A Michigan father has pleaded guilty after admitting he killed his 17-year-old son and seriously injured two of his other children during a shooting inside the family home in 2025.
Jeffrey Smerer, 45, entered guilty pleas Tuesday to several charges connected to the attack, according to court records.
Authorities said the shooting happened on the same morning Smerer was scheduled for a court proceeding related to an earlier indecent exposure case.
Teen Son Killed in Shooting
Investigators said Smerer used a .380 handgun to shoot his 17-year-old son, Kayleb Smerer, who died from his injuries.
Two other children, 13-year-old Bentley Smerer and 12-year-old Kinzley Smerer, survived but suffered critical injuries.
Court records stated that Smerer had allegedly been planning the attack for about a week before carrying it out.
Suspect Also Attempted Suicide
According to investigators, Smerer also attempted to kill himself after shooting the children.
Police said he cut his wrist and took multiple forms of medication before trying to use the gun on himself.
However, Smerer later told authorities the firearm jammed before he could complete the act.
Officials said he was eventually disarmed by his wife and 19-year-old son, who were also inside the home at the time.
Suspect Said He Was Stressed Over Court Case
During questioning, Smerer reportedly told police he had been stressed about sentencing connected to a 2020 indecent exposure charge.
Investigators said he feared he might go to jail.
Court testimony revealed that Smerer woke up early on the morning of the shooting, retrieved a handgun from a safe beneath his bed, and entered the children’s bedroom.
A detective testified that Smerer allegedly spoke to himself in the bathroom mirror before carrying out the shooting.
Police Describe Details of Attack
According to testimony, investigators said Smerer targeted the children while they were still in bed preparing for school.
Police said one child was reportedly under a blanket using a cellphone when the shooting happened.
Investigators also stated that Smerer admitted he planned to kill the children before taking his own life.
Guilty Plea Entered Without Deal
Court records show Jeffrey Smerer pleaded guilty without accepting a plea agreement from prosecutors.
He pleaded guilty to:
| Charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Open Murder | 1 |
| Assault With Intent to Commit Murder | 2 |
| First-Degree Child Abuse | 2 |
| Felony Firearm Use | 5 |
Authorities said Smerer could face five life sentences.
Sentencing Scheduled for June
Jeffrey Smerer is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29.
The tragic case has deeply shocked the local community as surviving family members continue recovering from the devastating attack.
