John Francis Lusch, a 45-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Jackson, Michigan. His death was the result of a violent confrontation inside a residence in the 900 block of Orchard Place. Investigators believe that upon entering the home sometime in the morning, Lusch was met by several individuals and was shot multiple times.
The discovery of his body was made late that night, around 11:30 p.m., after police were called to the home for a welfare check. Upon their arrival, officers found a disturbing scene. The doors were barricaded, one with a dresser and another with a piece of wood. Lusch's body had been concealed, wrapped in multiple layers of trash bags, tarps, and mattress sheets, all bound with extension cords.
The subsequent investigation into the homicide led to the identification and arrest of three suspects: 21-year-old Bryan Johnson, 35-year-old Jemel Milton, and 40-year-old Phillip Gauze. All three men were arraigned in July 2025 on charges of first-degree homicide, felony murder, and unarmed robbery. They are being held without bond at the Jackson County Jail. A preliminary examination was held in August 2025, where a Jackson County judge determined there was enough evidence for the trio to stand trial on these charges. Johnson and Gauze are also facing additional charges of tampering with evidence, and Johnson has an added charge of unlawful imprisonment.
During the preliminary hearing, testimony from law enforcement painted a grim picture of the crime scene. A Jackson Police Department Sergeant described finding a man under the influence of narcotics in a bathroom and two women sleeping in the residence, one of whom had apparent facial injuries. Details about the arrest of Jemel Milton were also shared. He was apprehended during a traffic stop at The Colonial Inn after a pistol was located in the vehicle. The serial number of the firearm reportedly registered to a homicide victim. The legal proceedings for the three men accused in the death of John Lusch are ongoing.
