Charles Broomfield Waives Preliminary Hearing in Fatal Shooting Case

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids man accused of shooting and killing his fiancée and her two teenage sons is heading to trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing this week.

Charles Broomfield, 44, faces three counts of premeditated murder and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the deaths of Jacqueline Neill and her sons, Michael Kilpatrick, 13, and Cameron Kilpatrick, 15.

The victims were found shot and killed inside their home on Worden Street Southeast in Grand Rapids in late January, according to prosecutors. Broomfield was found competent to stand trial by a judge last week, Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Becker confirmed.

While no trial date has been set yet, if convicted on all counts, Broomfield faces life in prison.

Initial Story Fabricated Before Confession

Broomfield initially called 911 and told dispatchers that two armed strangers had broken into the home and killed his fiancée and her sons. However, he later admitted to the killings during a lengthy interview with investigators.

According to court documents, investigators said Broomfield initially fabricated a story about two armed strangers before he admitted to killing the victims himself. The inconsistencies in his story drew attention from investigators early on.

Living Arrangements and School Connection

Broomfield lived in the home with Neill and her two teens, who were students at Kenowa Hills Public Schools, according to court records. The family resided in the Worden Street residence where the fatal shooting occurred.

Prosecutor Announces Trial Move

In court on Tuesday, Charles Broomfield waived his right to a preliminary hearing, according to prosecutor Chris Becker. That means he's now set to stand trial for three counts of premeditated murder.

Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Becker confirmed that Broomfield waived his preliminary hearing in court on Tuesday, clearing the way for the case to proceed to trial.

The case has drawn significant attention in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities following the discovery of the victims in their home in late January.