UPDATE: Police identify couple in Marysville shooting
The owner of the Jump N Jam in Marysville was killed by her husband in a shooting Saturday evening.
Cheryl Myny, 32, of Kimball Township, was shot by her husband, Matthew Pilarowski, 34, following an argument, said Marysville Police Deputy Chief Ron Buckmaster.
“Witnesses saw them arguing earlier in the day in the parking lot,” Buckmaster said. “After our investigation it appears there were some marital problems.”
Police were called to Jump N Jam, 3198 Gratiot, around 5:30 p.m. Saturday after Matthew Pilarowski showed up at the business and pulled out a gun. Witnesses said Cheryl Myny tried to get away, but her husband shot her.
She was transported to Lake Huron Medical Center where she later died.
Following the shooting, witness statements led officers to a Kimball Township home where the suspect’s vehicle was located. After obtaining a search warrant, the St. Clair County Sheriff Special Response Team entered the home where they found Matthew Pilarowski dead.
The 4-year-old daughter of the couple and Myny's 9-year-old son are currently staying with family. Both were at Jump N Jam at the time of the shooting.
No other injuries were reported.
Buckmaster said his condolences go out to the families and to everyone who was traumatized by the event.
“There was a birthday party going on with about two dozen people at the business at the time,” Buckmaster said. “Luckily most people were in the back room, but some people were in the front where it happened, playing games. A couple employees witnessed it, a patron witnessed it.”
Mayrsville Public Safety Chief Tom Konik said this morning he is visiting local schools that the couple's children attended, as well as those attended by children at the scene of the shooting. He said a community meeting is being planned for this evening.
Marysville Public Schools posted on Facebook:
"The District is saddened by the senseless shooting that took place in one of our local businesses this weekend and recognizes how difficult the situation may be for some of our students, parents, and community members. In an effort to ease emotions, the District will be working closely with the Marysville Police Department and St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH) to provide any emotional support needed. Consequently, social workers/counselors will be available in the District on Monday, November 13, 2017, to assist as needed."
Buckmaster said during the investigation police confiscated everything, including the coats and shoes of the children at the birthday party. Families that were at the business on Saturday can pick up the items from the Marysville Police Department now that the scene is clear.
An account has been established to collect donations for Myny's children. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/support-cheryls-childrens-future.
According to its Facebook page, Jump N Jam offers inflatable bouncers, obstacle courses, inflatable boxing rings, slides, toddler zone, a full arcade with redemption prizes, a private party room and summer camps.
Mattie Haacke was at the facility for her daughter’s fifth birthday party earlier in the day, before the shooting occurred. She said she didn’t believe it at first when reports started coming out about a shooting at the business.
“Just so sad, and my heart goes out to everyone there,” said Haacke, of Lexington.
Haacke said it was her first time visiting the Jump N Jam and she had planned to come back for another visit.
“It was amazing. It was awesome. Their helpers were great. It really exceeded our expectations,” she said. “I can’t believe it, and I’m devastated for them. The people who had to witness it, the children … I still can’t fathom we were there and that had happened in a couple hours.”
Contact Liz Shepard at (810) 989-6273 or lshepard@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @lvshepard. Reporter Nicole Hayden contributed to this report.