Tragedy on South Michigan Avenue: Saginaw Police Identify Suspect in Fatal Shooting That Claimed Life of Michael Wayne Carroll
SAGINAW, MI — April 30, 2025 — A serene Wednesday evening on the west side of Saginaw turned into a scene of tragedy and heartbreak after gunfire erupted in the 1300 block of South Michigan Avenue. The shooting, which occurred around 6:11 p.m., left one man dead and another wounded, sparking a homicide investigation that has deeply unsettled the local community.
Authorities have now identified the suspect as James K. Bennett, a development that intensifies the urgency of the ongoing investigation.
According to the Saginaw Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported the sound of gunshots. Upon arrival, they found two male victims, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured men to a local hospital.
41-year-old Michael Wayne Carroll, a Saginaw resident, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, where he was known and loved as a devoted father and a kind, hard-working individual. The second victim, a 66-year-old man, remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition.
As news of the shooting spread, the Major Crimes Unit, made up of detectives from both the Saginaw Police Department and the Michigan State Police, launched an intensive investigation. Officers were seen canvassing the area late into the evening, speaking with witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties and businesses.
Police confirmed on Thursday that James K. Bennett has been identified as a suspect in the shooting. However, no arrests have yet been made, and Bennett’s whereabouts remain unknown. Law enforcement is urging the public to remain alert and report any sightings or information that could lead to his apprehension.
“This is a tragedy that has rocked our city, and we are fully committed to finding and arresting the individual responsible,” said a spokesperson from the Saginaw Police Department. “We owe it to Mr. Carroll’s family and to our community to ensure justice is served.”
Michael Carroll’s death has reignited discussions around gun violence and public safety in Saginaw. Friends and family have described him as a loving father, a dependable friend, and someone who always lent a helping hand to those in need. Social media has been flooded with tributes, photos, and heartfelt messages as the community mourns a life cut short.
Local leaders and advocates are calling for unity in the wake of this tragedy. One local pastor, speaking at a vigil near the crime scene, said:
“This is not just another news story. This is someone’s father, someone’s son. Michael’s life mattered, and we must work together to prevent another tragedy like this from happening.”
Authorities are appealing to the public for help. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around South Michigan Avenue at the time of the shooting, or who has any information on James K. Bennett, is encouraged to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-5245. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Saginaw Police Department is expected to release additional updates as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, the community continues to grieve, and those who knew Michael Wayne Carroll are holding tightly to memories of a man whose presence will be deeply missed — and whose story, they hope, will lead to justice.