On or around January 7, 2023, Roger Kyle Hagger, 34, used a shotgun to kill his long-time partner Cindy Clouse, 35, and their two children — Mackenzie Hagger, 10, and Autumn Hagger, 13 — inside the family's home at 1101 54th St. in Lee Township, Allegan County, Michigan, before killing himself. Cindy Clouse had been in the process of leaving the relationship and was packing to move when the shootings occurred, which the sheriff indicated may have triggered the violence. A family member discovered the victims after Clouse failed to return phone calls for over 24 hours. Domestic violence experts noted that the period of leaving is the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
The news article explicitly states that Roger Hagger "allegedly used a shotgun to kill his long-time partner and two children" and the victims "were discovered dead from gunshot wounds inside their home."
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states that Roger Hagger "allegedly used a shotgun to kill his long-time partner and two children before turning the gun on himself Saturday." The children were shot with a shotgun, which constitutes an inflicted injury.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
The article's headline reads "Victim of apparent triple murder-suicide tried to end relationship, sheriff says." The article states Roger Hagger "allegedly used a shotgun to kill his long-time partner and two children before turning the gun on himself Saturday."
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The news article identifies Roger Kyle Hagger as the biological father of the children, stating "Clouse, Roger Hagger and their two children, Autumn Hagger, 13, and Mackenzie Hagger, 10, were discovered dead from gunshot wounds." The embedded image caption also refers to Roger as "The children's father." He is identified as the perpetrator who killed the children with a shotgun.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The article extensively discusses domestic violence in the context of this case. It quotes DV expert Chéree Thomas of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence: "When you are leaving the threat of domestic violence, that is the most dangerous times for you." The article further states: "The threat of domestic violence increases when one partner tries to leave an abusive relationship" and Thomas is quoted: "It's the ultimate act of power and control. Victims have been told if you ever try to leave me, I will hurt the kids or take the kids from you." The sheriff noted Clouse was "looking to leave the relationship and to get her and the children out," framing the incident as a domestic violence event.
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The news article contains several notable details not fully captured by the preceding questions. The sheriff stated that Cindy Clouse was actively packing to move out when the shootings occurred, noting "That may have been what sparked this tragic event." Both family members and detectives reported there were "no obvious signs of trouble before the incident." The Allegan County Sheriff also noted that "Domestic violence incidents have been increasing across Allegan County coming out of the pandemic in 2020," highlighting a systemic trend. Additionally, the article notes that autopsies on all four victims were still pending at the time of reporting, and that two children were killed in this same incident — Mackenzie Hagger (10) and her sister Autumn Hagger (13) — along with their mother.
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