In the spring of 1981, the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor was shaken by a tragic event that cut short the lives of two students. Douglas C. McGreaham and his fellow student, Edward R. Siwik, were killed in a shooting that took place in Bursley Hall, a university dormitory, on April 17, 1981. The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Ann Arbor Police Department.
The aftermath of the slayings left the student community in a state of shock and grief.
A memorial service was held at St. Mary's Student Chapel to honor the two slain students, offering a space for friends and classmates to mourn their loss. University President Harold Shapiro publicly addressed the tragedy, while many students tried to make sense of the senseless violence that had occurred in their residence hall.
An arrest was made in connection with the double murder. Leo E. Kelly Jr., another student, was taken into custody and charged with the killings. Reports from the time indicate that Kelly was found calm in his room after the incident. As the case moved through the legal system, Kelly's attorney announced that he would plead insanity. The case also saw legal maneuvering, including challenges to the jury makeup, with the defense arguing that Kelly could not receive a fair trial in the county.
