurt. I'm glad it's over."
The Mecosta County Sheriff's Department says the case is now closed. The motive for the murder is still unknown.