Family: Jansen had mental health issues

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - We're getting more details about the shootout that claimed the lives of a Baldwin County Sheriff's Deputy and the suspect, and wounded a second deputy.

Mallard Lane was opened to traffic on Sunday for the first time since the deadly shootout Friday. 

Michael Jansen's  pickup truck was still parked in the backyard where Jansen's cousin said the shooting happened.

The cousin who didn't want to be identified or interviewed on camera said Jansen spent Thursday at her house for Thanksgiving dinner. She said he appeared to be in a good mood, a contrast to the terrible events that would happen the next day.

According to the cousin, Jansen's elderly mother went to the house that Friday to check on Jansen, who was on disability and taking medication for a mental condition. She said his mother became concerned over Jansen's behavior, and called an ambulance to the home, then 911.

Three deputies responded.

They were all in the backyard when Jansen opened fire on the deputies, without warning. Deputy Scott Ward died from his injuries. A second deputy was also shot several times. His condition has been upgraded to stable.

Related: Funeral arranged for fallen deputy

Dwayne Baas was clearing his property nearby when he heard gunfire.

"I was just burning some debris, and I thought they were dove shots,"  Baas said.

"I never heard of him," Baas said of Jansen.

Family said it not surprising neighbors didn't know Jansen. They said he had just moved into the house about four months ago.

The cousin said the entire family is grieving, not only for their loss, but for the deputies families as well.

More details about how the shooting unfolded should be released Monday morning when the sheriff's office holds an 11 a.m. news conference on the incident.

FOX10 News will have our crews at that conference.