Arrest Made in Murder of Kalamazoo Michigan Security Officer
KALAMAZOO, Mich. April 18, 2025— The suspected shooter and another individual have been arrested Thursday in connection to the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Montine Wiley, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).
Wiley was shot Saturday at Kalamazoo’s Green Door Distilling on East North Street while he worked as a security guard at a private event.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wiley’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” KDPS said. “We are also grateful to the community for their assistance and support throughout the investigation.”
Wiley had gotten into an altercation with a customer when he was shot, according to public safety officers.
“His motto was always, ‘we’re going to get home to our families, we got to get home to our families,’ and then to see that my son lost his life to this coward, you took my baby’s life,” Taneka Dumas, Wiley’s mother, said in an interview earlier this week with News Channel 3.
Saturday’s private event was booked by a DJ, whose name is not being disclosed while the investigation is active, according to public safety officers.
Per Green Door Distilling, the agreement was for an after-gathering that followed an event at the Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Student Center.
A WMU spokesperson told News Channel 3 that none of their organizations were involved.
Capacity limitations were “explicitly communicated and agreed upon by the host,” according to Green Door Distilling.
However, a large crowd began forming outside the venue and got out of control.
According to police, a flier was shared online by the DJ, and promoted the event using Green Door Distilling’s address.
Staff then called KDPS at 10:57 p.m. Saturday, asking for help managing the crowd.
By 11:09 p.m., public safety officers were on scene and told Green Door staff to make an announcement to attendees, which was done by 11:11 p.m., according to the distillery.
“During this time, the host’s hired security personnel were actively working to manage the situation, including limiting entry as the venue reached capacity and addressing a disruptive individual,” Green Door Distilling leadership said.
Less than a minute after the announcement was made, police said the shooting happened in the business’ parking lot.
Wiley, a gun violence prevention advocate, was shot in the chest and was taken to the hospital, but later died.
Wiley’s father, who was also working security that night, heard the single gunshot that killed his son.
“This is hard, I mean, he didn’t deserve it,” Montine Wiley Sr. said. “He’s a father, but he didn’t deserve to die like that.”
It is unknown what charges are anticipated to be filed against the unnamed individual, and when they are expected to appear in court for their arraignment.
