Michigan Mom Amy Henslee Found Dead
Two women found dead; cousin of Henslee's husband charged
Jan. 29, 2011 — -- Amy Henslee, the Michigan mom of two who vanished from her home three days ago, was found shot to death yesterday morning, police said. Her body was found buried with the corpse of another woman. The bodies were found about 5-feet deep in a rural area in Bangor Township, according to The Associated Press.
Junior Lee Beebe, 34, was arraigned yesterday on two counts of open murder and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held at Van Buren County Jail without bond. Beebe is the cousin of Henslee's husband.
"Unfortunately, the investigation that began with the disappearance of Amy Henslee this past Monday evening culminated yesterday morning with the discovery of her body and also the body of Tonya Howarth," Van Buren County Prosecutor Juris Kaps said.
"It appears that they both died of multiple gunshot wounds," Kaps said.
Howarth, 36, was dating Beebe, the prosecutor said. Investigators are still determining the relationship between Henslee and Howarth.
Henslee, 30, left willingly from her home Monday morning with Beebe, investigators said. She left with just her black coat and Puma sneakers.
"Everything indicated that there was no physical confrontation when she left," Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler said.
Henslee's husband, James Henslee, told ABCNews.com that while police were interviewing Beebe a volunteer group called Michigan Working Dogs went to the dead woman's house in Hartford Township where the dogs were given Amy Henslee's scent.
The dogs were then taken to Beebe's home in Bangor Township, six miles from Henslee's house, where they picked up her scent again and led them to Henslee's grave, James Henslee said.
The bodies were identified by photographs and tattoos.
The husband was clearly emotional while talking, choked up at times and taking long pauses between sentences.
"I'm still holding up. I have Amy with me," he said.
Their two sons, he said, "are as good as you can expect. I'm keeping them occupied with their friends."
