In the quiet community of Fennville, Michigan, the life of 13-year-old Autumn Marie Hagger was tragically cut short on January 7, 2023. A promising eighth-grade student at Fennville Middle School, Autumn was known for her kind and responsible nature, her infectious smile, and for always striving to do the right thing. She was an active member of the school's cheer team and played percussion in the band. Beyond her school activities, she had a passion for softball and riding horses. Just days away from her fourteenth birthday, Autumn was excitedly looking forward to learning how to drive.
The devastating events of that January day unfolded inside her family's home, where Autumn, her 10-year-old sister Mackenzie Hagger, and their 35-year-old mother, Cindy Clouse, were found deceased from gunshot wounds. The investigation by the Allegan County Sheriff's Office concluded that the perpetrator was the girls' father and Clouse's long-time partner, 34-year-old Roger Kyle Hagger. It is believed that Hagger used a shotgun to kill his family before taking his own life.
Investigators discovered that the tragedy likely stemmed from Cindy Clouse's decision to end her relationship with Hagger. Evidence found at the scene indicated that Clouse had been in the process of packing her and her children's belongings to leave. It is thought that this act of leaving may have been the trigger for the horrific murder-suicide. As the suspect was deceased at the scene, no arrests were made, and the case was closed. The loss of Autumn, her sister, and her mother sent shockwaves through the Fennville community, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and questions about the hidden struggles of domestic turmoil.
