On October 12, in LaSalle, Illinois, a 25-year-old nursing student from the University of Michigan-Flint was abducted and later killed by her ex-boyfriend, a medical resident from Holly, Michigan.
Dr. Justin Wendling, age 26, took his own life in Bettendorf, Iowa, shortly after the incident.
The student, Gina Nicole Bryant, was reported missing when she failed to return to her job as a medical assistant following her lunch break at home. Subsequent surveillance footage displayed Wendling escorting her to his car, marking the beginning of the investigation into her disappearance.
The next day, Wendling called his parents and admitted his involvement in the crime and revealed his plans to end his own life. His confession prompted law enforcement to step up their search efforts.
Further evidence was gathered from a surveillance system at a truck stop in LaSalle, which showed Wendling shooting and killing Bryant around 12 am. Wendling was later traced to Bettendorf, Iowa. When officers located his vehicle and moved to approach, he took his life.
Prior to these events, Bryant and Wendling had been in a relationship and had lived together for nearly a year. However, allegations emerged that Wendling had been abusive. In response to these concerns, Bryant’s family moved her away from the apartment she had shared with Wendling in Grand Blanc Township in late September.
Bryant’s sister, Angelica Gintner, spoke about her, remembering her as a person with immense kindness and an ever-present willingness to aid others. She remarked on Bryant’s ability to uplift those around her with her joyful demeanor.
Regarding her academic accomplishments, Bryant had graduated with honors from Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights in 2016. Following this, she attended Grand Valley State University and completed her education in 2020. At the time of her passing, she was pursuing a bachelor of science in the nursing program at UM-Flint.
Cynthia McCurren, the dean of the university’s nursing program, expressed deep sorrow over losing a student with such potential. She addressed the university, speaking on the gravity of the loss.
