Murder Suspect Found Dead

"FRANKLIN, MI — A well-liked Birmingham teacher killed in what police say was an apparent murder/suicide was shot at least three times in his Franklin home, according to sources.

"The suspect in his death was found with a gunshot wound to the head, sources said.

"Harry Berkowitz, 72, who was with the Birmingham school district for 47 years, suffered at least three gunshot wounds, including one to the head, at his house on Charles Lane, according to a source with knowledge of the case. Berkowitz was found after a contractor called police to the house about 8 a.m. Tuesday.

"The suspect, Thomas Ian Matthews, 33, described by police as Berkowitz’s longtime roommate, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a home in Royal Oak, according to the source.

"Police say they believe Matthews attacked Berkowitz before turning a gun on himself. Police spent hours Tuesday outside the Royal Oak house near 11 Mile Road and I-75 before finding Matthews dead on a bed inside, investigators said.

"Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Chief Daniel Roberts said today that it’s still unclear what prompted the attack. On Tuesday, he said it appeared to be `some sort of a variation of a domestic issue.`

"`We’re hoping we can piece (it) together as the days go on,` he said."

Source: Detroit Free Press...