Marisa Oberle

Grand Rapids

Reporter at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Articles

Man sentenced for New Year's Eve 2023 shooting inside Wyoming Walmart

Jan 9, 2025 | fox17online.com | Zac Harmon |Marisa Oberle

WYOMING, Mich. — The man who opened fire inside a crowed store on New Year's Eve 2023 will spend more than a decade behind bars. Latrell Young was sentenced Thursday to a minimum of 13 years in prison with a maximum of 22 years. The 22-year-old was convicted in October for firing 10 shots inside the Walmart off 54th Street in Wyoming. Investigators say Young and another suspect, Camrin Carpenter, tried to steal the cell phone of another man in the store.
Boyfriend takes plea deal, admits to dumping woman's body on US-131

Sep 23, 2024 | fox17online.com | Zac Harmon |Marisa Oberle |Michael E. Martin

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The man accused of killing his girlfriend and dumping her body on the side of a busy Grand Rapids freeway took a plea deal offered by the prosecutor. Brandon Ortiz-Vite pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, carjacking, illegal carrying of a concealed weapon, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The 25-year-old was the prime suspect in the death of Ruby Garcia. Garcia's body was found late in the night on March 22.
How a new rule on the gun show 'loophole' would impact West MI

Apr 11, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

MICHIGAN (WXMI) — Tens of thousands of firearm dealers across the country will now be required to run background checks on buyers. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) finalized a new rule, which mandates people who sell guns online, by mail, or at a flea markets and firearm shows verify their buyers can legally purchase a gun.
How a new rule on the gun show 'loophole' would impact West MI

Apr 11, 2024 | myumi.ch | Marisa Oberle

MICHIGAN (WXMI) — Tens of thousands of firearm dealers across the country will now be required to run background checks on buyers. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) finalized a new rule, which mandates people who sell guns online, by mail, or at flea markets and firearm shows verify their buyers can legally purchase guns.
How the new EPA rule on PFAS could impact West Michigan water systems

Apr 10, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Drinking water safety advocates believe a new rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will protect people’s health, but note a likely minimal impact on providers in West Michigan. On Wednesday, the EPA announced drinking water standards, which set limits on six PFAS for the first time ever. “It's been swept under the rug and pushed aside for far too long,” said Tony Spaniola, the co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network.
'Don’t want to see this happen again'; Family of Newaygo boy killed pushes for gun safety

Apr 9, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

NEWAYGO, Mich. — The parents of a Newaygo boy shot and killed by a relative last week called his death preventable. On Tuesday, FOX17 spoke to Domynic Dykstra, who identified his son Braxton, 5, as the victim of the incident. “He was definitely a jokester. He liked making people laugh,” said Dykstra. “He learned how to ride a bike before his eight year old sister.”Dykstra remembered his son as a daredevil with a bright smile. He leaves behind three siblings in addition to his parents.
'A human right to be safe': Nessel, state lawmakers hold roundtable with GR domestic violence organization

Apr 8, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On Monday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state lawmakers met with a West Michigan organization that helps Latinx individuals in unhealthy relationships. “It's so important for the Latino community to have a voice,” said Andrea Inosteroza, the founder and director of Puertas Abiertas. Inosteroza created the nonprofit organization in 2019. It offers therapy, support groups and other services to Latinx women and men impacted by domestic violence.
WMU program looks to reform juvenile justice system through youth voice

Apr 7, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle |Western Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Amid the noise, Manuel Messan believes a greater sound should be heard. “A big part of it is teaching us how to be advocates and realizing we have a voice and we can use it, especially for people that don’t,” said Messan, a senior at Portage Northern High School. Massan explains two years ago, he joined Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows program. His childhood in Illinois pushed him to do so.
'Hugely helpful': How virtual reality is helping Life EMS paramedics

Apr 4, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A first-of-its-kind partnership allows paramedics in West Michigan to train for life or death scenarios without the real world consequences of a mistake. This week, Life EMS Ambulance announced the use of virtual reality technology in its educational curriculum through a partnership with VRpatients, an Ohio-based company. “We have mannequins where we can do simulations, which is excellent for having muscle memory and being able to touch and perform procedures.
'I didn't feel like I had any support': Black students create task force to boost retention at GVSU

Apr 2, 2024 | fox17online.com | Marisa Oberle

ALLENDALE, Mich. — A group at Grand Valley State University wants the school to do more to support its African American students. Data shows GVSU struggles to keep them past their first year, and those behind the effort believe it will stay that way until administrators act. Grand Valley students, faculty and members of its leadership team came together Tuesday evening for a town hall about retention, representation and racism on campus.