On Wednesday, March 10, 2021 around 1:08 p.m., officers from the Marion Police Department responded to 338 Latourette Street for a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, officers found Michael D. Birchfield, age 38, had a gunshot wound in his torso. Mr. Birchfield was a resident of that address. Mr. Birchfield was eventually transported to Marion General Hospital by members of the Marion City Fire Department where he died from his injury.
After an investigation, Marion Police arrested Jeremy L. Criswell. Mr. Criswell is 38 years old and lives at that same address. He was arrested on Involuntary Manslaughter and Weapons Under Disability charges.
During transport to the Multi-County Correctional Center, Mr. Criswell appeared to become unresponsive. He was taken to Marion General Hospital by a Marion City Fire Department Squad where he remains at the time of this release, under guard of members of the Marion Police Department.
“This senseless loss of life was easily preventable. Unsafe weapons handling has cost a man his life. We are heartbroken for the family and friends of Mr. Birchfield” said Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald.
The circumstances of this incident remain under investigation and detectives ask that anyone who may have information to call 740-387-2222.
We thank the Marion Fire Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.