On October 12, in LaSalle, Illinois, a 25-year-old nursing student from the University of Michigan-Flint, was abducted and tragically shot dead by her ex-boyfriend, a medical resident from Holly, Michigan.
Dr. Justin Wendling, 26, subsequently committed suicide in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Gina Nicole Bryant was reported missing on October 12 when she did not return to her job as a medical assistant after her lunch break. Surveillance videos later showed Wendling at her home leading her to his car, which became the initial evidence linking him to her disappearance.
The next day, Wendling confessed his crime to his parents and conveyed his intention to end his life. Based on this confession, law enforcement intensified their search.
Surveillance at a LaSalle truck stop around 12:00 am provided additional clues about the events. Wendling then fled to Bettendorf, Iowa. As officers approached his vehicle there, he took his own life.
Before these harrowing events, Bryant and Wendling had shared a seemingly typical romantic relationship, living together for almost a year. Yet, behind the scenes were unsettling allegations of abuse. In late September, after learning of Bryant’s distressing account of ongoing abuse, Bryant’s family intervened, relocating her from the apartment she shared with Wendling in Grand Blanc Township.
Angelica Gintner, Bryant’s older sister, celebrated her late sister’s legacy. She recalled Bryant as a compassionate soul, always ready to help others. Gintner emphasized Bryant’s radiant personality, noting how even a simple smile from her could brighten anyone’s day.
In her academic journey, Bryant had distinguished herself, graduating cum laude from Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights in 2016. She subsequently attended Grand Valley State University, completing her studies in 2020. At the time of her tragic passing, Bryant was enrolled in an accelerated bachelor of science nursing program at UM-Flint.
The university’s nursing dean, Cynthia McCurren, lamented the loss of such a promising student. In a message to the university community, she highlighted the profound effects of such tragedies.