What we know about the Washtenaw County burglary that led to the murder of a complete stranger

PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI. – A man got into an argument with his family before breaking into the home of complete strangers, killing a woman and injuring a man and a dog, officials said.

Here's what we know about this case.

Burglary in Pittsfield Township

According to police, the break-in occurred on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 12:06 a.m. in the 1900 block of Breckland Drive in Pittsfield Township.

Someone had called officers to the house and reported that the owners had been attacked by a naked man who had forced his way into the house.

When the police arrived, they found two injured people and learned that the attacker had fled.

A neighbor reported to officers that an unknown man was knocking on their door. Police went to the home and said the man matched the description of the attacker, so they took him into custody.

Woman dies, man injured

Officials said an 81-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries in the attack. They were taken to a nearby hospital.

The woman succumbed to her injuries.

The man suffered several cuts but is now stable, officials said.

A dog suffered several serious cuts in the attack, police said. The dog underwent surgery and is stable.

Suspected attacker

Anthony Flanagan, 40, was charged in this case by the Washtenaw County District Attorney's Office.

He is charged with open murder, assault with intent to murder, first-degree burglary, assault with intent to inflict serious bodily harm by strangulation, assault and second-degree cruelty to animals.

Flanagan was arraigned Saturday in 14a-1 District Court and was denied bail. He is being held in the Washtenaw County Jail.

Family dispute

Pittsfield Township police said Flanagan and the homeowners did not appear to know each other.

According to officials, Flanagan was involved in an “altercation” with family members at a home on Weatherstone Drive in Ann Arbor prior to the attack.

The police are still investigating this case and checking whether the family dispute could have played a role.

If you have information

The Pittsfield Township Detective Bureau and Evidence Tech Unit are investigating this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on one of the following numbers:

• Confidential TIP Hotline: 734-822-4958 (Detective Bureau).

• General information: 734-822-4911 (front desk).

• Request a police dispatch: 734-994-2911, extension 8 (Metro Dispatch).