Bowling coach contacted girl prior to murder-suicide, father states

Tragedy in Bedford Township: Coach Allegedly Kills Student

A bowling coach from Michigan is facing serious allegations following the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl, Gwendolyn Smith, at her home. Her father, Levy Smith, claims that the coach sent inappropriate messages to his daughter prior to the incident.

The small community in Bedford Township, located about an hour south of Detroit, has been in shock since Ryne Leist allegedly shot Gwendolyn multiple times. This occurred on June 14, and the news has prompted a heated discussion on social media.

As the community engaged in a debate on Facebook, some pointed to concerns about Leist’s behavior. Amidst the discourse, Levy Smith interjected his thoughts, stating, “I’ve seen enough to know this isn’t mere speculation before he sends his daughter and then kills her.”

Levi expressed his outrage further, saying that Leist, 33, “deserves to be corrupted in a special hell.”

Leist, who volunteered as a bowling coach at Bedford High School, was in a position where he had contact with the team, including Gwendolyn. According to authorities, he was found at her stepfather’s home when the stepfather returned around 6 PM and discovered both Gwendolyn and Leist.

Gwendolyn was described by many as a “kind” and “talented” individual who had just graduated from high school two weeks prior to the incident.

In the wake of this tragedy, former friends and classmates began to share their experiences with Leist. One individual, Monica McKenzie, mentioned, “I remember him being lonely,” while Kara Thornton, who had known Leist since she was 15, shared her unsettling memories. “He tattooed my name on his arm even though we never dated,” she said. “He always seemed to be pursuing minors.”

Thornton added that Leist had expressed interest in photography, but it was concerning how he wanted to take nude photos of young women. “Looking back, I find it hard to believe I thought everything was fine,” she reflected.

Authorities are still investigating whether Leist had entered the victim’s stepfather’s home without permission. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Gwendolyn did not view her relationship with Leist as romantic.

The prosecutor’s office has classified Gwendolyn’s death as murder, while Leist’s death has been ruled a suicide. Leist had recently resigned from his coaching position, a role he took on through local bowling alley connections.