Charles Broomfield Faces Life In Prison After Jan. 27 Killings Of Jacqueline Neill And Two Sons

A Grand Rapids man charged in the deaths of his fiancée and her two teenage sons has waived his preliminary hearing, meaning his case has been bound over for trial.

Charles Broomfield, 44, faces six charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, in connection to the January 27 killings of Jacqueline Neill, 44, Cameron Kilpatrick, 15, and Michael Kilpatrick, 13.

The Kent County Prosecutor confirmed Broomfield was found competent to stand trial.

Initial Call Contradicted By Physical Evidence

According to Grand Rapids Police, officers were called to the family's home on Worden Street around 7:43 a.m. on reports of shots fired. Neill was found dead in the living room, while Cameron and Michael were found in their bedrooms.

Court records obtained by FOX 17 show Broomfield initially told police two armed intruders broke into the home, threatened him and his 5-year-old son, and then shot the victims before fleeing.

Investigators, however, say the evidence contradicted his account. Police say Broomfield eventually confessed to the killings.

Loved ones have called the tragedy their "darkest hour," describing it as a senseless act of violence. They thanked investigators, victim advocates, and Grand Rapids neighbors for the outpouring of support during an unimaginable loss.

Victims Were Students At Kenowa Hills Public Schools

Broomfield lived in the home with Neill and her two teens, who were students at Kenowa Hills Public Schools, according to court records.

During a 911 call, Broomfield told investigators he heard someone downstairs talking to his fiancé. When he went downstairs, he said he saw that person pointing a gun at Neill, adding that a second suspect followed him upstairs where he heard gunfire downstairs.

Broomfield told investigators the suspect confronting him had grabbed his gun, which he claims was sitting in the room in an unlocked box, and pointed it at him and his 5-year-old son. He said he pleaded with the suspect to not hurt him or his son, and that the suspect left.

Shortly after that, the 44-year-old said he heard multiple gunshots come from the area of where Neill's two sons were located.

Court records reveal investigators discovered inconsistencies in Broomfield's story early on, and that officers found no footprints in the snow leading up to the house that would have indicated the two suspects entered.

He also previously stated he called 911 shortly after the incident, but medical personnel on scene stated the victim died earlier than his account suggested.

If Convicted, Broomfield Faces Life In Prison Without Parole

With the preliminary hearing waived, Broomfield's case will move closer to trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

His next court date has not yet been set.