Looking for answers in a young man's murder

ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Police in Allegan County are working on a murder mystery, trying to figure out who killed Brandon Silverlight.

Police found the body of the 25 year old burned beyond recognition on Saturday, near South Haven. Silverlight's body was found just feet away from a burned-out vehicle.

As police investigate what happened, Newschannel 3 has learned more about the South Haven native.

The details surrounding Silverlight's murder have left many scratching their heads, none more so than those who knew him.

No one deserves an ending like Silverlight's, found dead near his burned out Pontiac Bonneville, still, in some cases, an explanation can be fathomed for why a person might meet such a violent end. However, for those who knew Silverlight, no explanation can be imagined.

“When I think of Brandon, I remember his enthusiasm, his optimism, just full of energy,” said Sheryl Captur.

Captur is one of Silverlight's former music teachers. Music was a passion he carried throughout his short life. Captur says Silverlight was a gifted musician.

“He was one of our absolutely most outstanding percussionists that I can remember,” said Captur.

Silverlight took his talent to the college level, playing as a percussionist for Western Michigan University's orchestra. In music, his teacher says Silverlight was always a leader and a natural teacher.

“He even started what he called the bucket brigade,” said Captur, “where they brought in buckets and drum sticks and incorporated that just for sharing his passion and his love.”

Silverlight also brought his leadership to the paintball field, making training videos for his paintball team's website. Friends say paintball was another passion that Silverlight dedicated much of his life to.

Newschannel 3 went to the home of Silverlight's parents to ask about their son, but friends and neighbors say they are simply too upset and confused by their son's murder to talk to anyone.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Office is still awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators say that all they currently know is that Silverlight was definitely murdered. They are asking anyone with information regarding his death to call Silent Observer at 1-800-554-3633.