A horrific murder-suicide unfolded in Bedford Township, Michigan, when a former high school bowling coach shot and killed one of his former bowlers, 17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith, before turning the gun on himself. The incident occurred on June 14 at Smith’s stepfather’s home.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Ryne Leist, the former Bedford High School bowling club coach, shot Smith multiple times inside the home. Her stepfather arrived home around 6 p.m. to find Smith fatally wounded and Leist dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
School and Community Mourn the Loss
The news of Smith’s tragic death deeply affected the Bedford community. Carl Shultz, Superintendent of Bedford Public Schools, expressed his sorrow in a Facebook post, calling Smith an “extraordinary young woman” and describing her impact on the school.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic and heartbreaking news of the loss of one of our own—Gwendolyn Smith, a 2025 graduate of Bedford School,” Shultz wrote. “Gwen was an extraordinary young woman whose presence left an indelible mark on our school community.”
The Investigation
Leist had gained entry into the home, but authorities have not yet clarified whether he forced his way in or was allowed inside. Sheriff Troy Goodnough stated that the point of entry is still under investigation.
Smith’s death was officially ruled a homicide, while Leist’s death was confirmed as a suicide. Goodnough also addressed the nature of the relationship between Smith and Leist, saying Gwendolyn did not consider the relation between the two of them to be romantic.
Background on Ryne Leist
Leist had been involved with the Bedford High School bowling club, but he was not an employee of the school district. His position was through a local bowling alley, and he had recently resigned from the job. Leist had passed the necessary background checks required for youth coaches in Michigan, according to Shultz.
Heartfelt Tributes from Family
Smith’s family and stepparents shared heartfelt tributes to the teen. Her stepmother, Heather Smith, wrote on social media, “We aren’t supposed to outlive our children. Everyone loved Gwen. She was kind, talented, and the best kid an evil stepmother could ask for. My middle daughter, my baby, was murdered.”
Smith’s stepfather, Matthew Kennerson, had posted a touching tribute on social media just weeks before, celebrating Smith’s high school graduation. He shared a photo of himself with Smith in her cap and gown, holding her diploma.
He captioned the post, “Really proud stepdad!” and two weeks later, he wrote, “Love you forever… I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you…”
Remembering Gwendolyn Smith
Shultz described Smith as a gifted student, a passionate artist, and a standout athlete. “Gwen will be remembered for her kindness, her bright spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her,” he said.
“This tragic and unnecessary loss cannot be explained. It has shaken our entire Bedford community, and our hearts and prayers go out to Gwen’s family and the many friends whose lives she touched so deeply,” he added.
Community Support for Smith’s Family
In response to the tragedy, Shultz set up a GoFundMe to raise money for Smith’s mother. The campaign has already raised over $18,000 to support the family.
“I was compelled to really help them out and make sure they had the resources necessary to be able to take care of what they needed due to this horrible tragedy,” Shultz shared.
“I’m always a parent first, I’m an educator second, but as a parent, I don’t know how you get up the next day. And they’re extremely strong and they’re doing everything they can to hold everything together, but I was just trying to help out as much as I could.”