Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
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.
If you have been charged with a serious or violent crime such as murder, homicide or terrorism, contact an experienced and reputable Michigan criminal defense attorney right away. Even if you have already been convicted, we provide post-conviction and appeal services giving many individuals a second shot at freedom.