La Salle homicide draws attention to domestic violence: What resources are available locally?

Domestic abuse was at the center of a Michigan woman’s kidnapping and killing in La Salle, officials have said.

Domestic abuse and assault service agencies talked about the resources available for anyone in an abusive relationship, including Safe Journeys in La Salle and Livingston counties and Freedom House in Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Henry and Stark counties.

Gina Nicole Bryant, 25, of Macomb Township, Michigan, was shot and killed Oct. 12 at the Flying J truck stop in La Salle, off of Interstate 80. La Salle police and La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said Justin Wendling, 26, of Holly, Michigan, shot and killed Bryant at the truck stop, then killed himself as police approached his vehicle in Bettendorf, Iowa, which is about an hour and 20 minutes west of La Salle, according to Google Maps.

Bryant was reported missing Oct. 12 after co-workers said she didn’t return to work as a medical assistant after a lunch break, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation by the sheriff’s office showed Wendling was waiting for Bryant when returned home from lunch. A surveillance video showed him leading her to his car that afternoon.

“The family has suffered an unspeakable and tragic loss due to domestic violence,” Bryant’s friend Charlotte Jolly wrote on Facebook.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a statement his office has seen an uptick in domestic violence cases.

In 2022, there were 57 deaths connected to domestic violence, 28 of them with a firearm, said Melissa Engel, community engagement director at Safe Journeys. The agency assisted 422 domestic violence victims in La Salle and Livingston counties in 2022.

Safe Journeys offers a 24-hour crisis line at 800-892-3375 or 815-673-1555 for anyone experience abuse in a relationship who needs assistance. Freedom House also has a 24-hour crisis line at 800-799-7233.

Engel said anyone who is looking to leave an abusive relationship needs to make a safety plan. That plan involves informing family and friends who can help monitor the situation. The crisis lines will help anyone with their plans.

“There’s always advocates they can speak to and talk through it,” Engel said.

Engel also said Safe Journeys has an emergency shelter where people can stay. Safe Journeys also works with any hospital patients where domestic violence was a factor and helps counsel them. The agency also cannot legally represent a victim of domestic violence but it can provide advocacy, resources and education to help them through the proper procedures, Engel said. The service are free and not only for women, she said.

“The crisis line is the gateway to our services,” Engel said.

“We want to make sure for anyone who has just broken up that was in an abusive relationship, that is the most critical time,” Engel said. “A safety plan is key.”