In the quiet community of Hemlock, Michigan, a tragedy unfolded that left friends and family mourning the loss of a beloved woman. Mary Rivard, a 56-year-old Caucasian female, was known for her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. An optician at Associates in Eye Care in Saginaw Township, she was a familiar and friendly face to many.
Described as brave, strong, and independent, Mary was a pillar of support for her loved ones, always ready with a listening ear and a fierce love for her friends and family. Her life, however, was cut short on Monday, April 29, 2024, in an event that would soon grip the community with sorrow and disbelief.
On that fateful day, Mary Rivard was found deceased in her home on South Badour Road in Mount Haley Township. She had been shot and killed. The circumstances surrounding her death were particularly distressing. Her husband, 63-year-old Timothy Rivard, called 911 at 6:18 p.m. to report that his wife had been shot. Shockingly, it was alleged that he waited 12 hours after the shooting to make the call, and during that time, he reportedly never checked on her. When Midland County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they found Mary deceased. Timothy Rivard was cooperative with the authorities and provided a statement before being taken into custody and lodged in the Midland County Jail.
The investigation quickly moved forward, and on May 1, 2024, Timothy Rivard was arrested and charged with homicide open murder and felony firearm in connection with his wife's death. During his arraignment in Midland County District Court, he entered a plea of not guilty through his attorney. The prosecution argued against setting a bond, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the claim that the shooting was accidental and involved medications for mental health. The magistrate, noting the 12-hour delay in calling 911, ordered Timothy Rivard to be held without bond. As the legal proceedings began to unfold, the case was set for future hearings, with a second pretrial hearing scheduled for January 3, 2025, pending a psychiatric evaluation requested by the defense. The tragic death of Mary Rivard serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence.
