KEELER TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the victim in the breaking and entering turned homicide was 55-year-old art teacher with Dowagiac Union Schools, Gloria White. 

"Uniform Response was dispatched to a Break-in in Progress in Keeler Township," the VBCSO said. "The caller advised dispatchers her son was breaking-in and gave dispatchers his name prior to him gaining entry. While numerous agencies where enroute, he gained entry and took her life. He was taken into custody shortly after law enforcement arrived on scene and set up a perimeter in the neighborhood. I would ask that you keep the family in your prayers as well as everyone involved with the call."

White was arraigned Friday in 7th East District Court in Paw Paw on a charge of Open Murder and First-Degree Home Invasion. His bond was set at $2 million.

Message from Dowagiac Union School Superintendent Greg Blomgren:

Dear Parents,

We have some very sad news to share with you as a school community. As you may have already heard, elementary teacher Gloria White, died early this morning at her home.

At this time, we do not have further details to share with you as we are still gathering information from the emergency response teams. We would encourage you to have a discussion about this with your student(s) and help dispel any rumors out of respect for Gloria and her family.

Members of the Crisis Response Team are available to provide support for our students as they feel the need to do so. The Team will be available in all buildings and our teachers will be putting forth a tremendous effort in the coming days and weeks to support our students.

As we work through grief and treasured memories of our beloved art teacher, let’s stand together and surround her classroom and building staff members with love and support.

Thank you again for taking the time to remember family members and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and district family during this difficult time.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the building principal or me.

Sincerely,
Greg Blomgren
Superintendent