No one ever really thinks it will happen in their own backyard. You watch it on TV, read about it in novels, see in in blockbuster movies. It happens in New York, or Detroit, or Los Angeles.

But you never expect a double homicide to happen in a small town like Niles.

When Carolyn and John Tarwacki were brutally killed in their Carberry Road home on Feb. 5, it came as a shock to the community. It is not believed to be a murder-suicide, or an accident, or a case of mistaken identity. It was an all-out murder of an unlikely couple.

And today, there is still a suspect – authorities believe one person was involved – running loose. Not to cause panic or paranoia in the community, but does this concern anyone else? Sure, maybe it is possible the killer has since fled the area, and perhaps hasn’t even been here since the crime was committed.

However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a case to be solved. What happened to the Tarwackis? Who was this person who wanted them dead so badly? What causes a person to commit a double-homicide?

Police have issued a person of interest sketch and a vehicle of interest description; however, the numerous tips from the public have led nowhere. Authorities believe the suspect is a male, and knew the Tarwackis.

I believe that law enforcement is doing the best they can to find the perpetrator and close this case. This has been said before, but it can never be reiterated enough – please give the Michigan State Police any information you may have regarding this case or what you saw the morning of Feb. 5. Something you may have written off as nothing could be a helpful tip for investigators.

Although some may see this as another unsolved murder case, the Tarwacki family does not. They see this as the tragic loss of two beloved family members and an open wound that will take a long time to heal.

But the Tarwackis’ legacy lives on. The McKnight Tarwacki Music Scholarship has been established at Southwestern Michigan College, and a benefit concert for the fund will be held Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. with the SMC Brass Band, Lance LaDuke and William Camp.

Katie Johnson is the managing editor of the Niles Daily Star, Cassopolis Vigilant and Edwardsburg Argus. She can be reached at (269) 687-7713 or at katie.johnson@leaderpub. com.