Known to her loved ones as “Tay Tay,” Taylynn Elizabeth Kissinger was a 21-year-old woman from Battle Creek, Michigan, with an infectious personality and a deep love for her family and animals. Born on October 18, 2004, to Alexis Harrison-Kissinger and Paul Kissinger, Sr., she grew up in the area, attending Mar Lee and Homer schools. Taylynn was remembered for her artistic talents, often expressed through bright, vibrant makeup.
She was a creative person who enjoyed crocheting and crafts in her spare time.
Taylynn worked as a cook at the Hi-Lite Drive-In in Marshall and had previously worked at Crystall Farms, an equestrian boarding facility, which suited her love for animals. She was especially close to her own dogs, Athena and Percy. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with her siblings—Makaila, Ammelia, Breonna, and Paul Jr.—and her wider family. She loved Halloween and was a fan of "Game of Thrones" and "Monster High." Her family remembered her for her capacity to love everyone and everything.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, Taylynn was at a party at the Brookside Apartments in the 4200 block of West Dickman Road in Springfield. Neighbors later told reporters they heard loud music and people running in the halls. Just before 3 a.m., reports of a shooting sent deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office to the apartment complex. When they arrived, they found Taylynn unresponsive, suffering from a single gunshot wound to her head.
First responders, including LifeCare Ambulance and the Springfield Fire Department, attempted life-saving efforts at the scene. Taylynn was rushed to Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek, but she succumbed to her injury and was pronounced dead. The scene was secured by deputies, with assistance from the Battle Creek Police Department and Michigan State Police, as an investigation into her death began. Wooden planks and caution tape blocked the staircase leading to the apartment where she was found.
During the investigation, police arrested an 18-year-old from Battle Creek, Tristin Begley, who was also at the party. On October 6, Begley was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony. However, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office confirmed that he was not charged with Taylynn's murder and he was later released on bond. The circumstances that led to the shooting remained unclear to the public.
In the wake of the tragedy, Taylynn's family was left devastated. Her aunt, Aimee Neil, organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of a funeral and cremation, allowing the family to give her a proper service and lay her to rest. A service to celebrate Taylynn’s life was held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care in Battle Creek, where friends and family gathered to share memories.
As of October 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office stated that the investigation into Taylynn Kissinger's death was ongoing, pending the results of the medical examiner's autopsy. No further suspects or charges in connection with her murder have been announced. Authorities have asked that anyone with information contact Detective Sergeant Jonathan Pignataro at (269) 781-0880 or submit an anonymous tip to Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888.
