Authorities in Bedford Township, Michigan, have confirmed that Ryne Leist, aged 33, went to the home of Gwendolyn Smith, a teenager he previously coached, on June 14. He tragically shot her multiple times before turning the gun on himself, leaving a community in mourning and confusion about the reasons behind this horrific act.

Despite the investigations, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding Leist’s motives and the nature of his relationship with the young girl. Authorities have yet to clarify whether any deeper connection existed beyond his role as a volunteer coach for her bowling team.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough addressed reporters during a press conference, stating, “Details about their relationship remain unclear at this time.” He further noted that the victim did “not view the relationship between the two as romantic,” which adds another layer of complexity to this tragic story.

According to The New York Post, the victim’s father discovered concerning messages that the coach had allegedly sent to his daughter prior to the shooting. These details were shared in a Facebook group dedicated to discussions about Bedford Township, raising further questions about the relationship dynamics at play.

“I’ve seen enough of the emails he sent my daughter before he killed her to understand it’s not speculation,” he remarked on June 16 in response to a post about the double-shooting, after someone suggested that others should refrain from jumping to conclusions. “He deserves to rot in a special hell,” he expressed, showing the depth of his anger and grief over the loss.

Sheriff Goodnough confirmed that Leist and Smith had been in communication just five days prior to the tragic murder-suicide. However, he stated he could not elaborate on the specifics of their exchanges at this time. He emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting that the two were involved in any romantic relationship, which further complicates the investigation into their interactions.

In an update provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office regarding this troubling case, officials sought to clarify misinformation that had been circulating, particularly the claims that Leist was employed as a coach at Bedford Public Schools. In fact, he was identified as a “volunteer” coach at a local bowling alley where the school teams practiced, according to Sheriff Goodnough.

Moreover, CBS affiliate WTOL reported that numerous photographs surfaced online, allegedly from the Bedford High School 2024-25 yearbook, showcasing “Coach Ryan” alongside the school’s bowling team, which includes Gwendolyn Smith among the members, indicating a visible connection between them.

During his press conference aimed at clearing up the confusion surrounding Leist’s role, Sheriff Goodnough acknowledged that “an image did indeed emerge of him with the Bowling Team in the 2024-2025 yearbook.” However, he clarified that while Leist was a coach for the club, he was not a paid employee of the school district, underscoring his status as a “volunteer.”

Sheriff Goodnough further explained that Leist had been employed by Forestview Lanes, the establishment where the team practiced, but noted that he was no longer employed there at the time of the shooting. The sheriff mentioned that Leist had resigned a “short time period” before the tragic murder-suicide, but authorities have yet to determine the reasons behind his departure.

Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Carl Schultz reflected on Smith’s tragic passing, describing her as “an extraordinary young lady” in a heartfelt Facebook post shared on the school’s page. “Gwen was a bright student who excelled academically, and her talents extended well beyond the classroom, showcasing her vibrant personality,” he expressed.

“She was a passionate artist involved in our music programs and a standout athlete on our bowling team,” he continued. “Most importantly, Gwen will be remembered for her kindness, her radiant spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her, leaving behind cherished memories for her friends and family.”

He also shared a link to a GoFundMe page he created to support the grieving family. “This tragic and senseless loss cannot be justified. It has deeply shaken our entire Bedford community, and our hearts and prayers extend to Gwen’s family and the numerous friends whose lives she touched profoundly,” he wrote on that page, emphasizing the community’s grief.

“In times like these, we are reminded of the strength and compassion inherent in the Bedford community,” Schultz added. “Let us unite to honor Gwen’s memory and support one another through the pain of this tremendous loss, embodying the love that she shared with us all.”

In an explanation regarding the establishment of the GoFundMe page, Schultz told CBS affiliate WTOL, “I felt compelled to genuinely assist them and ensure they had the necessary resources to manage their needs due to this horrific tragedy.”

“I am always a parent first, and an educator second, but as a parent, I do not know how you rise up the next day,” he continued, expressing deep empathy for the family. “And they’re incredibly strong, doing everything they can to hold it all together, but I was just trying to help as much as I could during this difficult time.”

“It’s been a challenging four and a half days,” Sheriff Goodnough stated during his press conference. “We are here today to provide the community with some answers, to assure them that there is no ongoing danger to them. We will, as with every investigation that the sheriff’s office undertakes, conduct a thorough and detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”