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.

If you have been charged with open murder, homicide, attempted murder or even domestic violence, do not hesitate to contact an aggressive and effective Michigan criminal defense attorney.