East Lansing, Mich. – Authorities have identified the two homicide victims discovered inside a freezer at Coolidge Place Townhomes on November 7, 2024, as Susan Barbara Weerawat, 76, and Pramort Weerawat, 72. The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) confirmed that the remains of both individuals were found in a severely deteriorated state, complicating the investigation.
Jason Weerawat, 37, the couple’s son, has been named the sole suspect in the deaths. Police confirmed that Jason Weerawat took his own life in Detroit in July 2024, but investigators have indicated that the case is far from closed. According to Lieutenant Adrian Ojerio of the ELPD, the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to sift through evidence, including the contents of phones and computers, to determine if there are additional leads to pursue.
“Though the suspect is deceased, we still need to follow through with our due diligence and review all available evidence to ensure there are no remaining leads to investigate,” Lt. Ojerio stated.
At the time of the discovery, Jason Weerawat was initially classified as a person of interest. However, further analysis of electronic evidence led investigators to upgrade his status to that of a suspect. Despite the progress made in identifying the victims, the medical examiner has been unable to determine the exact cause of death for Susan and Pramort Weerawat due to the advanced state of decomposition of their bodies. An autopsy report is still pending.
While the investigation progresses, neighbors in the area have expressed shock and confusion. Andrew Whitney, a neighbor who witnessed the authorities remove the bodies from the residence, said the events surrounding the case have left the community with more questions than answers.
“It’s been a little while since we’ve gotten information,” Whitney said, recalling the traumatic experience of seeing police activity unfold. “We hear little bits at a time, and everything we get makes this stranger and more confusing than before.”
Whitney also noted that, despite the tragic events, he never saw more than one person living in the townhome. He remarked on the peculiar nature of the situation, noting how unsettling it is to think of a crime of such magnitude occurring just a few doors away.
“Not knowing is what’s so uncomfortable at this point,” Whitney added, expressing his desire for clarity regarding the investigation.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who may have had contact with the Weerawat family over the last decade to come forward. Detective Jason Cotton of the East Lansing Police Department is seeking any relevant information that may aid in the case.
“The identification of the victims and the evidence recovered so far will help our partner agencies as they continue their work,” Lt. Ojerio said. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to understand the full scope of what transpired.”
For anyone with information, the East Lansing Police Department encourages individuals to contact Detective Cotton at (contact information not provided).
The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement following up on all leads to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
