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Woman Crushed in Trash Compactor

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Posted: 11:07 AM Aug 19, 2008
Last Updated: 10:17 PM Aug 19, 2008
Reporter: Jeff Proctor
Email Address: jeff.proctor@wilx.com

54 comments

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A woman suspected of robbing the TJ Maxx at the Lansing Mall was killed while hiding in a trash compactor. Eaton County Undersheriff Fred McPhail tells wilx.com the woman and her sister were caught shoplifting just before 10am Monday. He says they sprayed mall security guards with mace and ran away. One suspect was found hiding behind the campactor at the Goodwill on Saginaw Highway. Deputies chased her to the Meijer and arrested her.

Delta Township firefighters were called to the Goodwill store at 10:15am for a report of a woman, who matched the description of the other suspect, trapped inside the trash compactor. The compactor had already been cycled on. Firefighters took her to a hospital, where she died from her injuries. She's been identified as 26-year-old Tyree Tate of Delta Township. The other suspect's name has not been released. Stay with News 10 and wilx.com for more details as they become available.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Staci Location: Lansing on Sep 26, 2008 at 04:05 PM
So many of you a too quick to judge. You don't know the truth, the only information you know is what you hear on the news. I am a friend of the family's and I think it’s very sad to hear your comments. Yes, Stealing is wrong, I agree. She shouldn't have done it, but you don't know why she did it. I would never wish the death or the sights that I saw that night in that hospital before she passed on anyone. I know for a fact, that if this unfortunate event happened to one of your friend, or family member none of you would be typing this stuff. R.I.P TY!

Posted by: Brittny Location: South Side Lansing on Aug 30, 2008 at 03:25 PM
it's great how white people just sit back at they computer and talk n just say a bunch of mess that slander her name. DANG...let my cousin rest in peace...PLEASE!Yeah just watch more news and get mislead. People that have more than 5 comments on this one story what are you doing with your time maybe your baby is crying,hungry,need a bath or something go do that instead worring about everybody else. You aint GOD dont jugde nobody because you aint higher than the next. So take care of your family and stay out of mine!!!!! Because you can talk over line and not say nothing to not nan none of our face because you to scared you should have seen the funeral it was so big....But i got to go like you should do the same...LOSERS!!!!!

Posted by: Helen Location: Lansing on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM
To response to "Tina" this person was 26 years old "woman"--in my book that is not a "girl"--what is comes down to is~~Why is it no one ever wants to be held responsible for their "own" actions?

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 22, 2008 at 03:33 PM
warnings are posted for a reason

Posted by: Michelle29 Location: Kentucky on Aug 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM
THis is the dumbest criminal story I've ever heard. No she didn't deserve to die for stealing, macing the guard, or for climbing in a dangerous piece of machinery. She died because she was dumb and climbed in a trash compactor which I'm sure was clearly marked dangerous, keep out. I feel sad for the family, they have lost a loved one, but they need to put some of the responsiblity on Tyree. she was an idiot.

Posted by: Kim Location: la la land on Aug 22, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Wow . . too bad her smart sister that was hiding didn't open her mouth and let the police know where her sister was at. I guess she can live w/ that the remainder of her life! NO sympathy . . . crime doesn't pay and you must face the consequences. Perhaps if she had learned to read the warning signs on the compacter, she might be alive. KARMA!

Posted by: John Location: in between Henry Hayne's mom's legs! on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:07 AM
hey Henry, tough guy, go back to school and learn some English, its INSENSITIVE, not "UNSENSITIVE". I'll be seeing YOU!!!

Posted by: barbara Location: lansing on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I cannot believe that there are 77 comments on this!I really don't care what anyone here thinks but I wanted to take a moment to say a few things. I am sorry that the security guard was assulted. I am sorry that TJ Max was a victim of crime. I am sorry for the person who must be feeling awful about turning on the compactor. I am sorry for the sister that had to hear her sister screaming. I am sorry for her children, her mother, her brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of hers. I am sorry she died! As far as any of you with the negative things to say I want you to know that if something bad ever happens to you or your family I will also feel sorrow for you too. Those without sin cast the first stone. Now to WILX I think you need to start screening the comments of people a little closer. Alot of people are suffering for many different reasons and I think it would be nice to start having more healing words for everyone in this world.

Posted by: tina Location: michigan on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Yes, what these girls did was wrong but she didn't "deserve" to die like that. They committed a crime but didn't kill, rape or beat anyone. It wasn't worth her ending. I feel sorry for her family. To laugh about it and think it's funny reveals a purely evil and sick mind.

Posted by: sam Location: california on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:10 PM
What a sad story, but really folks, the reality is (and it's been posted time and again), these 2 had a plan to steal, disarm and escape! If they were trying to steal food to feed their families, that's one thing. But, it wasn't about helping their families, but only to help themselves! I also notice that when something like this happens, there are 2 camps of thought. The reality bloggers who see the story (and it's funny/tragic ending) for what it is, and those bloggers who can't (or won't) accept the facts for what they really are and react with shock and disgust. While I do feel sorry for this family that is now dealing with their loss, the REALITY is, these 2 had an agenda that day. Greed and stupidity has it's consequences! This family is learning a painful lesson and hopefully, their kids won't follow in their footsteps!

Posted by: TarsTarkas Location: Barsoom on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:41 PM
So, someone deserves a gruesome death because they shoplifted and made the dumb mistake of hiding in a trash compactor? You people are sick. God forbid you ever get desperate and make a bad decision. You all come off more as a pack of jackals than human beings. Learn some compassion, why don't you.

Posted by: Deal with it on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:37 PM
She robbed a store and maced a security guard. She got what she had coming to her.

Posted by: Frank on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:37 PM
for all these people saying "you dont know her situation" well watch the news video that pans out on her family's residence, it looks like a very nice to me, way better than the place where i am living and i dont go out stealing from clothing stores!!

Posted by: bill Location: chicago on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:08 PM
No one has mentioned that these two "ladies" also were committing a VIOLENT ACT....using mace on security guards doing their job, they deserve a harsh end.

Posted by: Jarrod Location: Seattle on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:32 PM
You know what is interesting? Every single post from those supporting this moron is chock full of spelling errors. I think that says a lot about those that somehow fall back on God to explain why we should feel sorry for her.

Posted by: Tanisha Location: Lansing on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:29 PM
My prayers go out to ths family, I'm appalled that people are so heartless and incompassionate that they would leave nasty comments about this young girl. No one knows her situation and its just unfortunate that this was a mistake that she couldnt learn from. I just pray that her sister uses this to grow, and realizes that life is precious. All the people leaving these vicious msg's, I hope that god is with you and your family and that when something as tragic as this situation happend you dont turn to this very blog for support and strength from anyone. My condolences to the tate family. Tanisha T

Posted by: Tyree Location: Austin Tx on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:38 PM
So sad to finally find another female with the same name as me and but be so ignorant. I always find my name to be unique...given it's a guys name but then I come across so one who is so silly and all I can do is shake my head in shame.

Posted by: Dave Location: Germany on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Bless the Family. I am shocked that the sick comments are allowed. Do you have an approval policy? Consider the horror and pain.

Posted by: shel Location: KS on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:56 PM
People can post whatever they want in response to a story....No one has to like it. That's why it's called BLOGGING!!!

Posted by: melissa Location: st. louis on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM
And by the way BRITTNEY, by your spelling it's obvious you didn't get past a 4th grade education. So don't blame other for you only making minimum wage! It's REALLY simple- GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

Posted by: Jen Location: Williamston on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM
You know, I forgot to add that if Tyree's sister had only also made the decision to simply tell authorities where she was, this could've been a totally avoidable tragedy. I know her sister will now live with that regret for the rest of her life. Again, I understand the family is suffering the pain of this loss, but you can't %100 blame people for some lack of sympathy because Tyree and her sister did the act that brought their family to this end-no one coerced either of them to do any of this.

Posted by: Jen Location: Williamston on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I want to point out that I never said she deserved the end she got, and even though I think people are being more than a bit mean spirited in their comments, I do understand where the thoughts are coming from. For the one who posted that it was basically OK for Tyree and her sister to steal because they don't make enough money, no offense, but that's BS. I've been out of work for a while now, but I still would never steal thinking it was my right because of my current situation. It's not even as if she was stealing to support her family-now stealing food from Meijer because she needed to feed her children, that might garner some sympathy, but stealing from TJ Max indicates something completely different and beyond inexcusable. I do feel bad that a family has lost a loved one, but it was only because of their loved ones own foolish actions; that you can't blame society or anyone else for.

Posted by: Rone Location: Working Girl on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:40 PM
If she had had a job and was trying to earn an 'honest living' like some of the rest of us, she would have been at work, instead of hiding from the law. Oh, and by the way not all white people are born into money. I have worked for $2.12 per hour supporting 6 people, thank you very much, but never resorted to stealing to provide for children I couldn't have taken care of anyway. If you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em.

Posted by: Kim Location: Tulsa OK on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:38 AM
sometimes when you do bad things, bad things happen as a result...too bad this woman had to learn this lesson the hard way...even so, my condolences to her friends and family

Posted by: Carol Location: Omaha on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Wow, it's amazing how you devils speak so freely on these posts. Nobody is condoning stealing or criminals, but no matter what this woman did being crushed by a trash compactor is not in any way justice or karma! Like many others have said in these posts, what type of karma will you receive for rejoicing in someone's death. I hope I don't ever come across your paths or my kids never come in contact with your kids because you have pure hatred in your hearts. I think some of these posts have a far more negative affect on our society than this woman stealing a dress. God Bless You, you will need it.

Posted by: Jason Location: Detroit on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:52 AM
umm...Natural Selection??? If you can't afford to have children you should not have them!! So stop playing the "oh the poor children" card!!! You don't need a crystal ball to anticipate the future of someone who can't support themselves at the time to child conception. Education is and should be the most important thing in our lives, stop relying on your fairy tail "god" or other tax payers to pay your way. Like it or not this woman died from her own hand/actions and you are acting as if she was viciously murdered to make an example... Unfortunate...Yes, sad...Yes but who exactly are you pointing the finger at??? And people there is no god so you need to either shut up or start learning to think for yourselve... The abolishment of religion IS our next evolutionary leap and this lack of intelligence is a pure sign that we have a long way to go! If you are religious you should be blaiming yourself!

Posted by: Marge Location: Lansing on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:40 AM
sick, sick, sick. i pray for the soul of Tyree. i also pray that those of you who are happy about this event. no one "deserves" to die. don't be surprised if you are faced with death yourself and the world is happy about it. i am not wishing this upon you- i pray that it does not happen to you- but do not be surprised if it does. every word that comes out of our mouths is either a blessing or a curse. choose your words carefully. i am saddened that these women made bad decisions, but i am saddened more that many of you are of cold hearts and evil spirits.

Posted by: Joe Cannuck Location: I wonder.... on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:35 AM
People posting mean and hateful comments on this board are much more idiotic than the girl who tried to get away. Shame on you all. God Bless her family.

Posted by: Laura Location: NYC on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:21 AM
This woman wasn't killed for shoplifting or macing security guards. She was killed because she got into a large piece of machinery that BY LAW would have to be clearly marked as dangerous.... and then stayed there, rather than face up to her mistakes. It's sad for her and particularly her family & children, but one must live with the consequences of their own actions. The bottom line is, she brought this on herself by making poor choices. Did she deserve it? No. But she was responsible for it.

Posted by: David Location: tx on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Criminals bring this society down, ruin the trust of our neighbors, and take without ever giving. The only thing sad about this story is that the kids had a horrible mother. Maybe their new caretakers will teach them how to be good citizens.

Posted by: Malaka Location: The world on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:23 AM
get a life. Stop wasting your time on worthless comments websites like this one!

Posted by: Mike Location: Michigan on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I don't know if she deserved to die or not, but when you're an idiot and a thief there are consequences. At least she won't be able to raise her children to become thieves as well. Too bad the sister didn't climb in there with her and save us all the money of welcoming (or re-welcoming) her back in the criminal justice system.

Posted by: Brittny R!v3ra Location: Lansing,MI on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:18 AM
HER NAME AINT WOMEN IT'S TYREE TATE (R.I.P)SO GET THAT 1 THING STRAIGHT it's plain to see ya'll just judge people not knowing the story and everybody aint White and born into money like you people unlike ya'll we have to work hard for $7.15 and sometimes that still dont meet with low economy like are's so bring some job's here and people like my cousin wouldn't have to steal nothing.Everybody is trapped in this messed up court system one way or we just get caught because white people are the orginal theft's and wrong do-er i mean ya'll stole us from africa SO WHO INVENTED??? And all ya'll talking that mess it could be you!!! Just look at like this NONE of U probably go to church more or less believe in god so that's why it don't bother you to post comments like this...And im pretty sure you don't live by the law of god so that's why you think like this...I dont blame it on music or nothing of that sort i blame it on ur parent's because ya'll dont have morals or family values

Posted by: michelle Location: california on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:22 AM
While I feel bad that the woman died, it was completely avoidable. Instead of shoplifting, had she and her accomplice should have obeyed the law and paid for what they wanted. She is responsible for her actions, and unfortunately, she lost her life. I would not be surprised if her family sued and blamed the store.

Posted by: barbara Location: ohio on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:55 PM
this station should be ashamed for posting some these comments...what kind of country are we turning into...god help us all

Posted by: jay Location: mich. on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:50 PM
wow....judging by the commnets on here..its only a matter of time before darwin catches up with them....We need to send all these hicks to iraq or afghanistan

Posted by: Bob Location: Maryland on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Stupidity is its own constant. As long as there are stupid people who do stupid things, stupidity itself will never go away. Chalk this up to another "Stupid Criminal" story. Or a Darwin Award. Sure, you have to feel bad for the kids, but really; she wasn't stealing from TJ Maxx to support her family or overcome some hardship. She wanted something she didn't have money for so she TOOK it (THEFT). Then she maced security guards (ASSAULT) then ran and hid from police (EVADING CAPTURE). Don't feel sorry for this woman. She may not have deserved to die but the world is a little better off without her criminal element.

Posted by: melissa Location: st. louis on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Well KIm, she should've thought about that when she was shoplifting and macing people. She made a poor choice and suffered a major consequence. Puh-lease scared? Are you kidding me ? wahhhhhhhh

Posted by: kim Location: 48910 on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:53 PM
you guys are so mean and i hope god does have mercy on your souls..do you really think anyone deserves to die over stealing anything? you run your mouths about a family that is in so much pain and you dont even know the story..the girl didnt just go run and jump in a trash compacter that was running so it would crush her..she was probally scared and just wanted to make it back home to her babies..let this young lady rest in peace with out trying to be little her.

Posted by: Sally Location: Arizona on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:47 PM
No, she didn't deserve to die, but hopefully her children will learn from her mistakes and not grow up to be the obvious cyst on society that their mother was. Or, they'll live like kings off the benefits received from the upcoming lawsuit. For those speaking of "God's mercy", get over it. Your "God" is more cruel than a trash compactor.

Posted by: Jackie on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:34 PM
God fogives you if a hungry man steals food. If you are a young poor mom trying to get things for her kids her sentence is death and you are ok with it. (yes, what she did was wrong) You need to search your soul and hope that the karma you talk about never crushes the life out of you and everyone around you. You are responding to a small clip that does not contain all of the facts. In doing so, you are continueing to hurt a family that is grieving the lost of a mother, sister granddaughter, cousins, and friends. One can only pray that everyone that reads this does not judge before all of the facts are in. I would like to think that only smart people respond, but that is not what is happening. To Tyree and your family, God bless you and give you strength through this crazy crazy moment, and may he be with you to dry your tears, as you find a way for her three beautiful young kids to overcome this terrible event. I pray that the three kids will be o.k one day.

Posted by: Jackie on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:59 PM
People should be ashamed of them self. The families that are reading this must be mortified by the comments. This is terrible. Three childern are without thier mom. Not even 24 hours have passed and people are saying good, look what you get. Are you kidding me. Does everyone who steals deserve to die. Or maybe just the scared young lady that decides to make a bad choice and hide. Probably out of fear. Do you people writing this stuff know anyone that has stolen something? Do they deserve to die. What if this was your child. I will pray for you and those like you, who's hearts have been hardened and dont understand the tragedy of this day. My God have mercy on you all for the pain that comes from your tongue to the family of people that are really just asking why. I hope no one in any of your families make a bad mistake. God bless the family of Tyree, May God comfort you and keep you close on this very sad day. Remember that the ones calling her an idiot need help themself. Bless U

Posted by: Phebe Location: Grand Rapids on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I agree with DeShawn that people are so quick to judge. Lord have mercy on your souls!

Posted by: Tanaya Location: Houston on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:33 PM
I am "The Womans" cousin. I know what she did was stupid, but how dare you people sit back and make jokes about some one dying? this is someones mother,daughted,sister and friend. Stealing does not EVER warrant being crushed to death! You stupid people act like the thing was in the process of crushing when she got in. It was not, Some One turned it on After she was already in there. I wonder What the KARMA is for joking about some one else dying? I hope non of you have to find out!!

Posted by: Kelly Location: Lansing on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:25 PM
sometimes theres this thing called "consequences" what did she think was going to happen if there were posting signs of "DANGER"....LIKE UM DUH!!!!!!

Posted by: Pastor J Location: Lansing, MI on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I am very disturbed at some of the comments. As a pastor I had a chance to see the individual and pray over her in the hospital while on life support last night and I can honstly say that if you saw what I saw you would not make such harsh and hateful comments. I pray that you or your families never have to endure anything of this nature. Be very careful how you judge because God has a way of bringing it back to your doorsteps!

Posted by: Jen Location: Williamston on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:03 PM
For those who posted that this was simply karma, that is a bit cold and even cruel. I do agree with the fact that this was evidence of great ignorance on this woman's part. Number one, shoplifting is a stupid and actually mean-spirited crime as we all end up paying for it in the end. Number two, macing guards, seriously? That's pretty foolish, because even if she'd been simply caught, she'd be facing an assault charge-and why would you willfully injure someone and in the process make it worse for yourself in the end. Number three, yeah, the trash compactor was most definitely not the best thought out place to hide-if you're going to be stupid enough to run, don't hide in something that could crush you. It just shows how much sense so many people lack these day (at least the ones who think shoplifting is the way to go for sure).

Posted by: DeShawn Location: O,ne on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Wow people are so quick to judge. What if that was your Mother, Sister, or friend. May god have mercy on all of your souls!

Posted by: Tom Location: Minneapolis on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I wonder how much her family is going to be awarded in the lawsuit against the manufacturer of the compactor? You know they should have a shut off switch inside just in case someone hides in there after shoplifting and macing the guards. I agree, probably didn't have to die but I guess as a lesson to other crooks, don't hide in a trash compactor.

Posted by: L Location: Wash DC on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:06 PM
ok, i do feel bad anytime anyone looses a member of thier family. death is not easy to deal with..ever. however, stealing is a crime, and running is what most folks do to get away.. i can understand not wanting to get caught, but hiding in a trash compactor is just not a very smart decision. her sister hid behind the compactor, NOT in it.. i mean, a dumpster or trash can ok, but trash compactors usually have a DANGER sign don't they?? Why on earth would she climb in there. Not smart to shoplift and get caught, not smart to run and even less smart to place your body inside a dangerous machine.

Posted by: Denise Location: KY on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Don't forget the assult charges too as they maced the securty guards. I don't think she deserved to die but she shouldn't have run.

Posted by: Pastor J Location: 48910 on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:02 PM
My heart goes out to the family and especially her children. Regardless if you think she deserved it or not-just think about all of the dumb things most of us have done and God did not punish us when we deserved it. Thank God for his brand new mercies everyday!

Posted by: tom Location: Delta township on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:47 PM
If you get cuaght with your hand in the cookie jar be an mature adult and stand up and face it, If not, see what can happen. Saved us tax payers state dollars besides.

Posted by: Jackie Location: 48910 on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:34 PM
For the person who posted karma. You should be ashamed. Are you saying a person with three kids deserved to die? For stealing? Who is your GOD

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