Family, Investigator Say Mother's Death Murder Not Suicide

The daughter of JoAnn Romain, a Grosse Pointe Woods woman found dead in the Detroit River nearly four years ago, joined with a private investigator Wednesday to state they belief she was murdered, according to a report on WJBK-TV.

The body of Romain was found in the near Boblo Island more than two months after she was reported missing. According to the report, investigators say her death was a suicide. 

Romain's car was found at St. Paul Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, and footprints were found leading from the church to Lake St. Clair. 

Michelle Romain told the station that she believes her mother was abducted, chloroformed and thrown into the water. 

Investigator Scott Lewis was hired to review evidence, which he included Joann's purse that was torn, but not missing any items. Additionally, there was an autopsy that showed she had contusions to her arm.

Lewis added that witnesses saw a man in black clothing where Romain entered the lake. 

He also believes the crime scene was staged, and joined with the Michigan State Police to investigate the case.