Violent Crime

January 24, 2013

Former Eastern Michigan University Employee Accused of Killing Wife to Return to Court in February

44-year-old Jean-Pierre Trias is accused of stabbing his wife to death on January 11 of this year. Katherine Porter’s body was found at the couple’s home that afternoon by police with multiple stab wounds. Trias is scheduled to return to court on February 19 for a preliminary exam after being charged with one count of open murder.

The couple lived in the 4700 block of Hickory Pointe Boulevard in Pittsfield Township; police discovered Porter’s body after being called to check on her. The preliminary exam was scheduled for January 22, however it was adjourned until the February date.

Trias is a former EMU faculty member where he was employed as a part-time lecturer. He worked for the university in the mathematics department from September of 2003 until December of last year. Trias coordinated math tutoring and testing services part-time as well.

Matt Harshberger, director of public safety, said that upon arriving at the home there were clear indicators that the death was a homicide, and evidence from a comment made by Trias. It is not known whether there was a history of domestic violence between the couple, or whether they had children together. When police arrived at the home, Trias and Porter were the only two people at the residence.

Executive director of the Safehouse Center in Ann Arbor said that the killing was the first domestic homicide of the new year in Washtenaw County.

If convicted, Trias faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is currently being held without bond at the Washtenaw County Jail.

The state of Michigan imposes severe criminal penalties on individuals convicted of violent offenses including open murder. However, Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that regardless of how serious a situation is, there are often effective defense tactics which can be used to protect a client’s legal rights and freedom. Guilty or innocent, you have the right to a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

January 17, 2013

Detroit Man Arrested in Alleged Brutal Beating of Girlfriend

by Scott Grabel

Recently, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office detectives apprehended Michael Glenn of Ypsilanti Township, who had been wanted since November when it was believed he attempted to murder his girlfriend after she decided to break off the couple’s relationship.

News sources state that detectives had been in pursuit of Glenn since November 27, after he was accused of stabbing and hitting his girlfriend, then running her over with her own vehicle. Derrick Jackson, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said that Glenn’s girlfriend went to his home in the 2300 block of McKinley Road, intending to end the relationship and pick up some of her possessions which were at Glenn’s home. Glenn allegedly got inside the vehicle and an argument ensued.

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office approved a warrant for Glenn’s arrest the following day, stating that if apprehended he would be charged with seven counts including unlawful imprisonment and domestic violence, two counts of assault with intent to murder, and two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

While the two were arguing in the vehicle, Glenn allegedly stabbed his girlfriend in the face numerous times with an unknown object, and began strangling her to the point that she blacked out. Glenn then reportedly dragged her out of the vehicle and ran over her several times. At that point, he tried to place her in the trunk, but she came to and fought back, eventually convincing Glenn that she would stay with him. The woman ran to a neighbor’s home after Glenn went inside the house to get something, and deputies were called. Before they could arrive at the scene, Glenn fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.

The woman was in serious but stable condition following the altercation, and was treated at a local hospital. Glenn was eventually apprehended after being on the lam for weeks. After receiving a tip about Glenn’s location just days ago, he is incarcerated at the Washtenaw County Jail where he remains on a $250,000 bond. A preliminary exam is scheduled for January 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Glenn will undoubtedly face serious criminal penalties if convicted of the charges against him; Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that individuals charged with serious or violent crimes must have a skilled lawyer who will work vigorously to protect their legal rights and freedom.

January 16, 2013

Crackdown on Drug Activity and Violent Crime by ATF and Lansing Police Results in 19 Arrests

by Scott Grabel

Lansing Police and the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) have been jointly investigating drug activity and violent crime in the northwest Lansing area for approximately two years. As a result of the investigation, 19 people have now been arrested and are facing federal drug and firearm charges.

Lansing Police Chief Teresa Szymanski told reporters that she believed the arrested individuals were responsible for most of the violent crimes that have taken place in Lansing over the past two years.

According to Szymanski, the individuals who were arrested had been involved in all kinds of gun and drug activity, and were working together as a “crew.” A Fox 47 News report stated that Szymanski explained that the individuals were delivering narcotics, shooting guns at people and things, and using guns as felons.

Four of the individuals involved are facing multiple drug charges according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Gregory Dalton, 23, DeShun Dalton, 21, Merza Mizori, 23, and Serawan Mizori, 22, face charges including possessing crack cocaine and marijuana and conspiring to deliver those drugs, and heroin possession with intent to deliver.

Others involved include Keith Houston, 22, who is charged with receiving a firearm while under indictment for a felony drug offense, and Jerome Houston, who faces for firearm possession as a convicted felon. 26-year-old Brandon Jones was charged as a convicted felon with possessing firearms, which included an SKS rifle. Kevin Henry, 43, and Demanual Porter, 24, will face charges related to drug dealing. The names of other individuals allegedly involved in the crimes have not yet been released.

Mayor Virg Bernero stated that Lansing streets would be safer following the arrests of the 19 individuals, who he said were involved in “all sorts of bad things.”

Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that if convicted, many of these individuals will face severe penalties, including substantial prison time. News reports indicate that some will face up to 20 years in prison.

Many of the individuals allegedly involved in these crimes are very young; if convicted, their lives are essentially ruined. Young people often make terrible mistakes, particularly when it comes to drug crimes. However, there are many instances in which individuals who commit these types of crimes deserve a second chance, or rehabilitation rather than punishment.

January 14, 2013

Lansing Gang Members Suspected in Death of Woman to Avoid Death Penalty

by Scott Grabel

Lansing gang members accused of killing a woman in July of 2010 will not face the death penalty, according to news reports. Shayla Johnson was killed in the course of a robbery at her Lansing home on July 23, 2010. While no explanation was offered, West Michigan federal prosecutors were notified by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that the death penalty would not be sought in the case in which a violent street gang known as the “Block Burners” allegedly killed the woman. The killing is said to be drug-related.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim VerHey stated in court documents that the United States would not be seeking the death penalty in the case. The letter from Holder to the Michigan federal prosecutors stated that, “You are authorized and directed not to seek the death penalty against Mustafa Abdul-Qadir Al-Din, Walee Abdullazeem Al-Din, Charles Kunta Lewis Sr., and Ralphael Remier Crenshaw.” Another defendant in the case who is awaiting trial, Nicholas Brown, is also included in the order.

A trial in the case is expected this year. The Lansing State Journal reported that the victim, who was 19 years old at the time of the crime, was thrown into the trunk of a car and shot numerous times after being dragged from her home on Lenore Street. The gang members, according to court testimony, had allegedly planned to kidnap Johnson and rob her of marijuana.

Members of the Block Burners gang had allegedly committed several acts of violence separate from this incident, many of which involved guns and were carried out in an effort to obtain drug money and drugs. The charges against the men of committing a drug-trafficking crime using a gun could have led to the death penalty.

Charges of drug trafficking can leave individuals who are convicted facing up to life in prison, depending on the amount of drug involved. In this case, the fact that someone was killed in a plot to rob someone of drugs complicates things even further. Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that these are extremely serious charges, and that without effective legal counsel individuals will generally face the harshest possible penalties.

January 8, 2013

Lansing Man Charged with Murder in Death of 3-Month-Old Daughter

by Scott Grabel

John Harold Sanders, a 37-year-old Lansing man, was charged on Monday in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, who died at a Lansing’s Sparrow hospital on Friday, January 4. Sanders was arraigned in 54A District Court on Monday on charges of first-degree child abuse and murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The scene unfolded on Friday when Lansing police were dispatched to the hospital after medical personnel found the baby, Janayjah Sanders, had serious internal injuries according to Capt. Daryl Green. The infant was pronounced dead at 10:35 p.m. On Saturday, police announced that the infant’s suspicious death was under investigation. Possible witnesses are being interviewed in order for police to determine how the baby may have been injured.

Sanders faces charges as a fourth-time habitual offender, as he has numerous past convictions according to news reports. In 2005, Sanders was convicted in Oklahoma on a charge of second-degree burglary. In 2011, the suspect was convicted on drug possession charges in Eaton County according to court records. Sanders is being held in the Ingham County Jail without bond, and has requested a court-appointed lawyer.

The preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 17 in front of 54A District Court Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. Individuals with any information pertaining to this case are asked to contact Detective Shannon Thielen at 517-483-6858.

This is a very sad and unfortunate situation; however, Michigan murder defense lawyers understand there are often extenuating circumstances which may affect the outcome for the individual charged with a serious crime such as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important that individuals accused of crimes that could leave them facing a lifetime behind bars consult with an attorney immediately.

January 3, 2013

Lansing Convenience Store Scene of Holiday Shooting Resulting in 1 Death and 4 Injuries

by Scott Grabel

On New Year’s day, a Lansing north side convenience store was where a shooting took place that resulted in one death and four injuries. The shooting occurred at approximately 2 a.m. at the Save On Market located at 736 West Willow Street.

Walter Brown, a neighbor living next to what many refer to as a “party” store, said that he had warned police that something like this would happen on countless occasions. Brown is president of the Knollwood Willow Neighborhood Association. He told reporters that the owners of the convenience store had promised to close the store at midnight, and that had they carried through with the promise, the shooting would not have happened.

Brown maintains that loiterers, drug pushers and other people who are up to no good congregate at the store. He said that on the morning of the shooting, he heard at least 30 shots fired.

County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he could not confirm either the number of weapons involved in the shooting, or how many shots were fired. On Tuesday a 20-year-old suspect was arrested by Lansing police, but it had not yet been determined what the suspect would be charged with.

Police released very little information pending the notification of the victims’ families, but said only that they ranged in age from 22 to 25. Details regarding the victim who was killed were not released.

An update to the story revealed that three of the victims sustained serious injuries, and one had injuries which were not life-threatening. The four were taken to a local hospital.

Police said that it appeared that a fight began inside the convenience store and then spilled outside. Employees would not comment on the shooting incident.

Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that the alleged shooter in this incident could face numerous criminal charges, possibly including murder. Without skilled legal representation, a conviction may mean substantial prison time, possibly even life behind bars.

December 31, 2012

Suspected I-96 Corridor Shooter Faces Terrorism Charge

by Scott Grabel

43-year-old Raulie Casteel, the suspected shooter in the I-96 corridor shootings, has been charged with 60 separate counts in the random shootings that occurred over a two-week time period in October between Ingham and Oakland counties. On Thursday December 27, Casteel was arraigned on additional charges including terrorism and assault with intent to murder.

Casteel was also arraigned on five weapons-related felonies on Thursday. If convicted on the terrorism or assault with intent to murder charges, he could face life in prison. The arraignment hearing lasted only three minutes; Casteel’s wife was present, but she did not speak to the media. Casteel’s family members have confirmed that they worried about his mental state. He is undergoing examination in Livingston County for mental competency. Police still have not revealed a motive for the shootings.

News reports state that Prosecutor Jessica Cooper will handle the cases against Casteel in Oakland County, while Attorney General Bill Schuette handles prosecuting Casteel in Ingham, Livingston and Shiawassee counties.

Casteel graduated from Michigan State University in 1997 with a degree in geology, and is considered an intelligent man; he also took graduate classes later on. According to Casteel’s aunt, Cynda Warth, he has mental problems and talks incessantly about the government. Warth said that her nephew was a good person, but that he was paranoid that the government was out to get him.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers understand that there are circumstances in which individuals should be given the help they need for mental issues or drug addiction problems rather than being locked up in prison for the rest of their lives. While no motive for the shootings has been revealed, clearly Casteel has mental issues.

December 28, 2012

26-Year-Old Mother of 2 Found Dead; Police Investigate Homicide

by Scott Grabel

Lavoris Tinisha Watkins, a 26-year-old Lansing mother of two children, was found dead on Saturday afternoon, December 22 after police received a call reporting that a residence’s front door was standing open. After arriving at the scene and performing a security check, officers found the victim’s body. News reports state that police are requesting help from the public in locating who may be responsible.

The alleged homicide occurred at a residence located in the 1000 block of Kelsey Avenue. Watkins was pronounced dead at the scene after she was found to be unresponsive, although no details have been released revealing how she died. Her death is being investigated by Lansing police as a homicide.

Family members describe Watkins as a caring mother who was always willing to help others or lend a helping hand in any situation. Nea, as friends and family called Lavoris, attended Ross Medical Education Center and had lived in Lansing all of her life. Captain Daryl Green of the Lansing police said, “This is a tragedy and our department will do all we can to bring those responsible to justice.” Green stated that detectives are investigating the homicide and are working continuously to apprehend the individual or individuals responsible. Those with information are urged to contact Detective Sgt. Christopher Baldwin at 517-483-6846.

Individuals arrested on charges of homicide, murder, or voluntary/involuntary manslaughter face extremely serious consequences if convicted. Michigan homicide attorneys strongly advise those who are arrested for these types of crimes do not speak to police without the presence of a lawyer. Police frequently use forceful tactics and otherwise coerce individuals into saying things that can be very detrimental to their case.

December 27, 2012

Detroit Father Faces Felony Charges After Allegedly Shooting Son

by Scott Grabel

According to Detroit police, an argument led to a shooting of a 22-year-old man by his 46-year-old father. Roger Scott Sr. is accused of shooting his son on December 22 at a residence in the 11400 block of Ashton in Detroit. He was arraigned on charges of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, felony firearms and assault with intent to murder on Christmas day.

New reports claim that Scott and his son got into a verbal altercation, with the situation ending in gunfire. Police recovered the alleged weapon at the scene. Scott’s son was taken to an area hospital where he was said to be in critical condition.

Scott is scheduled to appear on January 8th for an exam conference. His bond was set at 10% of $75,000. Chester Logan, Detroit’s interim Police Chief, told news reporters that the situation was “just another senseless case of violence.” Logan urged families and friends who have disputes to find alternative methods other than resorting to violence to handle their disagreements.

Accusations of attempted murder or assault with intent to commit murder are extremely serious. Michigan criminal defense attorneys know how critical it is that individuals arrested for these types of violent crimes seek the support and legal guidance of a capable lawyer. There are a number of defenses which can be effective when used on behalf of a defendant. It may have been an accident; however, every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

December 26, 2012

Christmas Day Homicide in Grand Rapids Following Domestic Dispute

by Scott Grabel

Christmas evening led to the death of a man at a Northeast Side Grand Rapids residence after he suffered a gunshot wound allegedly inflicted by a woman at the residence, according to police.

According to news reports, a domestic dispute took place at 57 Leonard St. NE at around 7:30 Christmas night, following by a 34-year-old man being shot at least one time. The alleged victim was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where he died. Additionally, three children who were said to be younger than 10 years old were present in an upstairs room at the residence.

Police arrived to find the victim in the driveway. Police said that according to the woman at the residence, she had just shot the man, who she said was her boyfriend. Detectives learned that the man had fled from inside the home after being shot inside, where he collapsed in the driveway. The alleged suspect was not injured, and was taken into custody by police. Police believe that the woman and the victim were parents to at least one of the children inside the home.

The incident is still under investigation, and police did recover a handgun at the scene although they are not certain whether the gun was registered.

Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that often, individuals resort to using guns, knives or other measures when they are the victims in a domestic violence situation. According to media reports, this situation began as the result of a domestic dispute, and the alleged shooter apparently did not attempt to hide the fact that she had been the person who shot the victim. Might she have been the victim in ongoing domestic violence?