On the evening of December 16, 2023, a break-in call from a home on Algonquin Street in Battle Creek ended with two people shot. Police found 22-year-old Veronica Jean Cica dead at the scene and her father, 44-year-old Steven Douglas Cica Jr., critically wounded; Steven died the next day, December 17, 2023. Earlier that afternoon officers had been called to the same address for reports of vandalism and a fight, and the person involved had left before police arrived.

Authorities identified 22-year-old Todd Edward Bolden Jr. as the suspect; he surrendered to police on December 17 and was charged with two counts of open murder and one count of carrying a firearm in the commission of a crime. Bolden pleaded not guilty at his December 18, 2023 arraignment and bond was denied. The killings were the 11th and 12th homicides in Battle Creek for 2023.

Steven was described as a devoted family man who worked at Motus Integrated Technologies and enjoyed grilling, video games, and time with his children. Does anyone who knew Steven or Veronica have information that could help clarify what happened that night?