On Friday, January 7, 2022, at approximately 9:16 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a structure fire in Portage Township with reports of two individuals being trapped inside. Two persons were found deceased inside the residence. An autopsy has been performed and the results are still pending. A positive identification has yet to be made, but investigators believe the remains are of 32-year-old John Makela and 27-year-old Breanna Makela. Family members have been contacted by investigators. The coroner is attempting to use dental records and DNA to positively identify the remains.

Press release was submitted by LT Derrick Carrol, Michigan State Police Department