SAGINAW, MI — Nearly two years after a fatal highway shooting, a Genesee County man has been charged in connection with the death of a retired teacher from Bay City Public Schools.
Suspect Arraigned on Multiple Charges
Authorities say 23-year-old Bryce D. Rowley of Swartz Creek was arrested by the Michigan State Police on April 7, 2026. He was arraigned the following day in Saginaw on several charges, including:
- Open murder
- Discharging a firearm from a vehicle
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Two counts of felony firearm
A judge denied bond on the murder charge, citing concerns about public safety.
Victim Identified as Retired Teacher
The charges stem from the May 17, 2024, killing of 80-year-old John R. Strachan, a longtime educator who previously worked for Bay City Public Schools.
Investigators say Strachan was driving northbound on Interstate 75 near Buena Vista Township when he was shot around 4:45 a.m. He was later found inside his vehicle with gunshot wounds.
Evidence Links Suspect to Victim
Prosecutors allege that surveillance footage and cellphone data place Rowley with the victim shortly before the shooting. However, officials have not disclosed details about their relationship or where they were seen together.
Authorities have also indicated the incident was not random, though a motive has not been publicly confirmed.
Previous Murder Case Dismissed
This is not the first time Rowley has faced a murder charge in Saginaw County.
He was previously accused in the October 2024 shooting death of another man. That case was dismissed after a key witness failed to recall earlier statements made to police during court testimony.
Next Court Appearance Scheduled
Rowley is expected to return to court for a preliminary examination on April 22, where a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.