Calhoun County, Michigan – July 25, 2025 – A Calhoun County man accused of killing a local mother has entered a plea of “not guilty” in connection with the tragic and deeply unsettling shooting of Ofellia Baldwin, a mother whose death has left the community in shock and mourning.
Kyle McNutt, 36, was formally arraigned on Friday and faces four serious criminal charges stemming from the fatal incident. According to court records obtained by News Channel 3, McNutt is charged with:
- Open Murder
- Felony Firearm
- First-Degree Child Abuse
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
During the court proceedings, McNutt entered a not guilty plea to all charges. The courtroom was somber as family members and supporters of the victim listened to the reading of the charges, visibly emotional as the details were recounted.
Background of the Case
While the full timeline and motive remain under investigation, the case centers on the shooting death of Ofellia Baldwin, a well-known mother and resident of Calhoun County. Law enforcement officials responded to a disturbance involving gunfire earlier this year, and Baldwin was found fatally wounded at the scene. She was later pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts.
The first-degree child abuse charge suggests that a child—believed to be present at the time of the incident—may have been placed in harm’s way or suffered trauma directly or indirectly related to the violence. Authorities have not yet released further details about the child’s condition or relationship to either Baldwin or McNutt, citing the sensitivity and privacy concerns of the case.
The open murder charge, under Michigan law, allows the prosecution to pursue either first- or second-degree murder based on the evidence presented at trial.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The loss of Ofellia Baldwin has deeply impacted friends, neighbors, and members of the Calhoun County community. Vigils and memorials have been held in her honor, as loved ones remember her as a devoted mother, friend, and compassionate individual whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including any potential history of domestic issues or prior interactions between Baldwin and McNutt. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about specific evidence but confirmed that McNutt was arrested shortly after the incident and has remained in custody since.
Legal Process Moving Forward
McNutt remains held at the Calhoun County Jail without bond as he awaits further court proceedings. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled, during which prosecutors are expected to begin presenting their case.
If convicted, McNutt faces the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the open murder charge alone. The felony firearm and concealed weapon charges carry additional sentencing implications, and the first-degree child abuse charge is also a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the allegations.
The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office has not issued a public comment on the plea but reiterated that their office is committed to ensuring justice for Ofellia Baldwin and protecting the rights of all victims, especially children.
Call for Public Assistance
Investigators are asking that anyone with further information about the events leading up to the shooting or who may have witnessed anything unusual prior to the incident come forward. Community cooperation may play a key role in ensuring that justice is served.
Tips can be provided to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office or anonymously through Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to rally around Baldwin’s family, offering support, prayers, and a collective call for justice. Her memory lives on through the voices of those who knew and loved her—and through the determination of those working to ensure accountability for the tragedy that took her life.
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