MURDEROUS AIDE GWENDOLYN GRAHAM SENTENCED TO LIFE 11-2 1989

Gwendolyn Graham and Catherine Wood

Gwendolyn Graham was sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for killing five elderly female residents of the Alpine Manor Nursing Home near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Both Graham and her criminal and romantic partner, Catherine Wood, had been employed as nurses’ aides at the home.

A Texas native, Graham moved to Michigan in 1986 and found employment at Alpine Manor. Catherine Wood, Graham’s supervisor, had recently divorced and soon became her lover.

Families will fight Alpine Manor killer's release

Before long, Graham enlisted Wood’s aid in a brutal scheme: the duo decided to kill people whose initials would spell out the word “murder” when the spree was over. The first victim, however, fought back harder than expected so the pair abandoned the “initials game” and instead began focusing on the weakest women in the nursing home.

According to Wood, Graham suffocated her victims with a washcloth while Wood stood guard as a lookout.

Reportedly, Graham and Wood often boasted about the murders but colleagues did not take them seriously. Wood claimed that in April 1987, Graham challenged her to “prove her love” by murdering someone. When she refused, Graham dumped her for another woman and returned to Texas.

Forever and Five Days

Wood, who later claimed that she was concerned that Graham would continue her killing spree in the South, confided in her ex-husband about the murders.

The story of the women’s exploits reached the police in late 1988. The deaths of five elderly women, who were originally believed to have died of natural causes, were then investigated by police officers.

Although authorities could find no direct physical evidence linking Graham and Wood to the deaths, they were both arrested in December 1988.

In return for a reduced sentence of 20 to 40 years, Wood agreed to testify against Graham. Graham was convicted of five counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility for parole.

4 NEW GRAND RAPIDS RESTAURANTS!

Linear

1001 Monroe Avenue NW

Here are four of the freshest restaurants and cafes to enter the Grand Rapids scene! This is a great list to reference when you're looking to change up your go to destinations for food and drink. All of these places have been receiving fantastic reviews from those who have visited so far, so be sure to try all of them out! This Michigan Party Bus Fleet offers a suitable solution for groups looking to explore the city without the regular inconvenience of traffic.

Linear
1001 Monroe Avenue NW
Linear is a restaurant that aims to align itself with themes of nature. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make this a totally inviting space! They feature rotating art on the walls, and the restaurant is on the river front. Some of the popular dishes here include the Beet Gnocchi, Carrot Pots de Creme, and their Cherry Bread Pudding for dessert. There's also a list of cocktails with unique flavors to peruse here.

Outside Coffee Co
734 Wealthy Street SE
This coffee shop is actually a camper converted into a cafe, parking inside of the community garden located at Woosah Outfitters. It's dog friendly, vegan friendly, and there are tables for those looking to get some work done in an outdoor setting. This is a fantastic place to check out and hang in a hammock when the weather is nice, so be sure to head over. They're open from 7AM to 7PM every day.

Eklectico Greek Kouzina
2401 Eastern Avenue SE
This Greek cafe will make you feel like you've traveled to Athens! We love the white and blue color scheme here, as it makes it seem totally authentic. They serve up some delicious spanikopita and gyro sandwiches for lunch and dinner, and there are also a lot of choices for vegetarians to order like the Briam and Moussaka. They're working on getting their liquor license!

CoreLife Eatery
2461 Burton Street SE
This new eatery offers health conscious food in a casual setting. From green bowls to salads, bone broth and freshly squeezed juices, you're sure to feel refreshed after eating here. Vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies will love the choices available to them here. They even offer online ordering for convenience during your lunch hour.

SUSPECT IN JOHN C DAHLINGER MURDER PREGNANT

 

FOX 17 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Two suspects connected to the killing of Grand Rapids businessman John Dahlinger faced a judge in court for the first time Wednesday. Dahlinger was brutally beaten and shot in the head in his northeast side condo in October. According to the prosecutor’s office, Dijana Kilic, the woman charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with Dahlinger’s murder, is pregnant.

Friends say Kilic just found out she was pregnant before turning herself in last month. They tell us Kilic believes the father of the baby is Danyell Thomas, the man accused of killing Dahlinger. There has been no paternity test, leaving the father of the baby up to speculation.

Wednesday in court, Thomas’ preliminary hearing was delayed. He just retained a new lawyer who said she had “quite a bit of discovery.” Kilic waved her preliminary hearing. She was being held on no bond because the prosecutor says she’s a flight risk. Wednesday in court, however,the judge set a bond at $200,000. Next week, Kilic will have to face another judge who revoked her bond on earlier charges. Thomas is due back in court on Dec. 19.

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