2003 Second Quarter Winners — Detector

Winner Second Quarter Detector 2003
Region 19 Officer Mark Brayton &
K9 Clifford – Ann Arbor, MI Police Department

On April 24, 2003, Ann Arbor Police Officer Mark Brayton and his partner K9 Clifford responded to assist Canton and Belleville Police Departments investigating a Homicide/ Suicide investigation. Belleville had obtained information that led them to search the suspect's property for the remains of his 17-year-old daughter. Information indicated the suspect had also murdered his daughter in November 2001.

Officer Brayton and K9 Clifford (a certified team in cadaver detection) began checking the grounds for evidence of the victim. K9 Clifford was showing general interest outside of the main residence near an addition to the house. On entering the basement, K9 Clifford began indicating aggressively near a block wall that was covered with hung plywood. The plywood covering was removed and revealed 10-12 newer cinder block, which was not original construction material. The Michigan State Police Crime Lab and Belleville officers knocked a hole in the wall that revealed a large room. The discovered room contained personnel items of a young female and toys, dolls, nightstand and a TV. In the corner was a large wooden container that was covered with dirt & debris.

The area was further excavated on the outside to reveal a 6x12 foot cement slab room nearly a foot below ground level. The wooden box (taken the width of the room) was further examined. The investigation revealed the box was separated into two sections. The box covered with a large amount of soil was found to contain more soil over a plywood covering a large amount of cement which was on top of another wooden box constructed of 2x4's and sealed. Inside this makeshift coffin was more dirt covering a comforter that held the body of the missing daughter.

With the assistance of Ann Arbor Police Officer Mark Brayton & K9 Clifford investigators were able to solve this heinous crime. This successful search was sad but resulted in closure and the solving of the disappearance of a 17-year-old female.