A late-night argument in AuSable Township, Michigan, ended with the death of 31-year-old James Thomas Ragen IV on October 6, 2025. Officers responded just before 11 p.m. to a report of a gunshot at the Second Street home James shared with his wife. He was found with a single gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:13 p.m.

James was a father of four and an Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Police say his wife, 32-year-old Melissa Christine Ragen, told investigators she and James were arguing when she retrieved a .357 caliber revolver and shot him. Melissa Ragen was arrested, charged with open murder and felony firearm, arraigned in the 81st District Court for Iosco County, pleaded not guilty, and is being held without bond. A probable cause conference was set for October 14 and a preliminary examination for October 28.

Does anyone in the area have information about the Ragen family or the events that led up to that night?