Police investigating first murder this year in Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - The Royal Oak Police Department is investigating its first homicide this year. A woman was killed early Monday morning and now the man she lived with is being questioned.

"Around 3 a.m. my dogs started going crazy and I got up. About 3:30 I brought them outside and that's when I noticed the police were all over me with three flashlights and stuff and just told me to stay right there," says neighbor Bruce Simon.

He isn't the only person who lives in the neighborhood that woke up to a police presence. Patrol cars remained stationed outside a home while investigators were on scene at the 800 block of Altadena Avenue, which is near Gardenia Avenue between Main Street and Campbell Road.

"There was a female victim in the house; she's now deceased. There was a male resident in the house, also. Right now, we're just trying to figure out what happened," Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan O'Donohue tells FOX 2's Robin Murdoch. He added that this is the first homicide investigation for his department this year.

Neighbors who have lived here for years say they can't believe crime tape now lines their block. They also showed concern after seeing some blood on the driveway of the home. Police say the blood is because the woman was treated by emergency crews outside the home. She died later at a nearby hospital.

"She was a very nice young lady. I didn't know her real well, but I knew her well enough to say hi to her. I know people on her block that knew her very well and they're just mortified," says neighbor Charlene Ludwig.

"It's scary. We never had any trouble out here that I know of. It's scary," says Simon.

Police have not released the victim's name as of yet or what may have prompted Monday morning's shooting. They plan to remain out here for the next several hours, and until more is known those who call this area home will be waiting and wondering.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 2 throughout the day for updates.