John Andrew Jenuwine dies in fatal Washtenaw County shooting

John Andrew Jenuwine dies in fatal Washtenaw County shooting

Fatal Washtenaw County shooting death of John Andrew Jenuwine – Obituary

John Andrew Jenuwine, 34, a U.S. Navy veteran from St. Clair County, was identified as the unarmed driver who was shot and killed by Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office deputies in Ypsilanti on Jan. 6, 2026. His identity was released by Flood Law, the Michigan-based criminal defense and civil litigation firm representing his family.

According to Todd Flood, managing partner at Flood Law, Jenuwine died from multiple gunshot wounds. An independent autopsy later determined he was struck seven times and ultimately died from blood loss.

Jenuwine served six years in the United States Navy and was described by those close to him as deeply compassionate and widely loved. Flood shared that Jenuwine had been growing his hair to donate it for a wig to support a family member undergoing chemotherapy.

He was raised in Cottrellville Township and graduated from Marine City High School in 2009. His family released a statement expressing profound grief, saying the loss of their son has permanently scarred them and asking for privacy as they mourn and seek answers surrounding his death.

In addition to his military service, Jenuwine was known as an outdoors enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a motorcyclist and a member of the Hell’s Our Home motorcycle club. Members of the club shared a tribute online, describing him as someone who would give anything to help others and stood by his brothers through all circumstances.

Professionally, Jenuwine worked as a laser equipment technician. His job required travel, and he was in the Ypsilanti area at the time because of work-related clients. The van he was driving during the incident was used for his employment.

The fatal encounter began in the early morning hours on Prospect Road near Towner Street in Ypsilanti. Deputies responded after receiving two 911 calls reporting a white construction-style van driving erratically. One caller stated that the driver appeared to threaten his wife with what he believed was a handgun.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not pull over, leading to a pursuit. Authorities said deputies eventually initiated a crash with the van. Dash camera footage shows deputies ordering Jenuwine to show his hands moments before shots were fired, with one deputy heard shouting that he believed Jenuwine had a gun.

Multiple deputies discharged their weapons, according to the sheriff’s office. However, officials later confirmed that no firearm was recovered from the vehicle. Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer stated on Jan. 13, 2026, that investigators confirmed there was no gun found.

Flood said experts reviewing the dash cam audio estimated that 27 shots were fired, though official ballistic reports have not yet been released. He added that Flood Law plans to file a wrongful death civil lawsuit at the appropriate time.

An independent investigation into the shooting is being conducted by Michigan State Police. The deputies involved were placed on administrative leave immediately following the incident.