Saline, MI — The community of Saline is grieving after the devastating loss of Cindy Elmer Gochis, a 49-year-old woman who was found deceased in the basement of her residence on Elmwood Court on the morning of September 29, 2023. Police, responding to a missing person report, discovered her lifeless body, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.
The suspect, identified as a 55-year-old man believed to be a boyfriend or ex-boyfriend of the victim, reportedly fled the scene in the victim’s white Dodge Journey. Authorities swiftly coordinated efforts and, with the collaboration of Indiana law enforcement and the Department of Natural Resources, successfully located the suspect and the vehicle in Indiana. Unfortunately, the suspect sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is currently in critical condition, receiving medical care.
Cindy Gochis was last seen at the Saline McDonald’s restaurant around 3 a.m., according to information shared by a family member on Facebook. Her absence from work and lack of response to calls and messages prompted her co-worker to alert the police, initiating the missing person search. Police conducted an extensive search, pinging the victim’s cell phone to trace various locations, ultimately leading them to her residence.
This tragic incident marks the second domestic abuse-related death in the city in recent months, following the loss of Amber Jo Thomas in August. In the wake of these heartbreaking events, there are calls within the community to re-establish a domestic violence task force, emphasizing the urgency to address this pressing issue and work collectively to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The community joins in mourning Cindy Gochis, offering condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched, and efforts to address domestic violence will continue in her honor.
