44-year-old Jeff Smerer Arrested After Shooting Three Children, One Dead

PORT HURON, Mich. — A Port Huron man has been taken into custody after allegedly shooting his three children early Thursday morning, leaving one dead and two critically injured.

Authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Jeff Smerer, who was arrested following the tragic incident at the Glenview Court Apartments near Krafft Road and 24th Avenue (M-25).

Police say the shooting occurred around 6 a.m. on September 11. According to investigators, Smerer opened fire on his children inside the apartment.

• 17-year-old Kayleb Smerer was pronounced dead.

• A 13-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl were rushed to the hospital and remain in critical condition.

Officials credited the children’s mother and older brother with intervening during the attack. They reportedly wrestled with the father to stop him from inflicting further harm.

Police arrived quickly on the scene and took Smerer into custody without further incident.

The Port Huron Police Department confirmed the investigation is ongoing and said additional details, including potential charges, will be released later.

This tragedy has shaken the community, with neighbors describing the events as “horrific” and “unthinkable.” Local officials are urging residents to keep the surviving children and their family in their thoughts as they fight for their lives in the hospital.