Two killed in Grand Haven jewelry store shooting

Two people are dead after a shooting occurred at a jewelry store in downtown Grand Haven.  

It happened around 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at RK Jewelers on Washington Ave. between 2nd and 3rd Street.  

Police tell Newschannel 3 they have identified the victims, 61-year-old Robert Karell, the owner of the jewelry store, and his business associate 77-year-old Louis Paparella, of Muskegon.  Both died of gunshot wounds to the head.

Police say Karell had recently been buying large amounts of gold jewelry and coins, and are looking into whether that had anything to do with the shooting.  

Because large amounts of jewelry were left behind after the shooting, police do not believe the suspect was attempting to rob the store.  

State police will continue to help Grand Haven Police with the investigation.
Source: wwmt

Worried about jewelry crime? Try networking

To make sure that jewelers keep their eyes and ears open about security incidents involving their peers, the Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA) has partnered with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. and Jewelers of America to organize hundreds of local crime-prevention networks.

Jewelers who are members of the local networks will share with other member jewelers information on crimes, suspects and suspicious circumstances, and will also work closely with local police.

Retailers who are interested in joining can ask the JSA to mail them a copy of a 25-page booklet entitled "A Guide for Organizing Local Crime Prevention Networks of Jewelers and Police," and a 24-minute DVD entitled "Jewelry Crime for Law Enforcement," that can be shared with local police personnel.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork