Police believe 'love triangle' led to fatal stabbing at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly plant

DETROIT (WXYZ) - An employee was killed in a fatal stabbing this morning at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly plant on Conner north of Jefferson.

Detectives tell 7 Action News there was fight between two men. Both were hourly workers at the facility. They believe the altercation was the result of a "love triangle."

The victim has been identified as Keith Readus.

The suspect, 40-year-old Jeff Hunt, left the crime scene and was later found dead in his vehicle on Belle Isle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police say the murder weapon, a knife, was recovered at the plant.

Several employees witnessed the incident.

Detroit Police say it was an isolated situation involving just the two men. No other employees were hurt.

Readus, 43, was a former union steward for Local 7, the union which represents hourly workers at the facility.

Weapons are not allowed at the plant but there are no metal detectors to prevent someone from bringing a weapon in.

Second shift was canceled this afternoon, but third shift is being told to report to work tonight.

Chrysler released the following statement regarding the incident:

Chrysler Group is deeply saddened by events that occurred at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant this morning. Two employees were involved in an altercation inside the plant. One employee was stabbed and unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. The Detroit Police Department is currently investigating. Production has been suspended for this morning and employees are being released.

The UAW also released a statement:

The UAW expresses our deepest sympathy to the families of our members involved in the tragic incident today at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant. Although many details are unknown at this time, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life.

Approximately 3,000 employees work at the facility.

Grief counseling is being offered at the plant today for those employees who need to speak about the incident.