A Calhoun County man accused of the tragic shooting death of Ofellia Baldwin, a beloved mother, entered a plea of “not guilty” during his arraignment on Friday, July 25, 2025. The case, which has shaken the Pennfield Township community, centers on a violent incident that has left residents mourning and seeking justice.

Kyle McNutt, 36, faces four felony charges in connection with the death of 34-year-old Ofellia Baldwin, a well-known and cherished member of the Calhoun County community. According to court records, McNutt was charged with:

– Open Murder
– Felony Firearm
– First-Degree Child Abuse
– Carrying a Concealed Weapon

The arraignment took place in a somber courtroom, with Baldwin’s family and supporters visibly emotional as the charges were read. McNutt’s plea of not guilty sets the stage for a complex legal battle as the community grapples with the loss of a devoted mother.

**Background of the Case**

The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, in Pennfield Township, near Gorsline Road and 12 Mile Road, northeast of Battle Creek. Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a shooting and found Ofellia Baldwin outside a home with a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries on June 13, 2025.

Court documents reveal that Baldwin and McNutt, who lived together, had been arguing on the day of the shooting. Baldwin’s 11-year-old son, who was present in the car along with her newborn baby boy during the incident, told investigators that his mother had grabbed McNutt’s gun and appeared to threaten self-harm before the weapon discharged. However, the boy’s father expressed concerns to authorities that McNutt may have coerced the child into claiming Baldwin shot herself, citing a history of alleged abuse. Court records indicate that McNutt had previously pointed a gun at Baldwin’s head, raising questions about the nature of their relationship and the events leading to her death.

The first-degree child abuse charge stems from the presence of Baldwin’s children during the shooting, highlighting the traumatic impact on the young witnesses. Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the children’s condition, citing privacy concerns.

Under Michigan law, the open murder charge allows prosecutors to pursue either first- or second-degree murder based on evidence presented at trial, providing flexibility as the case unfolds.

**Community Response and Ongoing Investigation**

Ofellia Baldwin, affectionately known as “Fellie” to her loved ones, was remembered as a devoted mother, an adventurous spirit, and a compassionate individual who loved cooking and cherished her children. Her family described her as someone who never held grudges and was deeply committed to those she loved. The community has rallied around her memory, holding vigils and memorials to honor her life and mourn her tragic loss.

Baldwin’s family has publicly stated that her death was the culmination of a pattern of domestic abuse, noting that she had attempted to leave McNutt just weeks before the shooting. Despite a “grand apology” from McNutt, Baldwin returned to him, a decision her mother, Sherri Baldwin, said followed hours of pleading to protect her daughter from the abusive relationship. Family members described Baldwin as becoming increasingly isolated, her vibrant personality fading under the strain of the relationship.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting, including any history of domestic violence or prior interactions between Baldwin and McNutt. McNutt fled to California after the incident but was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on June 27, 2025, on a four-count warrant. He was extradited to Michigan and booked into the Calhoun County Jail on July 25, 2025, where he remains without bond.

**Legal Process Moving Forward**

McNutt’s preliminary hearing is scheduled in the coming weeks, during which prosecutors will begin presenting evidence to support the charges. If convicted, McNutt faces severe penalties. The open murder charge carries the possibility of life imprisonment without parole if prosecutors pursue first-degree murder. The felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon charges each carry additional penalties, including mandatory prison time. The first-degree child abuse charge, a felony, could also result in up to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the allegations and the impact on the children involved.

Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert emphasized the broader issue of domestic violence in the region, noting that Calhoun County is home to the state’s second-largest domestic violence shelter, which is currently at capacity. The case has renewed calls for awareness and resources to support victims of domestic abuse.

**Call for Public Assistance**

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the events leading up to it to come forward. Community cooperation is seen as critical to ensuring justice for Ofellia Baldwin and her family. Tips can be provided to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 781-0880 or anonymously through Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888.

As the legal process unfolds, the Calhoun County community continues to honor Baldwin’s memory, offering support to her grieving family and advocating for accountability in this heartbreaking case. Her legacy endures through the love of her children, the memories of her vibrant spirit, and the collective resolve to seek justice in her name.