In a tragic series of events that unfolded in Battle Creek, Michigan, 44-year-old Steven Douglas Cica Jr., a male, lost his life in a violent encounter that also claimed the life of his daughter. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the community, began on the afternoon of December 16, 2023, when police were called to the Cica residence on Algonquin Street to investigate reports of vandalism and a fight. By the time officers arrived, the individual at the center of the disturbance had already departed.
Later that evening, around 6 p.m., the situation escalated dramatically. A 911 call was placed from the home, with the caller reporting a break-in attempt. During the call, dispatchers heard what they believed to be gunshots. Police rushed to the scene to find a harrowing sight. Inside the home, both Steven Cica and his 22-year-old daughter, Veronica Jean Cica, had sustained gunshot wounds. Veronica was pronounced dead at the scene. Steven was critically injured and transported to a local hospital for emergency medical care. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, December 17, 2023.
The suspect in the double homicide was quickly identified as 22-year-old Todd Edward Bolden Jr. It was revealed that Bolden shared a child with Veronica Cica. In a turn of events, Bolden voluntarily surrendered to the authorities on December 17th and was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with two counts of open murder and one count of carrying a firearm in the commission of a crime.
During his arraignment in Calhoun County Court on December 18, 2023, Todd Edward Bolden Jr. pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The court denied him bond, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for early January of the following year. The deaths of Steven and Veronica Cica marked the 11th and 12th homicides in Battle Creek for the year 2023, leaving a profound impact on their family and the wider community. Steven was remembered as a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending his time grilling, playing video games, and being with his children. He was an employee at Motus Integrated Technologies, where he was known for his unwavering love and protection of his family.
