Shirley Mitchner, of Lansing, Michigan, shared a heartbreaking story with me years ago. It is the story of her son, Brandon Mitchner, and the questions that still haunt her about his death. The coroner ruled Brandon’s death an accidental drowning. But from the start, the Mitchner family has never believed that explanation. They’ve always suspected that something more sinister occurred that night.
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| Brandon Mitchner (Credit: Family Photo) |
Losing Brandon shattered their family—he was the light of their home, always making people laugh and bringing joy. This is Brandon’s story.
In June of 2014, Brandon Mitchner attended a 21st birthday celebration aboard a party bus in Lansing. He kissed his mother for the last time that night—and never returned. His parents, Shirley and Stephen Mitchner, were preparing for a getaway to Florida in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversary. When Brandon didn’t check in that night, their concern grew. Still, they hoped he was enjoying a night out.
The next morning, Brandon still hadn’t called home. Now, any hope of a carefree vacation was thrown out when their daughter Bianca phoned with devastating news: Brandon was missing.
The Mitchners cut their trip short and rushed back to Lansing—only to be met with a second, more crushing blow. Their son was no longer missing. His body had been pulled from the Grand River.
Shirley Mitchner will never forget how she found out. Family members met her at the door, their faces unable to hide the truth. Her brother delivered the words no parent should hear: “Shirley, he’s gone.”
Brandon’s death destroyed her. Even now, she describes it as the worst day of her life.
Brandon was resilient. He'd been through ups and downs that would have broken many—but not him. He always pushed forward. People describe him as an old soul with a natural charisma. His mother said he had "the gift of gab" and a passion for doing well in life.
His energy lit up rooms.
Friends confided in him.
Yep, Brandon was THAT guy, a guy headed for a trajectory of success.
What Happened That Dark Night?
According to witness accounts, Brandon had been out drinking with friends aboard the party bus. One of those friends—whom we’ll call Jose—later told police that Brandon became ill and left early. Jose claimed he followed him to make sure he didn’t drive. He said Brandon headed toward a wooded area and without warning, he began running.
Moments later, Jose heard a thud.
Then, a splash in the river.
Jose didn’t bother to call 911.
Instead, he allegedly returned to the party and fell asleep, and didn't inform police until the next day. He then led them to the area where Brandon had fallen into the Grand River.
Police took Jose’s statement and reviewed security footage from the area. The video showed Brandon and Jose walking along a sidewalk, followed by Jose running near the area where Brandon was last seen.
Jose said he had gotten disoriented and ended up taking a cab back to the house. The next day, after "remembering" what happened, he contacted authorities.
Police also interviewed a longtime friend of Brandon—whom we'll call Adam.
Now, Adam revealed a surprising detail: Brandon and Jose were not lifelong friends. They were recent business partners in the T-shirt venture. The truth was---Brandon had grown frustrated with Jose’s lack of input and had planned to cut ties with him.
Another acquaintance said he got phone calls from Jose that night but couldn't locate him. The calls stopped, and Jose didn’t mention Brandon’s disappearance again until the next morning.
Search teams combed the area where Brandon was said to have fallen. Signs of a struggle were apparent. They found scuff marks, broken branches, and Brandon’s hat and shoe near the riverbank.
Sadly, just before 1 p.m., searchers recovered Brandon’s body from the river.
More Disappointment
Despite the bruises found on his body and the confusing timeline, authorities listed Brandon’s death as an accident. The belief was--Brandon was intoxicated, fell into the river, and drowned. A statement by a witness who claimed to have heard fighting near the river that night was dismissed, investigators said it didn’t fit the timeline.
They eventually closed the case. It was later reviewed by the Michigan State Police—who agreed with the original findings.
The Mitchners were shattered by the decision. How could they close the case? Brandon’s death was not fully investigated. Plus, someone should have been held accountable for failing to report that Brandon was in danger.
Shirley Mitchner has since fought to introduce a “Duty to Act” law in Michigan, which would require people to contact emergency services if someone is in immediate danger. The law wouldn’t force anyone to risk their own life—only to make a call that could save someone else's life.
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| Shirley Mitchner (Credit: Family Photo/Traciy Curry-Reyes) |
Brandon was the only Black male among white and Hispanic friends that night. His mother believes that has something to do with the lack of urgency in the investigation.
Today, a guardrail and a warning sign stand near the river’s drop-off—installed after Shirley’s persistent lobbying. What is more important to Shirley Mitchner--- is finding out the truth about what happened to her son.
Shirley Mitchner continues to keep Brandon’s memory alive. She speaks out. She fights for change. She keeps me and other writers updated and hopes that someone will eventually come forward and share what really happened that night in June 2014.
In a voice message reflection sent to me via Facebook Messenger, Shirley shared the following words to her son:
“I just want to know. Come to me. Tell me the story. I will love you all the days of my life. Until we meet again."