The man arrested in connection with the deaths of two people in Benton Harbor on Christmas Eve is now officially charged with their deaths.

Dwand Carter was taken into custody by the Michigan Department of Corrections on Christmas Day, but his arrest was not related to the shooting.

On Thursday, Dec. 30, a warrant was served to Carter for two counts of open murder, two counts felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts using a weapon in the commission of a felony.

Police found the victims, a 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, in the 700 block of Buss Street.

UPDATED NEW RELEASE:

On 12/25/2021 Dwand Carter was located and taken into custody by the MDOC. This detention was unrelated to the shooting. On 12/30/2021 a warrant for 2 counts warrant for open murder, 2 counts felon in possession of a firearm and 2 counts using a weapon in the commission of a felony was served to Carter while being held by MDOC. Carter will be arraigned on Monday 01/03/2022.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE:

On Friday, December 24, 2021, at approximately 3:30 PM, Officers of BHDPS responded to the 700 Block of Buss Street for an investigation of gunfire.

Officers arrived on the scene to investigate and discovered two bodies in a vehicle.

The two victims, a 37-year-old female, and a 38-year-old male, both Benton Harbor residents were deceased on officer
discovery.

BHDPS will not be releasing the victim’s names at the family’s request.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. A person of interest is currently being sought in this matter, BHDPS

Detectives are seeking Dwand Dontrell Carter.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about this incident is requested to contact the Tip line at 269-927-0293 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-STOP (7867) or provide information anonymously via the TIP411 app located in your app store. Search your app store by entering Benton Harbor DPS.