MICHIGAN OFFICER INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT [ MIOIDV PROJECT ]

FOR RECENT ARTICLES AND OFFICER INVOLVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES:

2012-03-09T01:47:00.002-07:00

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR CASE, TYPE THEIR NAME INTO THE SEARCH BOX ABOVE, TO RETRIEVE ENTRIES THAT INCLUDE THEIR NAME [ AS CASES ARE ADDED DAILY/FILED IN THE ARCHIVE FILES, AND DO NOT APPEAR ON THE MAIN PAGE].

ARCHIVES: LOWER RIGHT COLUMN OF BLOG

MIOIDV. Renee' Harrington. Michigan Officer Involved Domestic Violence.

MICHIGAN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST POLICY: OFFICERS IMMUNE FROM IT?

2012-03-09T01:46:00.009-07:00

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT [VIDEOS]:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE [NEWSPAPER ARTICLES]:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/firefighter-daniel-armitage-ann-arbor_01.html

On January 01, 2012, Bloomfield Township police officers received and responded to a domestic violence call at the residence of Firefighter Daniel Armitage and his wife.

The injuries Armitage's wife suffered during the assault were severe enough that she was transported to the hospital....where she remained for several days. The news reported that she was on a venilator, at one point.

THE BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT DID NOT ARREST FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE FOR ASSAULTING HIS WIFE.

The Michigan Law Enforcement Response To Domestic Violence Officer Manual [October 2007] states:
"THE ARREST DECISION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES. The responding officer should arrest where there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been or is being committed...The Michigan standard for probable cause [reasonable cause] requires only those facts and circumstances sufficient to cause a fairminded person of average intelligence to believe that the suspected person has committed or is committing a crime..." [pg. 147]
"WRITE A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT DOCUMENTING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVESTIGATION. A written report documenting the police response is REQUIRED by Michigan Law [MCL 746.15c] where there are allegations that ANY crime was committed...and there is a domestic relationship between the alleged perpetrator and victim, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AN ARREST WAS MADE...[pg 237].
"Documenting in the domestic violence written report all fact of the investigation, including...THE RATIONALE FOR THE ARREST OR NO ARREST DECISION..." [pg 238-239]

During the police investigation of the assault, Firefighter Armitage's wife "had told the police of years of terrible physical abuse..." AND STILL THE POLICE DID NOT ARREST FIREFIGHTER ARMITAGE.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department did not suspend Firefighter Armitage following his January 1st assault of his wife, and during the Bloomfield Township PD's investigation into the assault. Instead, the Fire Department gave Firefighter Armitage a medical leave, BECAUSE HIS WIFE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL [RECOVERING FROM THE INJURIES SHE SUFFERED DURING THE DV ASSAULT].

Days after the domestic violence assault [and while Armitage's wife was still in the hospital recovering from the January 1st assault], Sgt. Shields of the Michigan State Police stated , “There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point..."

On January 05, 2012 Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage commited suicide...
Police say it appears Armitage's world was crumbling around him. His wife had been hospitalized days before and told police of years of terrible physical abuse.
According to Michigan State Trooper Paul Shunia, Armitage may have been distraught at living apart from his wife and children and at the thought of being exposed as an abuser.

Less than 12 hours after Firefighter Armitage's suicide, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release:
"Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.
The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed."

Apparently Bloomfield Township Chief of Police Kirt Bowden does not have to answer to anyone in the State of Michigan for his officers not arresting Firefighter Armitage at the scene of the domestic assault on January 1st.
Nothing further has been mentioned about the PD's "investigation" of the domestic violence assault and the handling of the police call that night, since Firefighter Armitage committed suicide.
Perhaps the police were so consumed in protecting a fellow officer ...and not protecting the victim...that they failed to consider that they could have protected everyone by arresting Firefighter Armitage on January 1st, and putting him on suicide watch in jail.

Perhaps the only reason this OIDV case did not turn into a murder - suicide, is because of circumstances...not because of Michigan Domestic Violence laws and policies. The children were being taken care of by a family member [since the dv assault]...and Mrs. Armitage was in the hospital, at the time Firefighter Armitage committed suicide..

In newspaper articles pertaining to Firefighter Armitage's domestic violence assault on his wife and his suicide, there are numerous mentions of help available for people considering suicide. Not one article mentioned available assistance for victims of officer involved domestic violence.

OFFICER STEVEN LUTHY [KALAMAZOO PD]

2012-03-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

I do not want you to forget the words that Ellen Luthy wrote in her PPO request after Officer Luthy's arrest...because it is evident that the Kalamazoo PD, the Prosecutor, and the Judge who allowed Officer Luthy to get away with the domestic violence against Ellen have forgotten these words of terror:
In the filing, Ellen Luthy wrote that her husband has punched her in the face, spat on her and, in one incident several months ago, he told her: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead, I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered everywhere."

If there is a victim of OIDV in Michigan that is in danger of being killed, it is Ellen Luthy.

Complete post on Officer Steven Luthy can be found at:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/07/officer-steven-luthy-kalamazoo-pd-july.html
POSTS & VIDEOS ON OFFICER LUTHY CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON BEHIND THE BLUE WALL:
http//behindthebluewall.blogspot.com

On July 31, 2011 Officer Steven Luthy was arrested on domestic violence charges, for assaulting his wife, Ellen Luthy. He was placed on paid leave from the Kalamazoo PD.

If you are a police officer in the state of Michigan...And you beat your wife...

...You can take a six month vacation at the cost of the taxpayers...

...Instead of losing your job and going to jail, like others who abuse their spouses in Michigan...

...Michigan gives its abusing police officers a vacation. Welcome to Pure Michigan, eh.

On January 31, 2012 Officer Luthy plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence charges, under MCL 769.4a: http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

Luthy was given only a five day suspension from the department and then placed back on duty, despite the evidence of the danger that his ex wife was in:
"The filing alleges two other incidents of domestic violence going back two years...Ellen Luthy wrote that her husband has punched her in the face, spat on her and, in one incident several months ago, he told her: "Everyone in our family would be better off if you were dead, I get excited thinking of coming home and seeing your brains splattered everywhere."...smashed the side of my face, pushed me down the stairs...he punched me in the face...I am truly in fear for my life with the severity of this situation and numerous prior assaults and threats on my life..."I am even more so concerned, considering his position and knowledge and access to firearms and weapons...my family and myself have a great concern of what he is capable of doing."...included with the PPO petition were photos taken by authorities that show injuries to Ellen Luthy's forehead, knee, chin, leg, arm, ankle, elbow, foot, eye, and back..."

MCL 769.4a is a law that has been on the books since the 1990's, which allows people charged with misdemeanor domestic violence charges to plead guilty to the offense and then have the offense expunged after 1 year.

In the early 2000's [just prior to the enactment of the Lautenberg Amendment which prevents police officers convicted of domestic violence offenses from owning /possessing guns], the fine legislators of Michigan edited 769.4a. This allowed a person charged with a felony domestic violence assault to plead guilty under 769.4a and have the charge expunged after 1 year. This is Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, which allows Michigan police officers who plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony domestic violence charges to own/ possess guns and return to duty.

MCL 769.4A: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULTS EXPUNGED

2012-03-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

18 U.S.C. § 921: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN; THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES THAT CAN BE EXPUNGED UNDER MCL 769.4A :
MCL 750.81 [Misdemeanor domestic assault]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : [Misdemeanor aggravated domestic assault]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

750.81b: Enhanced sentence; provisions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081b.html

750.81c: Threats or assault against employee of family independence agency; violation; penalty; other conviction; “serious impairment of body function” defined.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081c.html

750.81d: Assaulting, battering, resisting, obstructing, opposing person performing duty; felony; penalty; other violations; consecutive terms; definitions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081d.html

750.81e: Assault or battery of employee or contractor of public utility; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; other violations; definitions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011//mcl-75081e.html

750.82: Felonious assault; violation of subsection (1) in weapon free school zone; definitions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75082-felony-assault.html

750.83: Assault with intent to commit murder.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75083-assault-with-intent-to-commit.html

750.84: Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75084-assault-with-intent-to-do.html

750.85: Torture; felony; penalty; definitions; element of crime; other laws.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75085-felony-torture.html

750.86: Assault with intent to maim.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/75086-assault-with-intent-to-maim.html

750.87: Assault with intent to commit felony not otherwise punished.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/75087-assault-with-intent-to-commit.html

750.88: Assault with intent to rob and steal; unarmed.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/75088-assault-with-intent-to-rob.html

750.89: Assault with intent to rob and steal; armed.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/75089-assault-with-intent-to-rob-armed.html

750.90: Sexual intercourse under pretext of medical treatment.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090.html

750.90a: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as felony; intent.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090a-assault-on-pregnant-woman.html

750.90b: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as crime; intent.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090b-assault-against-pregnant.html

750.90c: Gross negligence against pregnant individual as crime.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090c-gross-negligence-against.html

750.90d: Conduct proscribed under MCL 257.625(1) or (3) involving accident with pregnant individual as felony; penalties.

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-750d-accident-with-pregnant-woman.html

750.90e: Conduct as proximate cause of accident involving pregnant individual as misdemeanor; penalty.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090e-accident-with-pregnant-woman.html

750.90f: Applicability of MCL 750.90 to 750.90e; “physician or other licensed medical professional” defined.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090f.html

750.90g: “Infant protection act” as short title of section; legislative findings; prohibited acts; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; definitions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75090g.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: OFFICER MANUAL [October 2007 edition]

2012-03-05T09:46:00.002-07:00

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ENFORCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWS
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : THE ARREST DECISION IN DV CASES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_01.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : THE ARREST DECISION IN DV CASES [CHART]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_265.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : REQUIREMENTS WHEN RESPONDING TO DV CALLS
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_8552.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : DETERMINING PROBABLE CAUSE TO MAKE A DV ARREST
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_3252.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ARREST OF DV ASSAILANT AFTER ESTABLISHING PROBABLE CAUSE
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_9430.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : DV BAIL BOND CONDITIONS [FORM]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_8273.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : WRITING A DV REPORT [MCL 746.15c]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_7384.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ASSAULT & BATTERY [MCL 750.81]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_3382.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ASSAULT; INFLICTION OF SERIOUS OR AGGRAVATED INJURY [MCL.750.81a]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_708.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : TORTURE [MCL 750.85]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_1129.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : DUTY OF OFFICERS TO ARREST [MCL 750.52]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_8175.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ARREST BY OFFICER WITHOUT WARRANT [MCL 764.15]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_7177.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT [MCL 764.15a]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_8597.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : MICHIGAN STANDARD DV POLICE REPORT FORM [MCL 764.15c]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_5002.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : POLICE INVESTIGATION OF DV DISPUTE [MCL 764.15c]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_9057.html

MI LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFICER MANUAL : MANDATORY POLICE DEPT. WRITTEN DV POLICIES [MCL 776.22]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2007/10/mi-law-enforcement-domestic-violence_3608.html

To view entire 384 page Michigan Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Response Policy, Officer Manual [ 2007 edition]:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcoles/DV_Officer_Manual_2007_208972_7.pdf

MICHIGAN LE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY

2012-03-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

STATE OF MICHIGAN MODEL POLICY. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. [JULY 2009].

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: PURPOSES & GOALS
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_07.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: PROBABLE CAUSE
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_4064.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: ARREST
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_4008.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: IF NO ARREST CAN BE MADE
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_747.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: REPORT WRITING
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence%20response_3305.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: OFFICER INVOLVED DV & PROTECTIVE ORDERS AGAINST OFFICERS
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_3111.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: TRAINING & COMPLIANCE WITH DV RESPONSE POLICY
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_3723.html

MICHIGAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY: MANDATED WRITTEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE POLICY
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/michigan-le-domestic-violence-response_9812.html

To view entire 66 page Michigan Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Response Policy:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcoles/Model_Policy_2009_286439_7.pdf

STATE OF MICHIGAN MODEL POLICY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

MCL 769.4A : SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR POLICE OFFICERS WHO COMMIT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACTS?

2012-03-05T09:44:00.001-07:00

Terence Kiernan is not a police officer or an official. He held his ex-wife, Linda Walker, a city official [Unadilla Township Supervisor] at gunpoint. The gun was later found to be unloaded. He is now serving out a at a 13 year prison sentence.

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2010/03/unadilla-township-supervisor-linda.html

COMPARE TERRANCE KIERNAN'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTION TO THAT OF A POLICE OFFICER

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/officer-gary-steele-detroit-pd-030408.html

Officer Gary Steele [Detroit PD], was charged with: TORTURE; ASSAULT W/ INTENT TO COMMIT MURDER; ASSAULT W/INTENT TO DO GREAT BODILY HARM LESS THAN MURDER; 2 COUNTS: FELONIOUS ASSAULT W/A DANGEROUS WEAPON; WEAPONS/ FIREARM, DISCHARGE IN OR AT A BUILDING; FELONY FIREARM, in connection to a domestic violence assault he committed against his ex-girlfriend. He was facing up to life in prison. Steele was considered to be so dangerous, that bond was set at $5,000,000.

THE POLICE REPORT OF OFFICER STEELE'S VIOLENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTACK:
"...Officer Steele re-entered the garage using the keypad, grabbed the bat, and hit the Complainant on her right thigh bringing her to her knees.

Officer Steele then picked up the Complainant by her throat, dragged her toward the interior door, and smashed her head through the garage wall. He then choked her and pushed her through the door onto her back.

Officer Steele then got on top of her, held her by her throat, and repeatedly pushed her head into the floor.

Officer Steele drew his revolver and fired three shots into the floor next to the Complainant’s head. He placed the gun to her head and stated, “I will kill you. Do you hear me Kim? I will kill you.”

Officer Steele then told the Complainant to open her mouth so that he could blow her “fucking brains out.” Officer Steele threw his gun across the room and gave her $200.00 for a new cell phone. Officer Steele then got off of her, retrieved his gun, and left the scene."

OFFICER STEELE'S SENTENCE:
Compared to Terrence Kiernan, Officer Steele was allowed to plead no contest to misdemeanor reckless discharge of a firearm. He was not sentenced to jail or prison. He served a one year probation term [6/23/2009 - 6/23/2010] and later returned to duty as a police officer with the Detroit City Police Department.

MCL 769.4a

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR OIDV...

2012-03-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, and stumbled to my computer....

...In my email inbox was an email from Cloudwriter http://www.behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/, regarding an incredible article on the blog "Straight Talk in a Crooked World" by H. Hiatt : "Ending OIDV" by wildninja http://wildninja.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/ending-oidv/

After reading this incredible article, all I could think was, "What an incredible breath of fresh air for OIDV."

YOU CAN VIEW THE ARTICLE HERE:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/03/ending-oidv-by-hhiatt-wildninja.html

ENDING OIDV, by H.Hiatt / Wildninja

2012-03-05T01:13:00.002-07:00

Truth, Justice, and All-American Allergen-Free Apple Pie
Straight Talk in a Crooked World
Ending OIDV
March 5, 2012 by wildninja
http://wildninja.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/ending-oidv/

On any given day, anyone with Internet access can go to websites like Behind the Blue Wall (http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/) and Injustice Everywhere (http://www.injusticeeverywhere.com/) to view the latest news reports of domestic violence committed by police officers.

This abuse is not only devastating to victims but damaging to the agencies and communities these officers serve. This behavior harms the credibility and effectiveness of law enforcement and diminishes the standards of the department and the profession (Kruger & Valltos, 2002).

Thus began my dissertation titled The Necessity and Effectiveness of Police Officer-Involved Domestic Violence Policies. As a multiple-time survivor, a former civilian law enforcement employee defamed by a superior trying to conceal abuse, and a friend and family member of honest cops, this is a subject I feel strongly about. The costs of standing up for myself and other victims have been immense and ongoing. Taking a stand on this issue and exposing the abusers and murderers among us—not a term I use lightly—has financial, social, professional, and other impacts.

People who fight to bring the stories of victims both living and dead into the light often risk everything. Personally I’ve experienced perjury, stalking, slander, bullying, harassment, and loss of income not because I did something wrong, but because I stood up for myself. That’s not even a complete list. In doing so, I shone light in dark places, sometimes inadvertently. Not long after the first time I began to fight back, an officer came to me and reported that their squad was told to ignore the allegations of abuse and death threats because I was “making things up to get attention.”

I don’t want sympathy. How does sympathy help me? Being a martyr doesn’t interest me. I want to live, and after taking the first step to stay alive, my fear was gradually replaced by a justifiable righteous rage. I was never made to be small and meek and cowering in a corner. I’m a fighter. I am passionate about truth and justice. I’ve needed people around me who challenge me to get back up every time I’m sucker punched no matter how badly it hurts, not people who coo over me as I lie on the ground. When you’re a fighter and an honest person, just being yourself is threatening to people with something to hide. I like to say that initiative, intelligence, and insight is threatening to the immoral and insecure, and that is especially true when you’re a woman.

In time and through faith, staunch allies within the criminal justice system and politics, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree, that righteous anger would become a steady resolve to help other victims of officer-involved domestic violence. So far I haven’t earned a dime off of this informal advocacy, like many survivors and advocates who speak out. We do it because an estimated 20 to 50 percent of law enforcement families experience some form of domestic violence according to studies, which is a rate much higher than in the general population. We also do it because officer-involved domestic violence is different and can be more dangerous than the usual kind. OIDV victims are the least acknowledged and least studied group of perpetrators and victims within the phenomenon of domestic violence.

Researchers ask, “does society want to send domestic violence offenders in response to emergency calls for assistance from victims of this crime?” Some have found that officers who have committed domestic violence are less effective in domestic violence situations than those who have not (Morgan, Nackerud, & Yegidis, 1998).

Additionally, allowing officers who commit domestic violence to police the public is hypocritical and a dangerous irony for their victims. A deputy sheriff quoted in an analysis of the firearms rights of uniformed abusers said, “The officer who is beating his or her spouse may be the same one who answers a domestic violence call at your neighbor’s house or yours. When the abuser wears a badge, the victim can be the most helpless one in town.” (Adelman & Morgan, 2006)

When I was writing my dissertation, a review of relevant literature showed an astounding lack of material, academic or otherwise, on this subject. A keyword search of academic databases in which I skimmed over 6000 published articles turned up just seven full-text articles that dealt specifically with issues pertaining to officer-involved domestic violence. OIDV is the elephant in the living room but it’s not widely understood and not dealt with as uniformly as domestic violence in the general population.

In 2003, in the wake of the Brame homicide in Tacoma, Washington, the International Association of Chiefs of Police developed a model OIDV policy to help individual agencies develop their own. Recent studies have shown that there’s no evidence that the IACP’s model policy has been widely adopted or implemented. Just over a quarter of law enforcement agencies surveyed by Dr. Kimberly Lonsway in 2006 even had OIDV policies, and a policy is only as good as the leadership that’s willing to enforce it.

So where do victims of OIDV go to get help? Diane Wettendorf and Ellen Kirschman have written excellent books on this subject that I highly recommend. Susan Murphy Milano, whose police officer father murdered her mother, has a fantastic guide to leaving abusive and stalking relationships in general. Sandra L. Brown’s book on psychopathy will sound eerily familiar to men and women whose abusers are police officers. But victims often want or need immediate help and they turn to the Internet to find it. People like me, people who’ve been through it or want to help them, have turned to the Internet as well. The world wide web is where people go to find solutions, especially when they don’t know if they can trust the authorities.
Plug “officer-involved domestic violence” into a search engine and a curious mix of websites appears. There is no one foundation or authority on this subject; the IACP has done a good job of pursuing reform but many victims don’t want to trust the police when their abuser is the police. Since the establishment of OIDV policies some victims have found that the policies are just words or are selectively enforced. Debbie Brockman, a victim advocate quoted by Judith Spitzer in a piece on OIDV (thank you BTBW), has said that successful prosecutions of OIDV offenders are rare and the problem has gone back underground.

Some police departments are concerned with the litigation that arises when an officer is disciplined or is terminated. It is expensive and some, with union strength, are rehired plus given back pay. Some cases are resolved by sending abusers to “treatment,” which in some cases is merely an exercise they go through to claim “reform.” Many receive months of paid leave while their cases are investigated and victims are denied access to the results of those investigations (a topic for another day). The bottom line is that a significant portion of the population does not want to trust information provided by police on the web or elsewhere because of the inconsistent response to OIDV by law enforcement.

On that note, people seeking information on OIDV turn to organizations and blogs. Diane Wetendorf’s Abuse of Power website, http://www.dwetendorf.com/, is very professional and informative. Wetendorf is considered one of the foremost experts on OIDV and her site features valuable information like the police power and control wheel and thoughts on police culture. Her material is objective and consulted by both the police and advocates. Her books are worth owning and I have a deep respect for her work.

Lane Judson’s home page, http://www.lanejudson.com/, is a tribute to his daughter Crystal’s memory as well as a portal for victims seeking assistance. Crystal Judson Brame was murdered by her police chief husband in front of their two children in 2003. Lane promised her before she died that he would do whatever he could so that no one else would have to go through what she did. Lane and Patty Judson are phenomenal people who work tirelessly to educate police agencies and the public about OIDV. Lane is a sought-after speaker with compassion and influence.

Judson’s home page links to other pages that deserve mention. One is a photo display of officer-involved domestic violence fatalities, http://www.lanejudson.com/OFFICER_INVOLVED_FATALITIES.htm. This is a work in progress but gives readers an overview of just how many deaths occur that involve OIDV. Not a lot of these cases make the national news, so it’s sites like this that really reveal the broader picture, compiling homicide and suicide data primarily from local news sources.

Another notable link goes to the Officer-Involved Domestic Violence Network site, http://policedomesticviolence.com/. It provides links to safety information, blogs, videos, and other items of interest. This is a good site for networking and its operators have great empathy for cops and the stresses they face. They do this because, like me, they believe that OIDV conditions will never improve unless we’re honest about the issue. Their Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/PoliceDomesticViolence.

From there we click on the link to the blog that tracks OIDV cases in the news, http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/. This blog tracks thousands of such cases from the past decade with the most recent items appearing first. This is similar to a website that logs allegations of police misconduct in general, http://www.injusticeeverywhere.com/.

What is alarming about both of these sites is that these are only the cases that have made the news. There is no way to track violence that isn’t reported or the cases that are kept quiet. OIDV advocates are all familiar with victims who were shut down before a formal report could be filed. Those familiar with the American justice system know that an allegation or charge doesn’t mean the suspect will be convicted. Sometimes they get treatment to avoid trial and sometimes charges are dropped, which is sometimes due to a lack of evidence or the victim’s reluctance to take further risks. They may also truly be not guilty.

The Purple Berets are a self-proclaimed in-your-face women’s rights group who have taken on the issue of OIDV, http://www.purpleberets.org/index.html. The National Center for Women and Policing has an often-cited Police Family Violence Fact Sheet at http://womenandpolicing.com/violenceFS.asp. It needs to be updated but crams a lot of good information into one page. That site links to http://www.life-span.org/policedv.htm, which lists some great bullet points to help people understand OIDV. One more site that provides honest insight is the advocate’s guide published by the Battered Women’s Justice Project, http://www.vaw.umn.edu/documents/battererlawenf/battererlawenf.pdf.

Beyond this, things start to get murky. One of the newest websites claiming to advocate for victims of OIDV appears to have pulled much of its material straight off of some websites mentioned above and features a page honoring the memory of murderers as well as a page honoring victims. If a website or blog wants to draw attention to those who’ve succumbed to the pressures of police work and their demons, that’s fine. I am outspoken about what can be done ethically and culturally within law enforcement to improve conditions for officers and their families. But to “honor” victims’ killers on the same website as the victims is jarring. I hope that this organization realizes that this is inappropriate and fixes this mistake.
As a more general comment, just because a site claims to advocate for OIDV victims doesn’t make it safe. If you contact an individual or organization, don’t include specifics unless you know they can be trusted with them. I was very blessed to have law enforcement officials and legislators who listened to and acted upon my concerns. Not everyone is so fortunate and that primes them to want to vent to someone outside the system even more. Know who you’re talking to or don’t disclose so much that it can be used against you or repeated to people who want to shut you down. This is a good rule for internet use in general and also for those wishing to discuss OIDV.
One thing I do not want to do is to paint OIDV as a black and white people versus the police issue. There are those in law enforcement, civilian and uniformed, who work tirelessly to eradicate domestic violence from our culture. The fact that OIDV is ever downplayed or concealed is an insult to them. I’ve found that when OIDV isn’t taken seriously, there are other ethical and cultural issues that should be remedied as well.
Allowing a double standard for officers who commit crimes and violence is what creates the rift between the police and the public. It also makes working conditions unsafe for those public servants who are ethical and are trying to do the right thing. I want my peeps in public service to be able to go to work and uphold the oath they have taken to serve and protect. I don’t want them to be shunned, harassed, or not have proper backup if they maintain the standard of conduct they’re supposed to.
What is sorely needed to diminish the power of OIDV in police families is a shift in police culture that would demonstrate intolerance for OIDV instead of hiding it. This needs to start at the top and the amoral need to stop enabling the immoral by remaining silent. Officers need to be given appropriate resources and tools for stress management and their families should have safe places to call when things get dangerous. Some of you are sick of hearing this, but police agencies should have debriefings at the end of shift, not just briefings at the beginning.
I also recommend that states establish independent review boards made up of both public officials AND private sector experts that will review all officer-involved domestic violence cases. This would do a lot to lift the veil of secrecy and would allow a wider range of thought processes and philosophies to participate. It would help ensure that victims are being heard and policies and procedures are being followed. Most of all, these boards could hold the police accountable to the taxpayers instead of allowing publicly funded departments to function as private clubs that regulate themselves.
Here’s the big picture: OIDV exists. There is no one website, organization, or resource that provides everything a victim needs to survive it but there are a few that are must-reads. Combating this problem requires the participation of ethical law enforcement officials who are sincere about protecting victims and not allowing a different standard for officers. Better resources are needed for OIDV victims that exist specifically for them, not just domestic violence in general. I wish there was an easy way to combine the resources of the reputable organizations that exist and make one big monster how-to site to help OIDV victims. I’ve heard exciting buzz about forming an underground railroad as well and am thrilled to see churches finally getting involved.
In conclusion, some might be surprised to learn that I’m a Christian conservative. Strong women are often stereotyped as radical feminists or some sort of haters (man, cop, etc.). Conservatives are often pigeonholed as blind to social issues or insensitive to crime victims. That just cracks me up given the intense level of involvement in social issues many people of my faith have.
Because I believe in a God who gives life and liberty I believe those gifts should be preserved. If the preservation of life involves standing up to cowardice, immorality, or abuse, then that’s what we have to do. If people are being deprived of their liberty we should work to restore it. In the Manufacturer’s Handbook Jesus preaches freedom, not oppression. He is both truth and grace, not one or the other, and said He came to set the captives free.
Right now we all know someone who is a slave to an abuser, sucked down into someone else’s lust for control. Both people who believe what I do and those who don’t can agree that this is wrong. So let’s stop milling around in our little factions, unite on what we agree on, and go out and slay this dragon together. We need both liberals and conservatives, both men and women, and both the police and public to work together to end OIDV. This is not a partisan issue and solutions do not need to be implemented at the federal level. We can start in our own communities and raise awareness one step at a time.
I invite respectful feedback from people of all viewpoints as to how to keep OIDV in the spotlight. Thank you to those brave survivors and advocates who have risked so much and given so much of their time to do so already. We will prevail.
*************************************************************************************
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. -G. K. Chesterton

H. Hiatt/wildninja.wordpress.com.

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE [ANN ARBOR FD] : NEWS VIDEOS

2012-01-01T00:44:00.013-07:00

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/03/michigan-domestic-violence-arrest.html

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT [NEWS ARTICLES]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/01/firefighter-daniel-armitage-ann-arbor_01.html

On January 05, 2012 Firefighter Daniel Armitage was struck and killed by vehicles, while he was on the side of the road changing his flat tire. Armitage's wife was recently hospitalized and was on a ventilator. The Bloomington Township PD were currently investigating Firefighter Armitage for a domestic violence incident.

Questions began to surface regarding the death of Firefighter Armitage, when Bloomfield Township Lt. Phil Langmeyer:
"The Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic violence assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Ct."
Armitage and his wife lived on the 1800 block of Mohawk Ct. in Bloomfield Township.

More mystery around the death of Firefighter Armitage. State police tested Armitage's tire and discovered that it was not flat. Witnesses saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit...approximately 15 feet away from his vehicle. Medical examiner has not yet ruled if Armitage's death was a sucide. Police say Armitage's world was crumbling. His wife had been hospitalized and told police about years of physical abuse.

Medical examiner ruled that Firefighter Armitage committed suicide. There are also questions concerning the domestic violence incident [January 01, 2012] that left Armitage's wife hospitalized.

Firefighter Daniel Armitage was killed when he was hit by vehicles while he was changing a flat tire on the shoulder of I-696. At one point, while Armitage was changing his flat tire he ended up on the ground and in the right lane of traffic. He was hit by several vehicles. Police believe that several vehicles hit Armitage, they don't know how many.

Police still continuing their investigation into the death of Firefighter Armitage. Firefighters at the Ann Arbor FD, where Armitage had worked, were devistated that Armitage had been a victim of the horrific accident on I-696.
Armitage was a great, great person; he was loved and would be missed, according to Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. Everyone remembered Armitage as a great man and a great family man.

Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard discusses the loss and death of Firefighter Daniel Armitage in an early morning 'accident' on I-696 on January 05, 2012.

Michigan State Police still investigating the death of Firefighter Daniel Armitage.

Police questioning whether Firefighter Armitage's death was an accident. Michigan State Police at first believed that Armitage was fixing a flat tire, but they discovered the tire was not flat. Armitage was hit and killed after being hit by several vehicles. The State Police were awaiting the results from the Medical Examiner.
At the time of his death, Armitage's wife was in the hospital in the ICU. Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence incident with his wife.

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE [ANN ARBOR FD]: NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

2012-01-01T00:43:00.003-07:00

See also:
FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/03/michigan-domestic-violence-arrest.html

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL ARMITAGE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSAULT [VIDEOS]:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html

Firefighter changing tire struck & killed on WB I-696 near Farmington Road in Farmington Hills
Posted: 01/05/2012
WXYZ NEWS- Detroit
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/pedestrian-struck--killed-on-wb-i-696-near-farmington-road-in-farmington-hills
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) -
An Ann Arbor firefighter was hit and killed on I-696 westbound near Farmington Road Thursday morning.

The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township. He had been an Ann Arbor firefighter since September 1995. Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant.

Coworkers describe Armitage as a dedicated fireman and wonderful family man. He is survived by his wife and three young children.

The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Police report Armitage died from his injuries and at least one other person was hurt in the accident.

A preliminary investigation reveals Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 changing a tire when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

Police are still trying to piece together what happened. They say it is possible multiple vehicles were involved.

“We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else. We need to talk,“ said Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney.

One additional vehicle crashed attempting to avoid hitting Armitage.

Westbound I-696 WB between Northwestern Hwy & Farmington Road has re-opened after police closed it for nearly five hours.

Firefighters pay tribute to colleague killed while changing tire along I-696
Posted: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 12:27 p.m
Ann Arbor News
By Cindy Heflin, News producer
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighter-struck-and-killed-on-i-696/

Ann Arbor firefirefighter Dan Armitage was a good firefighter and family man and a “great all-around person,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said Thursday.

Armitage, 41, died Thursday when he was struck and killed while changing a tire on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, Michigan State Police said.

"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."

Armitage, 41, of West Bloomfield Township was hit by at least three vehicles just after 6:30 a.m., State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.

Matt Schroeder, president of the Ann Arbor firefighters union, said the news hit fellow firefighters hard Thursday.

"We hired on together in 1995," he said of Armitage. "He was a fantastic professional fireman who loved his family and he did his job well every day, and he's going to be greatly missed by our department. We'll do whatever we can to support the family."

Schroeder said Armitage was a driver at Engine 6 at the Briarwood fire station on Ann Arbor's south side. He was married with young children.

A preliminary investigation indicates Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound 696 at Farmington Road changing a tire, state police said in a press release.

At some point, he ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway and was hit by the vehicles whose drivers were unable to avoid him.

Another vehicle crashed into the median wall, and the driver suffered minor injuries, the release stated.

Armitage is the second Ann Arbor firefighter in six years to die when struck by a vehicle along a freeway. Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt died in January 2006 from injuries suffered when she was struck at an accident scene on I-94 in Ann Arbor by a pickup truck that spun out of control on the icy road.

Ann Arbor Firefighter Hit, Killed On I-696
CBS NEWS- Detroit
January 5, 2012 4:37 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/05/police-investigate-fatal-pedestrian-accident-on-i-696/

Dan Armitage (credit: Ann Arbor Fire Department)

Police investigate accident (WWJ Photo/Ron Dewey)

FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - Police say an Ann Arbor firefighter was changing a tire when he was struck and killed on I-696 in Farmington Hills Thursday morning.

Michigan State Police told Newsradio 950 WWJ the victim, a 41-year-old Bloomfield Township man, was trying to change a flat tire on a car parked on the shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road, when he was hit by a passing vehicle around 6:30 a.m.

The victim has been identified as Daniel Armitage, a father of three.

WWJ spoke with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard who said Armitage had been with the department for 16 years and was on his way to being promoted to lieutenant. He called Armitage’s death a “huge, huge loss” for his fellow firefighters.

“We come to work on a daily basis knowing that that could be our last day, but when something happens off-duty like that you just don’t plan for that. You don’t even think about that,” Hubbard said. “He’s a young man, you know. His whole future was in front of him. It’s just awful.”

Trooper Mark Tinney said after the initial crash there was a second crash. He said Armitage was struck several times by passing cars.

“Probably after or at the same time, it looks like it was an accident caused by vehicles avoiding some of the debris, maybe avoiding what was going on, moved over to the left and this vehicle lost control trying to avoid another vehicle,” said Tinney.

That vehicle struck the median wall, sending a man and two children to the hospital with minor injuries.

Dwayne Gillenn who works at a business just off the freeway said it was a gruesome scene. He was arriving to work when he heard the screeching of tires and rushed to the perimeter fence where he saw the carnage.

“It’s a sight I’m never going to forget, I can tell you that,” Gillenn told WWJ Newsradio 950′s Ron Dewey. “I don’t know if the person was talking on the phone or texting or just driving too fast, who knows those things you know, but I can tell you this, they shouldn’t have been doing whatever they were doing.”

Police are looking for the public’s help in piecing together exactly what happened. As of Thursday afternoon, no one had been charged related to the incident.

“We need anybody who might have seen the accident or was in the area at the time to help us with some information. We need to talk to anybody who might have been involved, saw anything, or who might have run over something in the road, might have thought it was something else, we need to talk to them,” said Tinney.

Anyone with information is asked to call Michigan State Police at (248) 584-5740.
Westbound I-696 past Northwestern Highway was closed for a few hours but has since reopened.

Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage Killed on I-696
Updated: Friday, 06 Jan 2012, 1:05 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 05 Jan 2012, 9:18 PM EST
WJBK FOX2 NEWS- Detroit
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/amy_lange/ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-killed-on-i-696-20120105-dk

myFOXdetroit.com - A gruesome scene after a local husband, father and firefighter is struck by several cars on westbound I-696 near Farmington Road on Thursday morning.

Police say it appears 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was changing a tire before he somehow ended up in the freeway.

Play the video to get a complete report from Fox 2's Amy Lange. Play a second video to get new information from Fox 2's Ron Savage that involves a police investigation about a report of domestic violence on the block where Armitage lived.

Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Tinney said the Armitage was struck by several vehicles near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m. His BMW SUV was parked on the freeway's north shoulder.

Several other accidents occurred as drivers tried to avoid the scene. Authorities were forced to close I-696 westbound beginning at Lahser, all the way out to the I-96/I-275 interchange as they investigated the scene. The road is now open.

Daniel Armitage leaves behind a wife, who's been in the hospital and we're told was recently on a ventilator, two twin six-year-old boys and another son -- age four.

Armitage was a firefighter with the City of Ann Arbor for 16 years. "Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan's tragic death," said Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all." Daniel Armitage joined the Ann Arbor Fire Department in 1995.

Friend and fellow firefighter Allan Perry says "it's a great loss... for a lot of people."

Firefighters pay tribute to colleague killed while changing tire along I-696
Ann Arbor News
Posted: Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 12:27 p.m
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-firefighter-struck-and-killed-on-i-696/
Ann Arbor firefirefighter Dan Armitage was a good firefighter and family man and a “great all-around person,” Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said Thursday.

Armitage, 41, died Thursday when he was struck and killed while changing a tire on Interstate 696 in Farmington Hills, Michigan State Police said.

"Our department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dan’s tragic death," Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said in a statement. "As Dan's identity was just recently confirmed, we are still in the process of sharing this news with the rest of the department. This is a very difficult time for us all."

Armitage, 41, of West Bloomfield Township was hit by at least three vehicles just after 6:30 a.m., State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press.
Matt Schroeder, president of the Ann Arbor firefighters union, said the news hit fellow firefighters hard Thursday.

"We hired on together in 1995," he said of Armitage. "He was a fantastic professional fireman who loved his family and he did his job well every day, and he's going to be greatly missed by our department. We'll do whatever we can to support the family."

Schroeder said Armitage was a driver at Engine 6 at the Briarwood fire station on Ann Arbor's south side. He was married with young children.

A preliminary investigation indicates Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound 696 at Farmington Road changing a tire, state police said in a press release.

At some point, he ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway and was hit by the vehicles whose drivers were unable to avoid him.

Another vehicle crashed into the median wall, and the driver suffered minor injuries, the release stated.

Armitage is the second Ann Arbor firefighter in six years to die when struck by a vehicle along a freeway. Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt died in January 2006 from injuries suffered when she was struck at an accident scene on I-94 in Ann Arbor by a pickup truck that spun out of control on the icy road.

AnnArbor.com government and politics reporter Ryan J. Stanton contributed to this story.

Man changing tire hit and killed on I-696; WB lanes now reopened
12:58 PM, Jan. 5, 2012
By Tammy Stables Battaglia
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer
http://www.freep.com/article/20120105/NEWS03/120105003/I-696-westbound-in-Farmington-Hills-closed-after-pedestrian-hit?odyssey=tabtopnewstextFRONTPAGE

Police discuss accident scene on I-696: Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia discusses the accident scene behind him in which a 41-year-old Bloomfield Twp. man was killed while apparently changing a tire on the side of I-696. Tammy Stables Battaglia

A 41-year-old Ann Arbor firefighter was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on the side of I-696 in Farmington Hills.

Daniel E. Armitage of Bloomfield Township died after he was hit by at least three vehicles, according to the Michigan State Police. He somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of westbound I-696 just after 6:30 a.m., Trooper Paul Shunia said.

"He was lying down in the right lane, but we don't know how he got there," Shunia said, standing near the man's white BMW SUV still parked on the side of the highway just under the Farmington Road bridge. Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office workers were on the scene, investigating the accident site, which stretched more than 100 yards down the highway.

"I've been doing this 22 years and this is literally the worst scene I've been at," Shunia said, standing on the grassy hill above the crash site.

Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard could not be reached today.

A father and his two children were also hospitalized after their grey Chevrolet Impala hit the median as the man tried to avoid the first crash, Shunia said. One of the children may have suffered a broken collarbone, he added. All are expected to survive.

The crash closed down westbound I-696 through the morning rush hour, also causing major back-ups in the eastbound lanes as drivers slowed near the accident site. The westbound lanes of the highway reopened at about 12:30 p.m. after being closed between Northwestern Highway and where the accident took place under the Farmington Road overpass.

Investigators would like anyone who saw the accident to call Michigan State Police North Post at 248-584-5740.

Farmington Hills MI - Ann Arbor Firefighter Dies By Suicide On I-696
January 5th, 2012
Big Rapids News
http://www.bigrapids.biz/news/269/ARTICLE/2812/2012-01-05.html

Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the Ann Arbor Fire Department for 16 years, was hit and killed early this morning by oncoming traffic on I-696 in Farmington Hills, according to a news release from the city of Ann Arbor.

Farmington Hills MI News - 41-year-old Daniel Armitage of Bloomfield Township was killed this morning as he appeared to be changing a flat tire on his BMW SUV along side Westbound I-696 just after 6:30 AM.

According to a news release, Armitage was on the north shoulder of westbound I-696. He was an Ann Arbor firefighter, and was killed after being hit by three vehicles as he somehow ended up in the shoulder lane of I-696.

Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Detroit Free Press that "Armitage was lying down in the right lane."

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office was on the accident scene, and later reported his death as a suicide. The accident scene stretched more than 100 yards down the I-696 highway.

A father and his two children were hospitalized after their vehicle hit the median while trying to avoid the crash scene where Armitage was hit and killed.

Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Chuck Hubbard said the loss of Dan Armitage came as a shock.

About 400 people showed for Dan Armitage's Funeral, that took place on January 10th, 2012.

Police are still searching for witnesses to try and piece together what happened the day Dan Armitage was killed.

Just about a week prior to this incident, Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Greg O'Dell also committed suicide. His death was reported just a day after Christmas.

O'Dell died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found on Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor MI, not far from his vehicle. Police began looking for O'Dell after receiving a call from a concerned family member.

O'Dell had an almost 20-year career with the Ann Arbor Police Department.

New details are emerging that have police questioning if the firefighter's death was an accident
Posted: 01/06/2012
WXYZ NEWA- Detroit
By: Julie Banovic
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/new-details-are-emerging-that-have-police-questioning-if-the-firefighters-death-was-an-accident

Family: Daniel Armitage, a fireman in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was married with three children, was run over by at least three cars on I-696 on Thursday.

Death scene: Witnesses said he was lying down in the right lane of traffic and his white BMW SUV, pictured bottom, was parked with its lights flashing

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - New details are emerging in the investigation leading police to ask whether or not this fatal crash was an accident.

Michigan State Police initially believed that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage pulled his white SUV over to the Westbound shoulder of I-696 near the Farmington Road bridge in Farmington HIlls to change a flat tire. But it now appears the tire was in good condition.

“The tire was not completely deflated. It did have some air in it. But we don’t know if that was truly the reason why he pulled off to the side of the road. We don’t know if there were other mechanical issues,” said Sgt. John Shields with the Michigan State Police.

The Bloomfield Township man was in the right lane of oncoming traffic early Thursday morning when he was killed after being hit by several vehicles. One car slammed into the median to avoid the crash. MSP believe the medical examiner’s report will answer key questions in their investigation.

“Based on injury and based on whether or not there was a toxicology report that comes back with anything,” said Sgt. John Shields. “Whether or not there was something else of a medical issue that caused him to be in the position he was in when he was subsequently hit,” he said.

At the time of his death, the Ann Arbor firefighter had been on medical leave for two days because his wife was in the hospital in ICU. Sgt. Shields said Armitage had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his wife.

“There are some allegations of domestic assault of some type. I don’t know to what extent, nor who the aggressor was at this point,” said Sgt. Shields.

Bloomfield Township Police confirmed they are investigating a possible domestic assault on the same street where Daniel Armitage lived. Police say all the information adds to the background of their case in trying to determine the circumstances surrounding Armitage’s death.

Sources tell 7 Action News that Armitage was next in line to become a Lieutenant in Ann Arbor. He is survived by his wife and three children.

The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during morning rush hour on Thursday. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.

The medical examiner said the results of their report for cause of death are pending.

Crash on I-696 kills Ann Arbor firefighter
By Tom Greenwood
The Detroit News
January 6, 2012 at 10:32 am
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120106/METRO/201060366

Farmington Hills— For the second time in six years, the Ann Arbor Fire Department has lost a firefighter in a freeway crash.

Early Thursday morning, Daniel E. Armitage — a 16-year department veteran — was struck and killed by a car while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.

The 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident's death comes nearly six years to the day after Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt was struck from behind by an out-of-control pickup on an icy section of Interstate 94 at Jackson Street on Jan. 7, 2006.

Schnearle-Pennywitt, 34, was helping at the scene of a five-car pileup caused by icy roads when she was hit and gravely injured. She died six days later.

"They were both great people and great firefighters," department Chief Chuck Hubbard said.

"Everybody loved Dan, he was just a fun-loving person and a great father to his three children. I can't say enough about him; he's going to be missed."
City official Steve Powers echoed Hubbard's sentiments.

"The city is shocked and saddened by the death of firefighter Armitage," he said. "This is especially hard on the Fire Department, which has lost a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family."

Powers said the city would consider at a later time lowering city flags in memory of Armitage.

The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m., according to Lt. Phil Meena of the Metro North Post of the Michigan State Police.

"He had pulled off onto the shoulder of the road," he said. "We found a tire and jack near the front wheel on the driver's side. He was struck by a car and then hit by several other vehicles."

According to Mena, one vehicle swerved to avoid the area and hit the freeway's retaining wall. One person had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

The incident completely closed the westbound lanes from Farmington Road to Telegraph Road. The freeway reopened at about noon.

Armitage was a driver/operator at the Briarwood station in the southern portion of Ann Arbor.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete.

"We haven't yet talked to the family to find out what their wishes are," said Hubbard, who has been with the Fire Department for 26 years.

"But whatever they want is what we're going to give them."

This marks the second time in a week a pedestrian has died on a Metro Detroit freeway.

On Friday, a man was struck and killed by a truck while walking in traffic on eastbound Interstate 96 near Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

Detroit Free Press: Police investigate alleged domestic assault at home of Ann Arbor firefighter killed on I-696
Ann Arbor News
Posted: Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 10:39 a.m.
http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-ann-arbor-firefighter-killed-on-i-696/

Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged domestic assault at the home of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, who was killed when struck by several cars on Interstate 696 Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported this morning.

Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press Armitage's wife is in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.

Armitage, 41, an Ann Arbor firefighter since 1995, died after at least three cars struck him about 6:30 Thursday morning along the freeway in Farmington Hills while he was apparently changing a tire, Michigan State Police said.

Armitage, who lived in West Bloomfield Township, appeared to have been changing a tire on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 but at some point ended up on the ground in the right lane of the freeway, where the vehicles hit him, police said.

Another vehicle crashed into the median while trying to avoid striking Armitage, and its occupants suffered minor injuries, police said.

The westbound lanes of the freeway were closed for several hours after the crash.

Michigan State Police Lt. Phil Menna said police have made no determination about why Armitage ended up in the traffic lane and are looking at the crash from every angle. He said police have spoken to all the drivers involved in the crash and received many calls from motorists who drove through the area at the time of the crash. Police still want to speak to anyone else with information, Menna said.

Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy forensic pathologist with the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office, said the office had no information to release about an autopsy today. He said the office had not established a positive identification of the victim.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call police at 248-584-5740.

DETAILS OF FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH JUST DON'T ADD UP, POLICE SAY
Detroit Free Press
January 06, 2012
A 41-year-old man hit and killed on I-696 Thursday morning was the focus of a domestic assault investigation in Bloomfield Township, police say, and did not appear to have a flat tire when he stopped along the expressway.

Daniel Armitage, a firefighter for the city of Ann Arbor, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday after he was hit by at least three vehicles on I-696. The crash shut down more than six miles of the freeway for six hours during the morning rush hour. A father and his two children were injured in another chain-reaction accident.

Investigators say many questions remain about what happened Thursday morning.

Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia said the white late-model BMW SUV was parked on the side of the road with its flashers on and the spare tire laying next to it on the shoulder. Witnesses told investigators Armitage was lying in the right lane of traffic when he was hit.

"There are some things we are looking into that just don’t add up as far as the accident is concerned," Shunia said today. "But we can’t say for sure it was intentional or an accident at this point."

Shunia said the tire on the car — which had two lug nuts removed and the spare nearby — did not appear to have any problems.

"We had the tire checked out by a certified tire mechanic and it was not flat," Shunia said today. "There were no leaks in it. It had 8 to 10 pounds of pressure in it -- you could still drive on it."

Shunia said none of the other lug nuts were loosened, and the jack was still in the trunk. Typically during a tire change, all lug nuts are loosened and then the car is jacked up, he said.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has not determined a cause of death. A ruling is expected as early as today, the office said Thursday.

Meanwhile, Armitage's wife remains hospitalized in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Shunia said. Police received a report that she was assaulted by Armitage on Jan. 1 in their home in Bloomfield Township, Shunia said.

Bloomfield Township police said in a release that they are investigating the reported domestic assault at the home on Mohawk Court. But police did not releasing any additional details, declining to give specifics until the investigation is complete.

Police: No Flat Tire In Firefighter Freeway Death
January 6, 2012 4:37 PM
CBS Detroit NEWS
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/police-investigate-alleged-domestic-assault-at-home-of-man-killed-on-i-696/
BLOOMFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - There are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the death of a Ann Arbor firefighter who was killed after being hit multiple times on I-696 in Farmington Hills on Thursday.

Dan Armitage was pulled over on the north shoulder of westbound I-696 near Farmington Road around 6:30 a.m.. Police say at some point Armitage exited his late-model SUV and ended up on the ground in the freeway’s right lane.

There, he was struck several times by vehicles unable to avoid him.

Sgt. John Shields with the Metro North post in Oak Park said it’s still early in the investigation, but one thing they have determined is that Armitage did not have a flat tire as it had originally seemed.

“There was approximately 8 to 10 pounds of air pressure in the tire … that wouldn’t negate him from driving the vehicle at that point,” Shields told WWJ Newsradio 950′s Stephanie Davis. “At this juncture we’re not sure if that was the reason he may have pulled over to the shoulder.”

“We didn’t know if there was a different mechanical issue with the vehicle and that was just something that he happened to see,” he said, adding that police have not yet ruled out a medical issue, either.

Armitage was struck by at least three vehicles and the freeway was shut down for several hours following the incident.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office was expected to make a ruling in Armitage’s death Friday.

Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard told WWJ Armitage had been with the department for 16 years and was on his way to being promoted to lieutenant.

He leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Meantime Bloomfield Township police say they’re investigating the report of a possible domestic assault at Armitage’s home on Jan 1. However, they’re not commenting further about that until the investigation is complete.

More Questions than Answers after Ann Arbor Firefighter's Death
Updated: Friday, 06 Jan 2012, 7:41 PM EST
Published : Friday, 06 Jan 2012, 7:41 PM EST
By AMY LANGE
WJBK myFOXDetroit.com
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/more-questions-than-answers-after-ann-arbor-firefighter-death-20120106-ms

Ann Arbor firefighter Dan Armitage died Thursday after being struck several times on I-696

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) -- There are more questions than answers, according to Michigan State Police. It appeared 41-year-old Dan Armitage was changing a flat tire on I-696 at Farmington Road when he was struck several times around 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning causing accidents and closing the freeway.

It was a devastating scene, but we've now learned the tire was not flat. State police had it tested. There were no leaks. It had eight to ten pounds of pressure, enough to drive on. A couple of lug nuts were off, but the jack was still in the trunk.

Witnesses also saw Armitage lying in the middle of the right lane before he was hit. Twelve to 15 feet away from his BMW, cars swerved to avoid him, but other vehicles were unable to do so.

The medical examiner's office has yet to rule whether or not it was a suicide, but police say it appears Armitage's world was crumbling around him. His wife had been hospitalized days before and told police of years of terrible physical abuse.

Bloomfield Township Police are conducting a domestic assault investigation. She remains hospitalized.

Her family has not responded to requests for comment.

Armitage, an Ann Arbor fire fighter for 16 years, leaves behind three young sons.

Mystery surrounds firefighter's I-696 death
Evidence suggests death may not be an accident
By Tom Greenwood
The Detroit News
January 7, 2012 at 1:00 am
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120107/METRO02/201070346
Farmington Hills— The more investigators probe the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, the more complicated the story becomes, Michigan State Police said Friday.

Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars while allegedly changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road. His death initially seemed to be a tragic accident, but some things didn't make sense.

Among them, according to police:
While the tire had lost some air, it didn't have any leaks and was still driveable.

The tire jack was still in the trunk of Armitage's vehicle and only two lug nuts had been removed.

Armitage said he was going out for breakfast that morning, but he didn't have any money or his wallet on him when he died.

He was struck in the middle of the right-hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away on the shoulder.

At least two witnesses said Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.

Reports indicate Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police say could be tied to Armitage.

"There are more questions than answers right now," said Michigan State Trooper Paul Shunia, who was called to the crash on Thursday and is in charge of the follow-up investigation. "I'm not sure if the medical examiner is going to rule this as an accident. The evidence just slaps you in the face that things aren't adding up the way they should."

According to Shunia, Armitage may have been distraught at living apart from his wife and children and at the thought of being exposed as an abuser.

"Maybe it wasn't a suicide; maybe it was just a freakish accident," Shunia said. "It would be more convenient for everybody for this to be an accident. In that case, the kids get life insurance; if it's a suicide, the family gets exposed.

"As to how he ended up on I-696, I have no clue. We may never really know."

Witness reports don't support the theory that Armitage was changing a tire, Shunia said.

He was "struck in the center of the right-hand lane, quite a distance from where you'd be changing a tire, even if he fell backward," Shunia said. "Blood patterns clearly show he was well off the shoulder when he was hit. In fact, I have at least two witnesses so far that say he was lying parallel to the roadway facing westbound, like he was going to sleep."

Police didn't find Armitage's wallet, but did discover his driver's license in the glove compartment.

"He said he was going to breakfast, but with no money and no wallet?" Shunia said. "If you're going to get plastered on the freeway, your wallet can go flying anywhere. To me that's akin to taking your valuables out of the house before you burn it down."

Police discovered that the tire on Armitage's car had 8-10 pounds of pressure in it.

"When you're driving on a leaking tire, it can get completely flat, but you're not going to sit there for three hours if you're going to let the air out of it," Shunia said. "We had the tire checked by an expert who put it in a dip tank and it showed there were no leaks in that tire."

And then there's the alleged domestic situation between Armitage and his wife, who is in Beaumont Hospital.

"According to a report … his wife reported major physical abuse, which is a good possibility why she's in the hospital right now," Shunia said.

While not releasing any details, Bloomfield Township police confirmed in a press release that they are investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.

Police ran Armitage through the Law Enforcement Information Network after the crash, but there was no record of any criminal activity. A check of Oakland County Circuit Court records show no divorce or personal protection order filings.

Ann Arbor Firefighter’s Death Ruled A Suicide
January 9, 2012 5:59 PM
CBS NEWS- DETROIT
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/funeral-tuesday-for-ann-arbor-firefighter/

Dan Armitage (credit: Ann Arbor Fire Department)

BLOOMFIELD HILLS (WWJ) – The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office has ruled that death of an off-duty firefighter on I-696 was a suicide.

Initial reports said that 41-year-old Daniel Armitage, of Bloomfield Township, was changing a tire when he laid down in the right lane and was hit. However, Michigan State Police said the tire on the his SUV did not appear to be flat and the vehicle was drivable.

Police said Armitage was struck by at least three vehicles as motorists were unable to avoid him.

Meantime, Bloomfield Township police have confirmed they are investigating a reported domestic assault at Armitage’s home, but police have not released any details about that alleged incident.

Funeral services for Armitage are set for Tuesday at 11 a.m at St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills. His body will lie in repose an hour before the service.

A 16-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Fire Department, Armitage leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Ann Arbor firefighter's death ruled a suicide
By The Detroit News
January 9, 2012 at 6:32 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120109/METRO/201090443
The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage a suicide.

Armitage, 41, died early Thursday after being struck by three cars. It was initially reported he was struck while changing a tire on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.

Michigan State Police last week had said a number of facts in the death raised questions. Among them: Armitage not having his wallet on him when he died and at least two witnesses reporting Armitage was on the pavement in the middle of the lane "like he was going to sleep" just before he was hit.

Meanwhile, reports indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.

Bloomfield Township police confirmed last week they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court. Armitage's wife was admitted to an area hospital on New Year's Day after having a seizure, according to reports.

ME Rules Ann Arbor Firefighter Daniel Armitage's Death a Suicide
Updated: Tuesday, 10 Jan 2012, 7:11 AM EST
Published : Monday, 09 Jan 2012, 7:47 PM EST
myFOXDetroit.com Staff Report
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/me-rules-ann-arbor-firefighter-daniel-armitage-death-a-suicide-20120109-ms

Dan Armitage wearing his Ann Arbor Fire Deparment uniform.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- The Oakland County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a firefighter struck and killed on I-696 a suicide.

Daniel Armitage, 41, was a veteran Ann Arbor firefighter who lived in Bloomfield Township.

He appeared to be changing a tire last Thursday morning along I-696 in Farmington Hills, but evidence collected by police proved that his tire wasn't flat and that Armitage deliberately placed himself in front of traffic.

Reports of alleged spousal abuse have also been swirling since the story first broke. Police are also investigating that.

The funeral for Armitage takes place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hugo of the Hills church in Bloomfield Hills.

Oakland County Medical Examiner Rules Firefighter's Death a Suicide
Daniel Armitage died after being struck on I-696 in Farmington Hills.

By Joni Hubred-Golden
West Bloomfield Patch
January 9, 2012
http://westbloomfield.patch.com/articles/oakland-county-medical-examiner-rules-firefighter-s-death-a-suicide

Oakland County Medical Examiner Rules Firefighter's Death a Suicide. I-696 & Farmington Road, Farmington Hills MI.

The death of Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage on I-696 in Farmington Hills Thursday has been ruled a suicide, the Oakland County Medical Examiner's office announced today.

The 41-year-old Bloomfield Hills resident died at around 6:30 a.m., after being struck multiple times. The accident closed down the freeway from Telegraph Rd. to Orchard Lake Rd. for six hours, backing up traffic for miles as Michigan State Police (MSP) investigated.

Ruben Ortiz-Reyes, deputy medical examiner, told the Detroit Free Press today that information provided by MSP led to the suicide ruling. Witnesses said Armitage was lying in the lane of traffic before he was struck by as many as three vehicles.

Initial reports in local media indicated Armitage was changing a tire on his SUV, as lug nuts were loosened on the tire and the spare was out. But police raised questions when their investigation showed the tire was not flat and had no leaks or damage.

Investigators with the Bloomfield Township Police Department are also looking into a report of domestic assault at Armitage's home. Department officials said they will not discuss the possible incident or the investigation until it is complete.

Armitage's wife was hospitalized last week in Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Shunia told the Free Press.
Armitage is also survived by three young children.

If you need immediate help with depression or suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who does, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Help is available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK; Common Ground Mental Health and Crisis Intervention at 800-231-1127; and at Samaritan Counseling Center at 248-474-4701. You can find the Farmington Area Suicide Awareness Group on Facebook

Mourners gather for funeral of Ann Arbor firefighter who died on I-696
By Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News
January 10, 2012 at 2:57 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120110/METRO02/201100404
Bloomfield Hills— About 400 people said a final goodbye this morning to Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage, a Bloomfield Township resident who officials said committed suicide by laying down on Interstate 696 last week.

Family and friends may have come to the service with questions, but the Rev. Jack Bauer said they will probably never find answers.

"We may never and will never understand why," he said.

Armitage, 41, died last Thursday around 6:30 a.m. when he was struck by three cars on westbound Interstate 696 near Farmington Road.

Michigan State Police initially reported that Armitage was killed trying to change a flat tire. The investigation showed he was actually many feet away from his car, and at least two witnesses reported he was on the pavement in the middle of the right hand lane "like he was going to sleep," police said.

During the funeral service, Bauer requested a prayer for the drivers and witnesses near the scene, saying they deserve no blame and "we harbor no anger towards them."

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a suicide on Monday.
Armitage didn't have his wallet on him or in the car, with only his driver's license in the glove compartment.

One other driver incurred minor injuries after swerving to avoid the area and crashing into the retaining wall of the freeway.

Reports have indicated Armitage allegedly abused his wife of 12 years, and at the time of his death, she was hospitalized with injuries that police said could be tied to Armitage.

While not releasing any details, Bloomfield Township police confirmed in a press release that they were investigating a domestic assault case at the Armitage home on Mohawk Court.

His wife sat teary-eyed in the front row of the funeral, but only clergy spoke during the service.

Firefighter’s death ruled a suicide by Oakland County Medical Examiner
January 10, 2012
Robert Brignall
Detroit Crime Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/crime-in-detroit/firefighter-s-death-ruled-a-suicide-by-oakland-county-medical-examiner

16-year veteran firefighter took his own life, the Oakland ME found. Credits: official portrait

Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage took his own life last Thursday morning, the Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Monday. The conclusion was based on certain findings made by Michigan State Police accident investigators.

Armitage, 41, was a ladder-truck driver for the Ann Arbor Fire Department, a 16-year veteran of the service. He died at about 6:30 AM January 5 when he was run over by at least three vehicles in a westbound lane of I-696 in Farmington Hills.

The incident forced temporary closure of the westbound lanes and a lengthy, six hour backup.

A father and his two children were injured after their car hit the median in a chain-reaction accident.

At first investigators thought Armitage had been killed while trying to change his front driver’s side tire.

The man’s white, late model BMW SUV was parked on the shoulder with emergency flashers activated and a spare tire on the ground. Other findings soon revealed inconsistencies in the accidental death theory.

First, investigators found that the suspect tire was not leaking air, and had sufficient pressure to be driven on.

Next, they discovered that Armitage was not working on the tire when he was hit. The tire jack remained in the trunk and only two of the lug nuts had been loosened.

Instead, Armitage was lying in the middle of the right traffic lane, many feet from his vehicle, when hit. He appeared to have deliberately exposed himself to oncoming traffic.

Third, the off-duty firefighter had told others he was going out for breakfast that morning. However, he was found with no wallet and no money.

Deputy medical examiner Ruben Ortiz-Reyes told the Detroit Free Press that these investigative findings were the basis for determining the manner of death as suicide.

Armitage may have staged the tire changing so that his death would be ruled an accident. The determination of suicide will affect his family’s entitlement to life insurance benefits, according to the Ann Arbor Journal.

Evidence of serious family problems may provide the motive for suicide. Bloomfield Twp police were investigating a reported domestic assault at the family home in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.

Armitage’s wife was taken to Beaumont Hospital following the Jan 1 assault.

ANN ARBOR: Firefighter's death on I-696 ruled a suicide
Published: Friday, January 13, 2012
By Ben Baird
bbaird@heritage.com
Twitter: @BenBaird1
http://heritage.com/articles/2012/01/13/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4f0b8fb9b3a4a104884217.txt

Ann Arbor firefighter Daniel Armitage was struck by at least three vehicles and killed Jan. 5 while reportedly changing his tire on I-696.

His death has been ruled a suicide by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

A day after he died, new information emerged, as the victim may have been involved in a domestic assault just days before the incident.

Preliminary details indicated Armitage, a 41-year-old West Bloomfield Township resident, was on the north shoulder changing a tire before being struck by passing vehicles at about 6:30 a.m. Jan. 5, according to the Michigan State Police. He served in the Ann Arbor Fire Department since 1995.

According to a report published Friday by The Detroit News, state police said the tire being changed had no leaks and could be driven on. It was also suspicious Armitage had said he was going to breakfast that morning, but he had no money or wallet on him. Police now say he was struck in the middle of the right hand lane while his vehicle was safely parked many feet away in the shoulder. State police also said Armitage's wife has reported major physical abuse and was in Beaumont Hospital at the time of the accident.

Michigan State Trooper Paul Shunia, who was called to the crash and is in charge of the follow-up investigation, told The Detroit News on Friday that it's possible Armitage's death was a freak accident but because so many things weren't adding up there were suspicions it was a suicide, which it has now been ruled to be.

Determining that his death was from an accident or suicide is a factor in what Armitage's family collects from his life insurance, Shunia said.

Less than 12 hours after the incident, Bloomfield Township police sent out a brief press release last Thursday night.

"Due to media inquiries, the Bloomfield Township Police Department is currently investigating the report of a possible domestic assault that occurred in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.

"The Bloomfield Township Police Department will have no further comment on this incident until the investigation is completed."

After receiving the release, The Oakland Press was able to confirm that Armitage and his wife live in the 1800 block of Mohawk Court.

Bloomfield Township police declined further comment. Some reports have indicated that Armitage's wife was hospitalized after an alleged Jan. 1 assault.

A fund has been created by Armitage's family to benefit his children. It has been set at Flagstar Bank.

If you feel suicidal, get help. Call 1-800-273-TALK, a 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline. Military veterans should press "1."

Dave Phillips of The Oakland Press and Shaun Byron of Journal Register News Service contributed to this report.

Staff Writer Ben Baird can be reached at bbaird@heritage.com

RIVER ROUGE FIREFIGHTER

2011-12-21T00:12:00.004-07:00

RIVER ROUGE FIREFIGHTER CHARGED WITH SIX COUNTS OF CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN CONNECTION WITH HIS ABUSE OF HIS TEENAGE DAUGHTER

"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson...26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.

FIREFIGHTER CHARGED WITH ABUSING DAUGHTER
Channel 7 News [WXYZ]- Detroit
http://news.yahoo.com/video/detroitwxyz-20910802/fire-fighter-charged-with-abusing-daughter-27699315.html

Firefighter Accused of Enslaving His Daughter and Sexually Abusing Her
Updated: Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:59 PM EST
Published : Friday, 23 Dec 2011, 6:33 PM EST
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/firefighter-accused-of-enslaving-his-daughter-and-sexually-abusing-her-20111223-dk

myFOXdetroit.com - After two years of being held captive, used as a sex slave by her own father, a 15-year old girl walks into the Romulus Police station to get help. Police say she escaped. Now her father, a firefighter, could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

"I hope to God this man never gets out of jail, " says Romulus Police Chief Robert Dickerson.

26-years on the force and Dickerson says he has never seen anything so horrific.

The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.

The 15-year-old claims the sexual abuse started when she was just 13. Police say the man also took pornographic photos of her. They confiscated his computers, cameras, disks when they searched his home and his locker at the fire station. Lange was told he even admitted to some of what's being alleged against him.

Police say the girl had to sleep with her father , raise her younger siblings, all while going to school each day, pretending she was ok . But she had enough. She ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.

The man may be arraigned as soon as Saturday.

Chief Dickerson is urging all parents to talk to their children over this Holiday break to ind out what's really going on in their lives --at home, at school - everywhere.

And kids speak up. Dickerson says if you need to, call 911 and the police will come pick you up.

Report: Police say firefighter used daughter as sex slave in Romulus
Published: Saturday, December 24, 2011, 9:36 AM
Updated: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 7:15 AM
By Michael Wayland MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_police_say_firefighter.html

Police say a 48-year-old firefighter was arrested in Romulus for allegedly holding his daughter captive and using her as a sex slave.

Dec. 23, Fox 2: “The 48-year-old father is accused of sexual abuse, is a trusted public servant --a firefighter with an unnamed downriver fire department for more than16 years. He was arrested near his Romulus home, still in his firefighter uniform at the time.”

According to the television station, the 15-year-old girl says she was forced to sleep with her father, raise her younger siblings and pose for pornographic photos.

Police confiscated the man’s computers, cameras and disks after searching his home and locker at the fire station.

The girl, who said the alleged abuse started when she was 13 years old, ran away to her mother, who took her to the police.

The father, whose name has not been released, could be arraigned as early as today.

Police: Firefighter Arrested For Sexual Realtionship With Teen Daughter
December 24, 2011 11:01 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/24/downriver-firefighter-arrested-for-long-term-sexual-realtionship-with-teen-daughter/

ROMULUS (WWJ) - A Downriver Firefighter was arrested earlier this week after his teenage daughter told police she was forced into a sexual relationship with her father which lasted several years.

Police say the girl walked into Romulus police headquarters on Wednesday and reported that while living with her father over the past few years, she was forced into performing numerous sex acts with him, including sexual intercourse, starting when she was 13-years-old. The teen also reported that her father had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.

Shortly after the report, Romulus police located the suspect driving his vehicle near his home and arrested him without incident. The suspect – a 16-year veteran firefighter of a Downriver fire department – was wearing his firefighter uniform when taken into custody.

Romulus police obtained search warrants for the suspect’s residence and for his personal locker at his fire department. During the search, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the victim. Detectives also received a video-taped and written statement from the suspect admitting to many of the sexual acts as described by the teen.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is in the process of reviewing the warrant request. Multiple charges are expected to be filed in the 34th District Court.

The firefighter’s name is not being released pending his arraignment on the charges.

The girl’s current age is not being released by police.

Veteran Firefighter Arrested, Charged With Vile Sex Crimes
http://firegeezer.com/2011/12/30/veteran-firefighter-arrested-charged-with-vile-sex-crimes/

An Absolutely Disgusting Human Being
A 16-YR. VETERAN FIREFIGHTER WITH THE RIVER ROUGE, Michigan, Fire Department was arrested last week and arraigned Monday on charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The unnamed firefighter is being accused by his 15-yr.-old daughter of using her as his sex slave, keeping her at home when not in school and performing sexual intercourse and other deviancies.

He also took explicit pornographic photos of her and required her to raise her young siblings in the absence of their mother. All the while she was going to school and pretending that everything was ok.

Earlier this month she finally "had enough" and ran away, going to her mother and telling her what was happening.

The mother and daughter then went immediately to the Romulus, Michigan, Police Dept. where they lived and filed the initial complaint.

Detectives tracked the man down and found him while he was driving his car and stopped him on the street. He was wearing his FD uniform at the time and was arrested without incident.

Acquiring search warrants, the investigators went to the man's home and seized his computers, cameras, photographs and computer disks. The also raided his locker at the fire station. The initial seizures apparently contained a large quantity of incriminating evidence.

Detectives also say that they have obtained a video tape and a written statement by the man admitting to several of the acts.

ROMULUS: River Rouge firefighter arraigned on sexual assault of teenage daughter (UPDATED)
Published: Monday, December 26, 2011
By David Komer
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2011/12/26/news/doc4ef4f76f0af9e603460426.txt

ROMULUS — A River Rouge firefighter was arrested Wednesday night for allegedly engaging in a long-term sexual relationship with his teenage daughter.

He was arraigned earlier today in 34th District Court on charges including first degree criminal sexual conduct, according to the Romulus Police Department. Bail has been set at $250,000. A preliminary examination of the evidenceday against hinmy in 34th District Court has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 4.

Police said the girl walked into the police station Wednesday evening to report that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts, including sexual intercourse with him, since she was 13 years old. Her current age is not being released by police.

The girl told officers that her father also had taken and stored numerous nude and explicit photos of her.

Shortly afterward, police located the firefighter driving near his house and arrested him without incident.

The man is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was wearing his uniform when he was arrested.

Police obtained search warrants for his residence and for his personal locker at his fire station.

During the execution of the search warrants, detectives seized evidence supporting the allegations made by the girl.

Detectives also received a videotaped and written statement from the man admitting to many of the sex acts as described by the teen.

Police Chief Robert Dickerson said: “Although I’m pleased that this defendant is in police custody, no longer be able to prey on any other innocent children, as a parent I’m deeply saddened that this teenager was violated for years and her innocence forcibly taken from her by her own father."

Report: River Rouge firefighter arraigned for sexually abusing teen daughter
Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 2:31 PM
By Aaron Foley
MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/12/report_river_rouge_firefighter.html

The News-Herald is reporting that a River Rouge firefighter has been arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges for repeatedly assaulting his teenage daughter, as well has being suspended from his job without pay.

Neither the man's name nor his daughter's name have been released to protect the girl's identity.

News-Herald: Police said she walked into the police station last Wednesday evening and reported that her father had forced her into numerous sex acts since she was 13 years old. The girl told officers that her father also had taken numerous nude and explicit photos of her.

As previously reported, the 48-year-old man used the girl, now 15, as a sex slave. The girl was also forced to raise her younger siblings during the ordeal.

Bond Reduced For Downriver Firefighter In Sex Abuse Case
January 4, 2012 1:05 PM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/01/04/bond-reduced-for-downriver-firefighter-in-sex-abuse-case/

ROMULUS (WWJ) - The preliminary examination for a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually abusing his daughter has been postponed until later this month.

Defense attorney Ronald French was successful in 34th District Court on Wednesday in getting the bond for the 48-year-old Romulus man reduced from $250,000 cash to 10 percent of that and a GPS tether.

The man’s 16-year-old daughter has accused him abusing her since she was 13 years old.

He’s been charged with two counts of CSC 1st degree (victim under 13 years of age), three counts of CSC 1st (victim 13-15 years of age) and one count of Child Sexually Abusive Material.

Prosecutors said the man, whose name is being withheld her to protect the alleged victim’s anonymity, confessed to all of the charges and that he has told police he is a danger to himself.

The complaint was reported to the police on December 21, 2011.

He’s expected back in court next month.

ROMULUS: Examination adjourned for firefighter accused of incest
Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012
By Alan Burdziak
Twitter: @AlanBurdziak
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/05/news/doc4f047a2f02afd776031073.txt

Thirty-fourth District Judge Brian Oakley will preside over a preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter who is accused in the sexual assault of his teenage daughter.

ROMULUS — A preliminary examination of the evidence against a River Rouge firefighter accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter was adjourned Wednesday in 34th District Court.

The exam will resume at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25.

Defense attorney Ronald French said he received a discovery packet from police yesterday that he still needs to review with his client for additional evidence.

To protect the identity of the girl, The News-Herald Newspapers is not publishing the name of the suspect. Police said he forced the girl into sexual acts for years, beginning when she was 13
Also to protect the girl, The News-Herald is not publishing her current age.

The man, 48, is a 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department. He was charged with numerous crimes including first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

At French’s request, Judge Brian Oakley set the man’s bond at $250,000/10 percent provided that he wear a tether at all times and not leave the state of Michigan.

He also had to surrender his passport.

“He’s not a flight risk,” French said. “He’s completely cooperated with police in this matter.”

Wayne County assistant prosecutor Kinga Gorzelewski argued to keep the man in custody, saying that he is a danger to himself and that he has confessed to everything in the case.
He was arrested Dec. 21 after the girl went to the Romulus police station to file a report. He was arrested a short time later without incident.

The man allegedly also took explicit photos and videos of the teen.

Police found evidence supporting the girl’s claims after they searched the man’s home and his locker at work.

Detectives also received a video and a written statement from him admitting to some of the acts the girl described.

He has been suspended from his job without pay pending a termination hearing.

River Rouge firefighter to be arraigned on charges of sexual abuse of daughter

By Candice Williams
The Detroit News
January 25, 2012 at 5:32 pm
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120125/METRO01/201250436

Romulus— A Downriver firefighter accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday.

The man, 48, of Romulus, waived his rights to an exam Wednesday afternoon before 34th District Court Judge Brian Oakley in Romulus.

The 16-year veteran of the River Rouge Fire Department has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under age 13, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13-15 years of age, and one count of child sexually abusive material.

The man's name isn't being released because The News doesn't identify sexual abuse victims. Police said the man's daughter reported in December that her father allegedly forced her to engage in sex acts, including intercourse. The girl also reported her father took nude photos of her.

The suspect is free on a GPS tether and will appear for an arraignment Feb. 1 at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit.

CHIEF GARY BUCHOLTZ [BAD AXE, MI]. MURDER / SUICIDE: 11/29/2011

2011-11-29T03:00:00.026-07:00

On the evening of November 29th, former Police Chief Gary Bucholtz kidnapped his ex-wife, Rhonda Bucholtz. Police discovered the bodies of Gary and Rhonda in Heb's Inn and Hotel [Mason, MI], the following day. Chief Bucholtz had murdered / shot his wife and then committed suicide.

Police are uncertain as to why Bucholtz drove Rhonda all the way from their hometown of Port Hope...

...to the town of Mason [almost two hundred miles away].

The Michigan State Police are involved in the ongoing investigation.

Sadly, this is not the first tragedy Rhonda's family has recently faced. On November 20th, Rhonda's nephew Brent Tinsley [Ubly, MI], was murdered. The case is still under investigation.[See news articles below].

Mason police discover murder-suicide
Former police chief abducted his wife and put her in restraints in Port Hope
Written by Laura Misjak
Dec. 4, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111204/INGHAM01/112040428/Mason-police-discover-murder-suicide?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7C%7Cs
MASON - The Huron County sheriff and Mason investigators say a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and secured her with restraints and drove her to a Mason motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope in a Mason motel while conducting a welfare check Nov. 29. Rhonda Bucholtz had several gunshots to the face and her estranged husband had a single shotgun would to his head.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in the Thumb region.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared on Nov. 28.

A minivan belonging to the couple was parked outside the motel room where a man and woman were found shot to death, officials said.

Mason police last week ruled the deaths a murder- suicide, and in a prepared statement last Thursday revealed that a variety of restraints were used on Mrs. Bucholtz.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," said Mason police Chief John Stressman. "We are still processing the evidence."

Family members reported that the couple had been having marital difficulties and they were concerned for their well-being, according to the sheriff's office.

On Nov. 29, Mason police contacted the Huron County sheriff's office, saying that the murder-suicide possibly involved the missing Huron County couple.

The couple checked into a room at Heb's Inn & Motel, on North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at 3 a.m. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman said.

At about 2:30 p.m., police were called to the motel for a welfare check, where they found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Police say bodies are former Bad Axe police chief and wife
Posted: Dec 03, 2011 9:57 AM CST
Updated: Dec 03, 2011 10:43 AM CST
By Kim Yonick
http://www.wnem.com/story/16179700/police-say-bodies-are
MASON, MI (WNEM) - Police said the bodies found inside a motel room are that of a former Bad Axe police chief and his wife.

Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz were found shot to death at a Mason Motel room.

Police said Gary Bucholtz took his wife from their home, restrained her in the car and shot her several times in that motel.

He then turned the gun on himself.

The investigation is ongoing, but police said they may never know why the couple ended up in Mason.

Police say former Bad Axe police chief shot wife in face multiple times at Mason motel
12:07 AM, Dec. 2, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111202/NEWS03/312020012/Police-say-former-Bad-Axe-police-chief-shot-wife-face-multiple-times-Mason-motel?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CBusiness%7Cs
MASON — The former Huron County police chief who authorities say shot and killed his wife before killing himself inside a motel room had abducted her using “a variety of implements of restraint,” officials said.

The bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were found Tuesday inside a room at Heb’s Inn & Motel.

Rhonda Bucholtz died from multiple handgun wounds to her face, according to a news release from Mason police.

Gary Bucholtz, who was a police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years, died from a single shotgun wound to his head, police said.

Several “implements of restraint” were found inside the couple’s minivan and in the motel room, police said. Rhonda Bucholtz was found with an ankle restraint secured to one leg with the other end lying unsecured, police said.

Investigators believe Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted inside her Port Hope home. There was evidence she was restrained and concealed inside the minivan, police said.

How and why the couple ended up in Mason may never be known, the news release said.

Police release more details in Mason murder-suicide
5:58 PM, Dec. 1, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111201/NEWS01/312010009/Police-release-more-details-in-Mason-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
MASON — The former Huron County police chief who authorities say shot and killed his wife before killing himself inside a motel room had abducted her using “a variety of implements of restraint,” officials said today.

The bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were found Tuesday inside a room at Heb’s Inn & Motel. Rhonda Bucholtz died from multiple handgun wounds to her face, according to a news release from Mason police.

Gary Bucholtz, who was a police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years, died from a single shotgun wound to his head, police said.

Several “implements of restraint” were found inside the couple’s minivan and in the motel room, police said. Rhonda Bucholtz was found with an ankle restraint secured to one leg with the other end lying unsecured, police said.

Investigators believe Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted inside her Port Hope home. There was evidence she was restrained and concealed inside the minivan, police said.

How and why the couple ended up in Mason may never be known, the news release said.

Police Believe Man Who Shot Wife and Then Himself is Former Police Chief
Posted On: 12/1/2011
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=312318&cID=1

A Michigan Sheriff says investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife, then shot and killed her before killing himself.

Mason Police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz in a Lansing area hotel while conducting a welfare check on Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, the couple lived in Port Hope.

Family members called police after the couple went missing on Monday night.

Ex-Bad Axe Police Chief Gary Bucholtz Killed Self, Estranged Wife: Huron County Police Say
First Posted: 12/ 1/11 12:51 PM ET
Updated: 12/ 1/11 01:49 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/01/bucholtz-murder-suicide_n_1122969.html

Authorities in Michigan are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a former local police official and his estranged ex-wife.

Mason police say that they discovered two bodies late Tuesday night in a Lansing-area motel room, one allegedly belonging to retired Bad Axe police chief Gary Bucholtz and the other to his former spouse, Rhonda Bucholtz, according to a press release obtained by the Huffington Post.

Authorities began searching for the pair late Monday night after Bucholtz family members contacted the Huron County Sheriff's office.

"Apparently, they had not been heard from since approximately 9 p.m. on Monday," Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson told the Huron Daily Tribune. "Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months. They were worried about the couple's well-being."

Hanson alerted regional law enforcement agencies to that the couple was missing.

Around 11:00 pm, Tuesday, Hanson received notification from Mason Police Department officials of a shooting incident approximately 110 miles southeast of Bad Axe, possibly involving the missing divorced couple.

"They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot," Hanson said.

Gary, 58, and Rhonda, 38, were parents of a five-year-old child, according to Bay City Times.

Police believe that Gary Bucholtz shot his ex-wife before killing himself, according to ABC-12.

As of Wednesday evening, the Ingham County Medical Examiner was still processing evidence and completing the identification process.

Current Bad Axe Police chief addresses apparent murder-suicide of predecessor, wife
Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 12:00 PM
By Cole Waterman The Bay City Times The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/12/current_bad_axe_police_chief_a.html

BAD AXE — The current chief of the Bad Axe Police Department has issued a brief statement regarding the apparent murder-suicide of former chief Gary E. Bucholtz and wife Rhonda L. Bucholtz.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Gary and Rhonda and we will support them during their time of grieving," Chief David Rothe said in the release. "We respect the family's privacy and will have no further comment at this time."

Bodies believed to be the Bucholtzes' were found in Heb's Inn in Mason Tuesday afternoon. Relatives reported they had not seen the Port Hope couple since around 9 p.m. Monday night.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson has said it appeared the couple died in their motel room from gunshot wounds. Evidence indicated Gary Bucholtz, 58, kidnapped his 38-year-old wife from Huron County, Hanson said.

The Mason Police Department is handling the investigation. Confirmation of the bodies' identities is to be released later today, pending the completion of autopsies.

Ex-Bad Axe police chief suspected of killing wife, self
December 01, 2011 7:49 AM
http://www.wwmt.com/news/police-1398966-self-axe.html

MASON, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan sheriff says investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Lansing-area motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in Michigan's rural Thumb region.

The motel is about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson says relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared Monday night.

Hanson tells the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe that investigators suspect Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted from Huron County and taken to the motel.

Report: Police say Huron County husband kidnapped wife before murder-suicide in Mason
Published: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 7:34 AM
Updated: Thursday, December 01, 2011, 11:13 AM
By Brandon Howell MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/12/report_police_say_huron_county.html

Police say a pair of murder-suicide victims found dead in a Mason motel Tuesday was a married couple from Huron County. Police believe the husband kidnapped the wife.

UPDATE: Police believe the pair is former Bad Axe police chief Gary Bucholtz and his wife Rhonda.
--
Police say a husband and wife found dead in what's been ruled a murder-suicide Tuesday in Mason were from Port Hope in Huron County.

WILX reports Mason police, who have been working with the Huron County Sheriff's Office, believe the man kidnapped his wife. They were both reported missing by their family Tuesday afternoon.

The pair was found dead at Herb's Inn along Cedar Street. WLIX reports the couple had been having marital problems.

It was the second murder-suicide in Mason in just a matter of days.

A man and woman were found dead on Thanksgiving at their home in the 400 block of Hanna Road. In that case, authorities said Timothy Hendricks, 53, used a pistol to shoot and kill his ex-wife, Deborah Hendricks, 62, before killing himself.

Both were found dead in a home in the 400 block of Hanna Road late Thursday.
WLIX reports the Ingham County Medical Examiner has yet to positively identify the victims of Tuesday's murder-suicide. Positive identification is expected on Thursday or Friday.

Ex-Police Chief Suspected Of Killing Wife, Self
December 1, 2011 7:26 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/01/former-police-chief-suspected-of-killing-wife-self/

MASON (AP) - Investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Lansing-area motel, where he fatally shot her and himself, a sheriff said Wednesday.

Mason police found bodies believed to be those of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief in Bad Axe for about 10 years. The city has about 3,500 residents and is county seat of Huron County at the tip of Michigan’s heavily agricultural Thumb region. The motel is about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing and about 110 miles southeast of Bad Axe.

The Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe reported that Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared. He said they had apparently not been heard from since about 9 p.m. Monday.

“Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” Hanson said. “They were worried about the couple’s well-being.”

The sheriff said Mason police contacted him late Tuesday.

“They advised they were working on an incident that possibly involved our missing couple,” Hanson said. “They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot.”

He said the investigation produced evidence “suggesting the female may have been abducted” from Huron County and that it appeared both died in the Mason motel room from gunshot wounds in a possible murder-suicide.

Mason Police Chief John Stressman said the room at Heb’s Inn & Motel was booked at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman told the Lansing State Journal.

Stressman said investigators will confirm the man and woman’s identities through dental records and DNA tests. They will look at autopsy results to confirm they died of gunshot wounds, he said.

“It’s still an open investigation and we’ve still got a lot of legwork to do,” Stressman said.

Mason Motel Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide
Thursday, December 01, 2011 5:58 a.m. EST
http://big921.com/news/articles/2011/dec/01/mason-motel-deaths-ruled-murder-suicide/

MASON, Mich (WLMI) Police in Mason have confirmed the bodies of a man and woman found Tuesday in a motel died in a murder-suicide.

Officials say it appears the former police chief of Bad Axe—in Michigan’s Thumb—abducted his estranged wife and drove her to Heb’s Inn on North Cedar and shot her, then himself.

Officials in Huron County say family members contacted the Sheriff’s Department after Gary Bucholz and his wife, Rhonda, disappeared Monday night.

Police rule deaths murder-suicide
Former Bad Axe police chief suspected of killing wife, self
11:13 PM
Nov. 30, 2011
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111201/NEWS01/112010311/Police-rule-deaths-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE
MASON - The Huron County sheriff said that investigators suspect that a former police chief abducted his estranged wife and drove her to a Mason motel, where he fatally shot her and himself.

Mason police found the bodies of Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope while conducting a welfare check Tuesday.

Gary Bucholtz was police chief for about 10 years in Bad Axe, a city of 3,500 in Huron County in the Thumb region.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said relatives contacted his department after the couple disappeared on Monday night.

A minivan belonging to the couple was parked outside the Mason motel room where a man and woman were found Tuesday shot to death, officials said.

Hanson told the Huron Daily Tribune in Bad Axe that investigators suspect that

Rhonda Bucholtz was abducted from Huron County and taken to the Mason motel.

Mason police have ruled the deaths a murder- suicide.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," said Mason police Chief John Stressman. "We are still processing the evidence."

Family members reported that the couple had been having marital difficulties and they were concerned for their well-being, according to the sheriff's office.

On Tuesday night, Mason police contacted the Huron County sheriff's office, saying that the murder-suicide possibly involved the missing Huron County couple.

The couple checked into a room at Heb's Inn & Motel, on North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. checkout time, Stressman said.

At about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the motel for a welfare check, where they found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Missing persons case could have ties to a murder-suicide
Posted: Nov 30, 2011 10:52 PM CST
Updated: Dec 01, 2011 10:16 AM CST
By ABC12 News Team
http://www.abc12.com/story/16160902/missing-person-case-could-have-ties-to-a-murder-suicide

HURON COUNTY (WJRT) -
(11/30/11) - A missing persons search out of Huron County could be linked to what investigators are calling a suspected murder-suicide case in Ingham County.

The Huron County Sheriff's Department says Gary Bucholtz and Rhonda Bucholtz of Port Hope were last seen Monday evening. Family members reported them missing Tuesday afternoon, expressing concern over marital issues between the couple.

Detectives were contacted by the Mason Police Department, south of Lansing, about two people found dead in a motel room. A van belonging to the Bucholtz's was parked in the lot.

Both victims died from gunshot wounds and a positive identification is pending.
Mason Police say it appears the man shot the woman and them himself

More details emerge regarding apparent murder-suicide involving former Bad Axe Police chief, wife
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 7:13 PM
Updated: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 9:28 PM
By LaNia Coleman The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/11/more_details_emerge_regarding.html

BAD AXE — Huron County investigators say they believe a man and woman found dead in an Ingham County motel room are a former Bad Axe Police chief and his wife.

Gary E. Bucholtz, 58, and his 38-year-old wife, Rhonda L. Bucholtz, were reported missing by family members who were “very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

The couple, from Huron Township, are parents of a 5-year-old child.

Hanson could not comment on the nature of the nature of the couple’s troubles.

Local authorities were searching for the couple Tuesday when police in Mason, a town about 14 miles south of Lansing and 180 miles southwest of Port Hope, notified Hanson that they’d found the Bucholtz’s Chevrolet Uplander minivan in the parking lot of a motel where an apparent murder-suicide had occurred.

According to reports, Mason police suspect that Gary Bucholtz kidnapped his wife from somewhere in Huron County.

The couple reportedly checked into Heb’s Inn about 3 a.m. and were found dead of gunshot wounds about 12 hours later.

The Ingham County medical examiner has yet to make a positive identification.

Rhonda Bucholtz is an aunt of Brent Tinsey, the 20-year-old Ubly man who was found shot to death Nov. 20 in Sanilac County. The investigation into Tinsey's death is ongoing.

Gary Bucholtz’s brother is Gagetown Police Chief Gene Bucholtz.

BREAKING: Former Bad Axe Police Chief dies in what’s believed to be murder/suicide
By STACY LANGLEY
Huron Daily Tribune
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 6:24 PM EST
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2011/11/30/news/local_news/doc4ed6bb39d3c17439737926.txt

MASON — Police are investigating a possible abduction that ended in a murder/suicide involving former Bad Axe Police Chief Gary E. Bucholtz and his estranged wife.

Bucholtz, who served as Bad Axe Police Chief for 10 years, and his wife, Rhonda, were found dead inside a motel room in Mason just southeast of Lansing on Tuesday afternoon. The Mason Police Department is handling the investigation, which is still on-going as of press time.

What is known at this time is a search for the couple began earlier this week by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said Undersheriff Ron Roberts was contacted by family who reported the couple had been missing since Monday.

“Apparently, they had not been heard from since approximately 9 p.m. on Monday. Family members were very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months. They were worried about the couple’s well-being,” said Hanson.

Police began following up on leads in an effort to attempt to track down the couple Tuesday afternoon.

“Leads were also followed up by the Bad Axe City Police Department, the Port Austin Village Police Department, the Michigan State Police in Sandusky and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office,“ Hanson said about their attempts to locate the couple. “We were able to uncover some new information, but nothing led to the whereabouts of the missing couple.”

At approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Hanson said he updated the ‘Be on the Look-out’ B.O.L (LEIN Broadcast), which was asking for law enforcement agencies in the state for information about Bucholtz and his wife.

“At 11:20 p.m., I was contacted by the Mason Police Department. They advised they were working on an incident that possibly involved our missing couple. They stated they had a deceased male and female in a local motel room and the Port Hope couple’s Uplander van was in the parking lot,” said Hanson, who added Mason police had been working this incident since roughly 3 p.m. Tuesday and they were processing the scene and attempting to positively identify the deceased.

“Mason police advised the investigation into the couple’s death was suggesting the female may have been abducted from our county,” said Hanson.

“It appeared both died in the Mason motel room from gunshot wounds, possibly the result of a murder/suicide. Due to those wounds, the Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office may need another day to wrap up the identification process.”

Hanson said the matter remains under investigation.

Mason Murder-Suicide Followed Kidnapping
Missing couple from Port Hope in Huron County believed to be victims in a murder-suicide Tuesday in Mason. Man was former police chief.
Posted: 5:58 PM Nov 30, 2011
Updated: 10:03 AM Dec 1, 2011
Reporter: Jason Colthorp
Email Address: jason.colthorp@wilx.com
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/Mason_Murder-Suicide_Followed_Kidnapping_134787333.html

The victims in Tuesday's murder-suicide in Mason appear to be a married couple from Port Hope, a city right on Lake Huron in the thumb.

The Mason Police Department has been working with the Huron County Sheriff's Office and they believe the woman was kidnapped by her husband.

Gary and Rhonda Bucholtz-- who were having marital problems-- were reported missing by family Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. At the same time, 180 miles away, Mason police were discovering the bodies at Heb's Inn on Cedar Street.

Investigators discovered the Uplander mini-van in the parking lot belonged to the couple reported missing via a statewide alert system.

Gary Bucholtz was the former police chief in Bad Axe for 10 years.

Police say they checked in at 3 a.m. that morning and were found at 2:30 p.m. when no one answered the door.

The Ingham County Medical Examiner still has to positively identify the victims. That should be done Thursday or Friday.

Missing Port Hope couple believed dead in Mason motel room
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 5:32 PM
Updated: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 5:34 PM
By LaNia Coleman The Bay City Times
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/11/missing_port_hope_couple_belie.html

BAD AXE — Huron County investigators say they believe a man and woman found dead in a Mason motel room are a Port Hope-area couple reportedly missing since Monday.
Gary E. and Rhonda L. Bucholtz of Huron Township were reported missing by family members who were “very concerned because of marital difficulties that had evolved over the last several months,” said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

Undersheriff Ron Roberts, six deputies and Hanson began following leads, as did police in Bad Axe and Port Austin, state police from the Sandusky Detachment and St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies.

“We were able to uncover some new information but nothing lead to the whereabouts of our missing couple,” said Hanson.

About 11 p.m. Tuesday, deputies put out a statewide be-on-the-lookout alert for the couple, said the sheriff.

Roughly 20 minutes later, police in Mason, located southeast of Lansing, advised that they found the couple’s Chevrolet Uplander van in the parking lot of a motel where an apparent murder-suicide had occurred earlier that day, said Hanson.

Mason police had been investigating the deaths since about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

As of this morning, positive identification still had not been made.

Mason investigators believe the woman was abducted from Huron County, said Hanson.

Both people died of gunshot wounds, he said.

Mason deaths ruled murder-suicide
4:48 PM, Nov. 30, 2011
Updated 4:41 p.m.
Written by Laura Misjak
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111130/NEWS01/111300332/Mason-deaths-ruled-murder-suicide?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Police and investigators are on the scene Tuesday night in the driving snow in Mason at the site of the shooting deaths of a man and woman. The deaths are being investigated as homicides. Rod Sanford Lansing State Journal.

MASON -- Police have ruled the deaths of a man and woman found at a Mason motel Tuesday afternoon as a murder-suicide.

Both died of gunshot wounds, said Chief John Stressman.

Preliminary autopsy results could not confirm the identity of the couple, Stressman said, and dental records or DNA will be examined tomorrow to determine their identities.

The two checked into Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street, at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Police were alerted after the couple had not left at the 11 a.m. check-out time, Stressman said.

MASON - Police continue today to investigate the suspicious deaths of a man and woman who were found at a Mason motel Tuesday afternoon.

Mason police Chief John Stressman said police are still trying to confirm the identities of the two and the deaths are being investigated as suspicious. An autopsy is scheduled but Stressman didn't know if it would be completed today.

Police were called to Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127, at about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check, and found the man and woman dead.

A cleaning person at the motel spoke to a man earlier in the day whom police believe was one of the deceased, Stressman said.

"We don't know for sure the time of death or why they were there," Stressman said. "We are still processing the evidence and trying to get in touch with the family members if they are who we think they are."

Police believe the two died of gunshot wounds, but are waiting on autopsy results to confirm that, Stressman said.

"It's still an open investigation and we've still got a lot of legwork to do," he said.

Authorities treating 2 deaths at Mason motel as homicides
12:43 AM, Nov. 30, 2011
Written byKevin Grasha
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111130/NEWS01/111300318/Authorities-treating-2-deaths-at-Mason-motel-as-homicides?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Police and investigators are on the scene Tuesday night in the driving snow in Mason at the site of the shooting deaths of a man and woman. The deaths are being investigated as homicides. / ROD SANFORD/Lansing State Journal.

MASON - Police are investigating the shooting deaths of a man and woman whose bodies were found Tuesday afternoon in a motel room.

Mason police Sgt. Ed Hude said the deaths were being treated as homicides, although investigators were still trying to sort out what happened.

The victims, a white man and white woman, were found after police were called about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127.

Employees at the motel declined to comment.

The motel is made up of two buildings.

Police tape Tuesday surrounded a section of the second building.

A parked minivan was backed up at an angle to one room.

The Michigan State Police crime scene investigators were called in to assist.

Man, woman found fatally shot at motel in Mason
Posted On: 11/29/2011
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=312111&cID=2

MASON, Mich. (AP) — Police say they're investigating the fatal shootings of a man and a woman at a Lansing-area motel.

Police didn't immediately release the names of the victims, who were found dead about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Lansing State Journal says (http://on.lsj.com/rGxdBu ) officers discovered the bodies when they conducted a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel. It's about 10 miles south-southeast of Lansing.

A state police crime scene investigation unit is assisting local authorities.

Mason police investigate deaths of 2 gunshot victims
6:20 PM, Nov. 29, 2011
Written by Kevin Grasha
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111129/NEWS01/311290004/1002/NEWS01?odyssey=obinsite

UPDATED 5:14 P.M. MASON -- Police are investigating the shooting deaths of a man and woman found this afternoon as suspicious.

"We are treating it as a homicide until we know differently," said Sgt. Ed Hude.

The victims, a white man and white woman, were found after police were called about 2:32 p.m. for a welfare check at Heb's Inn & Motel, located in the 500 block of North Cedar Street near U.S. 127.

Police on scene are waiting on a search warrant and the Michigan State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Report: Police investigating another murder-suicide in Mason
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 4:51 PM
By Angela Wittrock MLive.com MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/11/report_police_investigating_an.html

Police haven't released details about the victims yet.

Police in Mason are investigating a possible murder-suicide Tuesday, the second in less than a week.

Television station WILX reported that the victims were found dead in a room at Herb's Inn on Cedar Street. The ages and genders weren't released.

A man and woman were found dead Thursday at their home in Mason. Ingham County Sheriff's authorities ruled it a murder-suicide.

In that case, authorities said Timothy Hendricks, 53, used a pistol to shoot and kill his ex-wife, Deborah Hendricks, 62, before killing himself.

Both were found dead in a home in the 400 block of Hanna Road late Thursday.

MURDER OF BRENT TINLEY [RHONDA'S NEPHEW]: NOVEMBER 20, 2011.

UPDATE: Police release name of shooting victim
Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 10:08 AM EST
By STACY LANGLEY
Tribune Staff Writer
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2011/11/23/news/local_news/doc4ecd0c2c9e06d202862217.txt

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP — Police have released the name of the 20-year-old former Bad Axe High School student who was shot Sunday, but they are not releasing the details surrounding the shooting.

When troopers from the Michigan State Police post in Caro were dispatched to a location on Spencer Road in Sanilac County, they found Brent Michael Tinsey dead from a gunshot wound, according to F./Lt. Mitch Krugielki.

Police initially reported that Tinsey was from Argyle, but in a follow-up news release to the Tribune they reported Tinsey had an Ubly address.

“The matter remains under investigation. We have been in contact with the prosecutor’s office in Sanilac County, but the final report has not yet been submitted,” said Krugielki who added additional information will not be released until the matter has been further investigated.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sanilac County Sheriff Office, Michigan State Police-Bridgeport Crime Laboratory and Sanilac County EMS.

Name of man fatally shot in Sanilac County released
9:30 AM, Nov. 23,
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20111123/NEWS05/111123008/Name-man-fatally-shot-Sanilac-County-released-?odyssey=nav%7Chead

The Michigan State Police has released the name of a man fatally shot Sunday in Austin Township but haven’t released any other details about the incident.

Rescue crews responded to a shooting on Spencer Road about 6:30 p.m. where Brent Michael Tinsey, 20, of Ubly was pronounced dead.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Jeff Hook at the Caro post said no other details were being released, including the nature of the shooting or if a suspect was in custody or being sought.

Police originally said Tinsey was from Argyle.

A message was left for MSP Detective Brian Ferguson.

Authorities investigate Sanilac shooting
Submitted by Compmanager
November 23, 2011 – 9:30 am
http://www.tuscolatoday.com/index.php/2011/11/23/authorities-investigate-sanilac-shooting/

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP — Troopers from the Michigan State Police Caro post are investigating a shooting that killed a 20- year-old Ubly man.

Troopers were dispatched to an unknown shooting on Spencer Road in Austin Township, Sanilac County. Brent Tinsey, who has a listed Ubly address, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting is still under investigation by Michigan State Police.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sanilac County Sheriff Office, Michigan State Police – Bridgeport Crime Laboratory and Sanilac County EMS.

State police release ID of man, 20, fatally shot in Sanilac County; investigation continues
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: November 23, 2011 - 7:04 am
Last Updated: November 23, 2011 - 7:04 am
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/dc51d6ea9520457c8273ed684c8e0e76/MI--Sanilac-County-Killing/

AUSTIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities in Michigan's Thumb have released the name of a 20-year-old man who was fatally shot over the weekend.

WLEW-AM reports (http://bit.ly/uXqvuC ) that Michigan State Police have identified the man killed Sunday as Brent Tinsey of the unincorporated community of Argyle.

Police say he was killed in Sanilac County's Austin Township, about 45 miles east of Bay City. The investigation into his death was ongoing.

Rhonda Bucholtz murder; murder-suicide in Mason MI; Bad Axe Michigan; Port Hope Michigan murder; Chief Gary Bucholtz; domestic violence; officer involved domestic violence murder; murder of Brent Tinsey, Argyle Michigan.

MICHIGAN STATE TROOPER GREGORY FILPUS [CALUMET POST]

2011-11-09T15:20:00.004-07:00

Michigan State Trooper charged with child abuse
Posted: 11.14.2011 at 2:32 PM
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=686338
HOUGHTON COUNTY -- A Michigan State Police trooper is facing serious charges in Houghton County.

In a statement released by the Calumet Post, State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arrested on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff's Department for child abuse, 4th degree, and domestic violence.

Filpus was arraigned last Wednesday and his pretrial date is set for November 30. The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges.

State trooper arrested
Posted by Hans Ahlstrom
November 14th, 2011
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/11/14/state-trooper-arrested
Houghton – A Michigan State Police trooper is facing child abuse and domestic violence charges.

According to the ‘WLUC-TV6’ website, a statement from the Calumet post says State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arraigned last week on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department for ‘child abuse, 4th degree’ and ‘domestic violence.’

The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges. His pretrial date is set for November 30.

State Trooper from Calumet Post Arrested
Mon 11/14/11 2:13PM
http://www.tv5and10.com/news.php?id=3024
A Michigan State Police trooper assigned to the Calumet Post finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

Police say 41-year-old Gregory Filpus of Pelkie was arrested last Wednesday by the Houghton County Sheriff's Department on two separate misdemeanor warrants.

Filpus is charged with 4th-degree child abuse and domestic violence.

He joined the Michigan State Police in 1993, and he's currently suspended, with pay, pending the outcome of the charges.

Filpus is free on personal recognizance.

His pre-trial is set for November 30th.

State trooper arrested
Posted by Hans Ahlstrom
November 14th, 2011
http://www.wnmufm.org/2011/11/14/state-trooper-arrested
Houghton – A Michigan State Police trooper is facing child abuse and domestic violence charges.

According to the ‘WLUC-TV6’ website, a statement from the Calumet post says State Trooper Gregory H. Filpus was arraigned last week on two separate misdemeanor warrants by the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department for ‘child abuse, 4th degree’ and ‘domestic violence.’

The statement also says that Filpus was suspended with pay, pending the adjudication of the charges. His pretrial date is set for November 30.

Copper Country MSP trooper layoffs reversed
November 7, 2009
By Garrett Neese, DMG Writer
http://www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/507348/Copper-Country-MSP-trooper-layoffs-reversed.html
CALUMET - Michigan State Police posts in the Copper Country will benefit from the recall of 55 state troopers who had been laid off in June.

The Calumet and L'Anse posts will both get at least one trooper back, said Trooper Greg Filpus of the L'Anse post.

"That's going to provide a lot of relief for us," he said. "It's nice having that additional help. That's going to improve the coverage, and I think those benefits are obvious."

The 55 troopers will be recalled based on seniority on Nov. 16. In May, MSP spokeswoman Shanon Akans said 18 of the troopers to be laid off were from the December 2004 graduating class, with the rest coming from the next graduating class in 2008.

"Hopefully they'll all come back eventually, but we'll just have to wait and see," Filpus said.

State Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, applauded the news.

"It's good that they're being brought back, but this budget is tough. There are cuts all over," he said. "Hopefully the number they brought back are sufficient until the economy comes back."

The troopers are part of a group of 100 laid off in June due to state budget constraints.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved a budget last month that included hiring back 55 troopers. Granholm had halted plans on Wednesday to rehire the troopers pending a review of state tax receipts.

With the recall, there will be 1,000 troopers in the state.

MURDER CASE AGAINST OFFICER KEN BLUEW [JENNIFER WEBB]

2011-10-21T22:46:00.032-06:00

Articles on Jennifer Webb's murder are in chronological order: scroll to the bottom of this post for the latest updates in the case.

Special thanks to the media in covering this case. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Michigan State officials and domestic violence agencies chose to not address Officer Involved Domestic Violence during Awareness Month. With the media covering Jennifer's murder, they are in essence making Officer Involved Domestic Violence front page news this month. The media is doing what state officials and advocacy groups did not want: giving voice to OIDV.

Thank you,

Renee'

Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista] has been charged with the August 30th death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.

At the time of her murder, Jennifer Webb was only a few weeks away from giving birth to her son. It is believed that Officer Kenneth Bluew was the father of Jennifer's unborn child.

ALSO SEE:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2011.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/08/murder-of-jennifer-webb-august-31-2010.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/murder-of-jennifer-webb-and-officer-ken.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/investigation-into-jennifer-webbs.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-kenneth-bluew-buena-vista-pd.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-bluews-arrest-for-jennifer.html

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/officer-ken-bluew-arrested-pictures.html

BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:
http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com

Expert: Investigators likely to probe career of Kenneth Bluew, Buena Vista policeman accused of strangling pregnant woman
Published: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 8:15 AM
Updated: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 11:42 AM
By Justin L. Engel The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/expert_investigators_likely_to.html

SAGINAW — Other aspects of the law enforcement career of Kenneth T. Bluew, the Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing a 32-year-old pregnant woman last month, likely will come under review now that Bluew is accused of committing a crime while on duty, one expert says.

Robert A. Verry is a New Jersey-based law enforcement consultant who has testified as a police expert in New Jersey’s Superior Court cases.

He said an investigation with evidence similar to Bluew’s case — where an officer is accused of committing a crime while on duty and who was one of the first responders to the crime scene — typically would prompt investigators to probe the accused law enforcer’s police record for other abuses.

“If, by chance, there is something in his personnel jacket that surrounds abuse (of police powers), that may be the case,” Verry said of other incidents prosecutors could cite during any potential trial. “I’m sure, in a general sense, they are going to dissect his personnel file.”

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said he would not comment on whether investigators are probing Bluew’s background as a law enforcer.

Correct protocol
Bluew, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony relating to the strangling of Jennifer M. Webb, a Bridgeport Township woman.

Webb’s body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight on Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Channel 12, WJRT, earlier this month reported Bluew said he was one of the officers who found Webb’s body.

Thomas said Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” when Webb was strangled, although the prosecutor would not comment on how or when Bluew inserted himself into the crime scene as a police officer.

When investigators realized Bluew was a suspect, Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police detectives take over the case, Thomas said.

Verry said, based on the publicly known details, Booker followed correct protocol by calling in outside help.

Now detectives and prosecutors working the investigation likely will review Bluew’s record as a law enforcer, Verry said.

If questionable cases are found, prosecutors could send that evidence to the case’s judge for review, he said.

“It’s not automatic that (the judge would allow it) because personnel files are closed,” he said. “That’s really up to the judge, to see what is and what is not able to be released.”

Verry said the accusations surrounding Bluew mirror a 1995 case where a New Orleans police officer killed three people while on duty and returned to the scene of the crime afterward.

Verry, the founding member and president of New Jersey’s Internal Affairs Association, has been involved in more than 1,000 police misconduct investigations during his 23-year law enforcement career, his online biography states.

He wrote this year’s “Mechanics of a Police Internal Affairs Investigation.

Preliminary hearing postponed for suspended police officer charged in pregnant woman's death
Published: Monday, September 19, 2011, 12:29 PM
Updated: Monday, September 19, 2011, 3:29 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/preliminary_hearing_postponed_1.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News].

SAGINAW — The suspended Buena Vista Township police officer charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation death of the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb will have to wait until next month to hear prosecutors’ evidence against him.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, appeared late this morning before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd for his pre-hearing conference.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, hired Saginaw attorney Rod O’Farrell to defend him.

O’Farrell made his first appearance for Bluew today, however, so he has yet to receive most of the discovery material that prosecutors possess. As a result, Boyd postponed Bluew’s preliminary hearing that was scheduled for Thursday.

The preliminary hearing is intended for the judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Bluew is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Boyd scheduled a new pre-hearing conference for Oct. 3, at which point O’Farrell and county Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey D. Stroud will meet to determine whether the discovery disclosure process is complete. Boyd then would schedule a preliminary hearing.

The 32-year-old Webb’s body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb and that “the death of the child was predictable,” Thomas said.

The prosecutor said investigators believe Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” when the incident occurred.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he were to be acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today in the Gratiot County Jail.

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew leaves the courtroom after his pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew, right, and his attorney Rod O'Farrell listen during Bluew's pre-hearing conference in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan in Saginaw. Bluew is charged in the August 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

Preliminary hearing for suspended police officer charged in pregnant woman's death set for Oct. 20
Published: Monday, October 03, 2011, 4:22 PM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/preliminary_hearing_for_suspen.html

SAGINAW — Authorities are scheduled to present their evidence against the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb on Oct. 20.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, appeared today for a prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd.

Prior to speaking in the courtroom, the judge met with Bluew’s attorney, Rod O’Farrell, and county Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas to discuss discovery and scheduling issues.

After meeting for at least 30 minutes, Boyd and the attorneys came back to the courtroom and said they expected any outstanding discovery materials to be delivered before an Oct. 20 preliminary hearing date they discussed in Boyd’s chambers.

The preliminary hearing is intended for the judge to determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb. Webb was eight months pregnant.
County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has said investigators believe Bluew was on duty during the killing.

Bluew first appeared before Boyd on Sept. 19 with O’Farrell and waived his right to have a preliminary hearing within 14 days of his arraignment to allow O’Farrell more time to prepare. He appeared today in a similar orange and white Gratiot County Jail jumpsuit, speaking only quietly after the conference with O'Farrell.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he is acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today at the Gratiot County Jail.

Buena Vista officer Kenneth Bluew's wife files for divorce, lawyer wants Bluew freed from jail prior to his murder trial in Jennifer Webb's death
Published: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 9:29 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/buena_vista_officer_kenneth_bl.html

Kenneth Bluew, right, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department officer accused of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb, appears in Saginaw County District Court at a pre-hearing conference Sept. 19 with his lawyer, Saginaw attorney Rod O'Farrell. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Maintaining there’s a “substantial likelihood” suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew will be acquitted of a first-degree murder charge in the strangulation death of Jennifer M. Webb, a defense attorney wants Bluew released from jail prior to trial.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township, is being held without bond in the Gratiot County Jail, accused of murdering Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township, who was eight months pregnant.

Bluew also is charged with assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and with two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

But Bluew’s attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, wants Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd to release Bluew from jail to stay with Bluew’s cousin, Sonya Lass, prior to any trial on the criminal charges.

In a motion dated Monday, O’Farrell states that Bluew’s wife has filed for divorce, but asks the judge to allow the suspended police officer to stay with Lass while Bluew’s whereabouts are monitored electronically via a telephone line. The motion doesn’t state Lass’ place of residence.

Saginaw County Circuit Court records show Lisa M. Bluew filed for divorce from Kenneth Bluew on Sept. 21.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has declined to share whether Bluew was the father of Webb’s unborn child, saying it is “not germane to the charges.” Webb was a 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate who worked in customer service at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc.

Bluew was armed and on duty, investigators believe, when he strangled Webb, according to Thomas.

A hearing on Bluew’s request for pre-trial release is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, the same date and time for Bluew’s preliminary exam before Boyd.

O’Farrell states Bluew has no criminal record, adding that Bluew is “married and has one child who lives in Saginaw Township and that while (Lisa Bluew) has now filed for divorce the presence of his wife and child in Saginaw County would act to assure his presence for all future court proceedings and compliance with all conditions for pre-trial release.”

Before his arrest in connection with the slaying of Webb — whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista police gun range — Bluew “was active in coaching his son in sports activities” and took part in other community activities, according to O’Farrell’s motion.

The motion states Bluew’s father was a police officer for the city of Detroit for 28 years before his death in 2006. Kenneth Bluew, a former football player for Saginaw Valley State University, “continues to maintain a close relationship with his mother and cousins who live in Michigan,” and Bluew’s mother has retained O’Farrell on behalf of her son, according to the motion.

Bluew’s mother and other relatives would make sure Bluew attends future court proceedings and complies with any conditions Boyd might impose if the judge releases Bluew from jail prior to trial, according to the motion.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank ordered Bluew to be held without bond when Bluew was arraigned on the criminal charges Sept. 13.

O’Farrell claims there’s a “substantial likelihood” Bluew will be acquitted of criminal charges against him.

The motion states Bluew worked for the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department from 1997 until he was hired by Buena Vista in 1999, and notes Bluew later served as Tittabawassee Township police chief from 2006 to 2008, before he returned to work for Buena Vista.

Bluew has been suspended without pay as a result of the criminal charges against him, according to the motion.

Saginaw News reporter to cover suspended police officer's hearing on murder charge live on Twitter
Published: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 4:05 PM
Updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 4:20 PM
By The Saginaw News staff
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/saginaw_news_reporter_to_cover.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his Sept. 19 prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [File. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Saginaw News reporter Andy Hoag will be live on Twitter covering Thursday’s preliminary hearing for the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, is scheduled to appear before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at 9:30 a.m. for the hearing, where Boyd will hear prosecutors’ evidence against Bluew and determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Hoag will be providing coverage of the hearing via Twitter. Click here to follow Hoag’s courtroom coverage.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

Investigators believe Bluew strangled Webb. Webb was eight months pregnant. County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has said investigators believe Bluew was on duty during the killing.

Boyd also will determine whether he will grant Bluew’s request for pre-trial release, which his attorney, Rod O’Farrell, asked for Monday.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Bluew would face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he is acquitted of the charge or convicted of a lesser charge, he still would face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of the assault charge.

Bluew remained jailed today at the Gratiot County Jail.

Follow Andy Hoag on Twitter @SNAndyHoag

Live Twitter coverage of suspended police officer's hearing on murder charge to begin at 9:30 a.m.
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 8:09 AM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/live_twitter_coverage_of_suspe.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew listens during his Sept. 19 prehearing conference before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 death of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [File. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — Follow live coverage of this morning’s preliminary hearing for the suspended Buena Vista Township police officer accused of killing the pregnant Jennifer M. Webb by following Saginaw News Reporter Andy Hoag.

Kenneth T. Bluew, 36, is scheduled to appear before Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd at 9:30 a.m. for the hearing, where Boyd will hear prosecutors’ evidence against Bluew and determine whether probable cause exists for trial in Circuit Court.

Hoag will be providing coverage of the hearing via Twitter. Click here to follow Hoag’s courtroom coverage.

Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The 32-year-old Webb's body was found by Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson before midnight Aug. 30 at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista police gun range.

ANDY HOAG, SAGINAW NEWS COURT REPORTER TWITTER ACCOUNT: http://twitter.com/#!/SNAndyHoag

Andy Hoag
@SNAndyHoag
Courts Reporter for @saginawnews
http://connect.mlive.com/user/ahoag/index.html

Tweets from the courtroom: Preliminary hearing for BV Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused in pregnant woman's death
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 9:28 AM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 11:59 AM
By Andy Hoag The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/tweets_from_the_courtroom_prel.html
SAGINAW — Saginaw County prosecutors will lay out their evidence today against suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew, accused of strangulation and killing of Jennifer M. Webb and her unborn son while on duty.

Bluew's preliminary hearing, during which Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd will consider if enough evidence exists to take Bluew to trial, begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Saginaw County Governmental Center.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Webb, 32, whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista gun range, as well as assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony. Webb was eight months pregnant.

Kenneth T. Bluew looks over at his attorney, Rod O'Farrell, during Bluew's preliminary hearing today. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• Packed courtroom for Kenneth Bluew's preliminary hearing. Mostly family members, possibly some of them Bluew's.

A family member wears a bracelet honoring Jenny Webb and her unborn son, Braxton, during a morning court hearing. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• They've brought Bluew into the courtroom. He's seated in a brighter version of the Gratiot County Jail orange and white jumpsuit.

• Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas is handling the prosecution, first time I've seen him handle a case in the courtroom in 2.5 years.

• First witness is Andrea King, Jenny Webb's friend. They have been friends for 12 years, saw each other on "daily basis"

• King: "She was so excited about that baby." Chose the name Braxton for her son.

• Webb got to King's house about 5:30 pm on Aug. 30, the day that Bluew is accused of killing Webb.

• Webb and King "just hung out," had dinner. Webb started to leave about 8:15 pm. Webb said she had to go meet "Ken."

• Boyd doesn't allow the statement, though, so Thomas now is asking her about her knowledge about Webb's pregnancy to establish background.

• King says she heard name "Ken Bluew" from Webb, but Boyd won't allow anything further than that because it's hearsay.

• King begins to tear up when Thomas shows her picture of Webb on day that King gave birth to twins.

• Thomas shows King a necklace, part of their evidence, and King says it's Webb's favorite necklace, the one she was wearing that night.

Andrea King, a friend of Jennifer Webb, identifies a necklace held by Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas that Webb was wearing the last time King saw her alive. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• I imagine Thomas will have another witness say where the necklace was found.

• Thomas shows King a picture of Webb's silver Aztek vehicle. He doesn't mention where the pic is taken. Another witness should tie that up.

• King: Webb said she was going to "Outer Drive." Webb's body was found on North Outer in Buena Vista Township near the BV police gun range.

• Bluew's attorney, Rod O'Farrell, performs a short cross-examination. King tells Thomas that was the last time she saw Webb alive.

• Next witness, David Sian, who works for Old Dominion Freight Line. On Aug. 30, company located on North Outer in Buena Vista.

• Sian worked that night. Was getting his truck ready at about 8:50, when Buena Vista police car came through lot patrolling.

• Common practice for BVPD cars to come through. After going through lot, car turned right onto Outer Drive.

• Sian says police car traveled north after patrolling lot.

• Sian left to make his run to Indiana at 9 pm.

• O'Farrell now doing his cross, essentially asking the same questions as Thomas, just a little more specific. Sian's story stays the same.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas looks at a photo of Jennifer Webb during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Sian: State police called him next day to speak with him.

• Next witness is Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson, who discovered Webb's body.

Buena Vista officer Tim Patterson describes scene in aerial photo showing North Outer and Hack where the body was discovered. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Patterson has worked for BVPD for just over 6 years, also has worked for Vassar PD and SVSU PD and the County Juvenile Center.

• Bluew was a detention youth care specialist when Patterson was a supervisor at the Juvenile Center.

• Patterson "at times" was Bluew's supervisor. Patterson worked at Juvenile Center 5.5 years.

• Patterson began at BVPD in 2005. Bluew was a detective there at the time.

• Patterson now a patrol officer, Bluew was a patrol officer after coming back from serving as Chief of Tittabawassee Twp. PD.

• Their shifts overlapped. Bluew learned how to control people with pressure point control. A way to control suspects w/o injury.

• Patterson began working Aug. 30 about 10 pm.

• Bluew one of two other officers working that night. Patterson saw the other officer at the department, saw Bluew's vehicle at department

• Patterson: Central Dispatch was "radio checking" officers, which they do if they haven't heard from an officer in an hour.

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond.

• Patterson typed message to Bluew, to tell him Central Dispatch was trying to contact him. Patterson added audible alarm in message.

• Patterson: radio check and his message to Bluew were between 10:20-10:30 pm

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond to his message. "It happens from time to time."

• Patterson went looking for Bluew. While looking, heard other officer try to contact Bluew on inter-department radio channel.

• Patterson: Bluew didn't respond to officer's attempt.

• Patterson eventually heard Bluew contact other officer, they told him Dispatch was trying to get ahold of him.

• Patterson: there was "somewhat of an ongoing issue" with Bluew not answering calls, wanted to talk to him about it.

• Patterson went looking for Bluew at dead end of North Outer, where somebody could "disappear without disappearing."

• Patterson had caught Bluew sleeping on the job in that area before.

• Patterson: On Outer, saw reflection of vehicle lights. Vehicle facing east.

• Outer dead ends at Hack, also where gates to police gun range, BV Wastewater Treatment Plant, General Motors property.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas, right, questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [By Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Car that Patterson saw was east on Hack, facing gate to gun range.

• The vehicle that Patterson saw was Webb's Pontiac Aztek.

• When Patterson arrived and saw Aztek, saw Bluew's patrol vehicle. Bluew pulled up beside Aztek

• Patterson walked toward Aztek, Bluew did same, said "how do you want to do this?" Patterson thought he meant how to approach Aztek.

• Patterson: Bluew's vehicle was behind tree lines, not visible from North Outer, before pulling up to Aztek after Patterson did.

• Patterson: Bluew was "sweating, heavily" ... "sweating bullets"

• Patterson: Bluew said "there's a body."

Becky Torrez, 35, of Carrollton Township, friend of Jennifer Webb. sits in court during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Patterson: body partly in ditch, looked like something sticking out of her neck. Bluew stood behind him.

• Patterson: a cord was hanging from Aztek's roof rack and was wrapped around body's neck. Realized nothing sticking out of neck.

• Patterson called in death as a suicide.

• Patterson: Bluew's body language was unusual. "He was not acting right."

• Patterson taped off scene, told Bluew to start taking pictures of scene.

• Patterson: Aztek registered to Donald Webb of Bridgeport.

• Asked Bluew and other officer who arrived if they had grabbed body's identification, but that was only thing Patterson asked of Bluew.

• Patterson: Cord around Webb's neck was an extension cord.

• Thomas showing Patterson pictures from the scene, taken by Bluew.

• Patterson: Bluew located apparent suicide note in Webb's purse. Webb's ID also found in her purse.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas, right, questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. Thomas is holding Webb's driver's license. [Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Patterson: "suicide note" was type written, only said "Jenny" at end, wasn't signed.

• Patterson: Webb's "lips were turning blue, she was foaming at the mouth. There were no signs of life at all."

• Lots if run of the mill questions right now from Thomas, not much of note.

• As soon as I say that, Patterson says he learned from other officer that Bluew knew Webb but Bluew didn't elaborate how.

• Patterson: Didn't find out Bluew knew Webb until 15-20 minutes after finding body. Bluew didn't tell Patterson while they investigated.

• Patterson: BVPD Sgt. Sean Waterman asked Bluew how he knew Webb, Bluew said he'd known her for years, met her at a bar in BV.

• Patterson: Bluew "evasive" in his answers about Webb.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas questions Buena Vista Township Police Officer Tim Patterson during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [By Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]
• Patterson helped Waterman operate Webb's touchscreen phone, looked at recent calls. One was "Ken Cop Boo."

• Patterson: Two calls, one about 2 hours before body found, another 3 hours before. Seeing contact in phone was "rather shocking."

• "boo," of course, is a pet name some use for their love interests.

• Patterson heard Bluew tell Waterman that he tried contacting Webb.

• Patterson says he became "uneasy" when hearing Bluew said he tried calling her, "with the way things were adding up"

• Patterson told Waterman something didn't seem right.

• Patterson: Bluew eventually left scene to assist another officer with a breaking and entering incident.

• Patterson: Webb's body removed from scene by a funeral home director.

• Patterson had to cut cord to remove her from scene. Cut cord about halfway up, he says.

• Patterson: bruises observed on Webb's body underneath her arms near her biceps.

• Patterson: bruises on inside of biceps.

• Boyd calls for a recess, likely just to take a break. Been about 2 hours of testimony so far. Will be back soon.

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb.[Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

• Boyd now meeting with attorneys in his chambers. With the lunch hour approaching, maybe they're figuring out the rest of today's schedule.

• And we're back in session, Patterson still on stand.

Family friend Jan Wiles, of Spaulding Township wears a photo of Jennifer Webb while listening to testimony during the preliminary hearing for Kenneth Bluew in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Webb. Jeff Schrier

• Patterson: back at dept, he and Bluew typing up reports. Bluew had some darkening and swelling under his right eye, didn't have it before.

• Patterson: After Waterman spoke with Webb's next of kin, state police called in to investigate.

• Patterson: at end of shift, Bluew took his uniform in a laundry bag to his truck. Never saw Bluew do that before.

• Thomas done with questioning, now it's O'Farrell's turn.

• Bluew responded to calls from Dispatch, other officer seven minutes after first check went out.

• Patterson: when Bluew responded, sounded like he had just woke up. Officers can nap, but must first receive permission from a supervisor.

• Patterson: Bluew told him he had arrived just before Patterson, had to turn around. Bluew didn't have headlights on, just spotlight.

• O'Farrell going over Patterson's testimony, which stays the same.

• O'Farrell asks if they treated scene as suicide entire night. Patterson: "I had my suspicions."

• O'Farrell done, now Thomas with a few brief follow-up questions.

• Boyd recesses hearing for lunch. We will return at 1:45.

• Back in the courtroom, next witness is BVPD Officer Sarah Sylvester, who was other officer calling for Bluew and was on scene.

• Sylvester and Bluew ate take out for dinner. At the time, Bluew did not have black eye or swelling under eye that Patterson noticed later.

• Sylvester doesn't believe Bluew had band aid on his right index finger. Bluew did have it after Webb's body was found.

• Sylvester confirms radio checking of Bluew, alert tones. Sylvester called Bluew on his cell, didn't get an answer.

• Sylvester: Bluew responded "sometime later”.

• Sylvester: "It's habit for some employees not to answer their radio checks."

• Sylvester, who has medical background, went to scene to assist in possible suicide.

• Sylvester: on scene, Bluew was "sweating profusely," had red marks in white part of right eye.

• His right eye was the same eye that he ended up having swelling under.

• When Sylvester saw body, could tell she was deceased.

• Sylvester: Bluew grabbed Webb's purse from her vehicle, said there was a note on top of it.

• Sylvester: note was suicide note, she can't remember if Webb signed it.

• Sylvester: when Bluew saw Webb's ID, he turned around, put his hands on his knees and looked like he was going to vomit.

• Sylvester: Bluew said, "I know this girl." Bluew didn't explain how, then Sgt. Waterman arrived shortly after.

• Sylvester left scene shortly after to respond to calls but came back when Patterson called and said they saw Bluew's number in Webb's phone.

• Sylvester: Patterson said he was "nervous," and had "unsnapped his gun" and wanted Sylvester to return.

• Sylvester called for backup at a B&E scene, wanted Bluew to leave scene to let Patterson and Waterman to investigate.

• Sylvester: felt the Webb scene was "a hot scene." She said she told Bluew she thought someone was in house at B&E scene.

• That wasn't true. Sylvester said Bluew was rubbing one of his hands as if he was in pain.

• Sylvester: officers were under a "gag order" almost immediately after incident.

• Sylvester is done now. Next up is BVPD Sgt. Sean Waterman.

Sgt. Sean Waterman, Buena Vista Township Police Department testified at suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News The Saginaw News]

• Patterson called Waterman in, said it was a suicide.

• Waterman describes scene, same description as other officers.

• Patterson told Waterman that Bluew knew Webb. Bluew told Waterman he knew her for about 10 years, "that they would talk from time to time."

• Bluew didn't tell Waterman the last time he saw or talked with Webb.

• Waterman looked at Webb's recent calls to try to approximate cause of death.

• As soon as Waterman saw "Ken Cop Boo's" number, he knew it was Bluew.

• Waterman: Webb called Bluew at about 8:30 and 8:45, then Bluew called her about 8:50. All calls lasted less than a minute.

• Bluew admitted to talking to her, said he talked to her all the time, and this time was checking on her.

• Bluew shakes his head in disagreement as Waterman says he admitted to talking to her.

• One of the first, if not the first, time he has had any kind of reaction to testimony.

• Contacted Medical Examiner's office, because he felt it was a suicide. ME office contacted funeral home.

• Waterman: the electrical cord was intertwined with Webb's necklace, mentioned earlier by King. Webb also had blood coming from her nose.

• Waterman went to Webb's parents' home in Bridgeport to tell them of Webb's death. Waterman becomes emotional as he recalls conversation.

• He told parents how she was found, that it looked like suicide. The parents said there was no way it could be suicide.

• Parents told Waterman that Bluew was father of unborn child. Waterman said he "became sick to my stomach."

• Waterman no longer felt death was a suicide. Parents told him that Webb was going to see Bluew that night.

• Waterman looked in Webb's bedroom at the house, and it looked like the room of an expecting mother.

• Parents said they thought Bluew knew child was his, that Webb was going to seek help of the county Friend of the Court when time was right.

• Waterman called BVPD Chief Brian Booker to tell him of developments, that they would need state police to investigate.

• Waterman saw Bluew at department after speaking with Webb's parents, but didn't say anything to him.

• O'Farrell now questioning Waterman.

• Waterman: bruises on inside of Webb's arms "didn't look fresh." Blood in her nose likely result of strangulation.

• Again, not anything new from Waterman on cross-examination.

• O'Farrell done, now Thomas with some follow-up.

• Waterman: neither he, nor Patterson or the funeral director caused bruises.

• Back in recess. Back shortly.

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News]

• Back in court. County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud appears to be handling the state police crime lab experts.

• Boyd just admitted two lab reports. Not sure what the nature of the reports are, but hope to find out.

• Next witness, Valerie Bowman, a forensic scientist for the state police. Part of a crime scene response team.

Valerie Bowman, state police forensic scientist, left, is questioned as a witness by Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud, right, during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Bowman assembled a team to investigate scene. Team arrived at 9 am.

• Re: Stroud, this is the first time I've seen him handle a case in court since, if I recall correctly, the Roger Kelly murder trial in 2009.

• And when I say "handle in court" re: Thomas and Stroud, I mean actually taking testimony.

• Thomas handled the prosecution of Marcie Rousseau, the Freeland teacher, and the Bronner's vandals.

• Bowman using blown-up images of the location to orient herself before beginning to describe her activity.

• Bowman located a blood stain and a charm from a necklace to the west of the crime scene, across Outer Drive on along Hack Road.

• Also found a cigarette butt in the same location.

• These items were found in the driveway to the BV Wastewater Treatment plant, which is off Hack to the west of Outer.

• Bowman: Test results showed the blood stain was human blood. She packaged it for further testing.

• Bowman sent the jewelry charm for testing, as well as the cigarette butt.

• Bowman attended autopsy. Collected blood sample, fingernail swabs from Webb for DNA testing.

• She's not at liberty to testify to the results because she didn't conduct the tests. That's where the admitted reports come in.

Valerie Bowman, state police forensic scientist, left, is questioned as a witness by Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud during suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew's preliminary exam in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Theophil Syslo The Saginaw News]

• Collected a blood sample from the fetus for testing.

• Bowman also seized cord from Webb's neck, her necklace, and her clothes.

• Bowman: Blood was found on Webb's bra. She also found some weeds, debris, and the tip of a latex glove in her clothes.

• Saw blood stain on glove tip.

• Tip of glove was about an inch long. Not latex, but another material. Bowman refers to it as an "exam glove."

• Bowman: human blood on inside of glove, human saliva on the outside of the glove tip.

• This testimony might explain Thomas' focus on Bluew having a band aid on his right index finger.

• Bowman: Edges of glove tip not cut by some sort of incision tool. More ragged edges.

• Bowman also examined Webb's Aztek. Saw "blueish or purplish" stain on exterior of passenger side. There was a "possible presence" of blood.

• One of the admitted reports is one regarding the stain on the vehicle. Still nothing said on record as to results of tests.

• Bowman: fingerprints lifted from exterior if vehicle where the stain was.

• Bowman examined cord in vehicle, found possible blood on cord.

• Bowman: possible blood found on socket end of cord.

• Bowman: it was human blood on cord, forwarded for testing.

• Bowman: human blood also on "gear selector" near vehicle's dashboard.

• Bowman: also a blood stain on the inside of the front driver's side door.

• Bowman: blood stain also on rear seat.

• Bowman also examined BVPD patrol car that Bluew was driving that night. A box of exam gloves was in the trunk. Similar color to glove tip.

• Bowman: blood stain on steering wheel of Bluew's patrol car.

• Bowman: Three items taken from a yellow bag in vehicle: t-shirt, police pants, socks. T-shirt and pants were "clean."

• Bowman: pants appeared to have been laundered. Scent of detergent or fabric softner from shirt.

• Bowman: Yellow bag has a tag attached with Bluew's name.

• On a later date, another shirt and pants given to her. Appeared to be same size.

• Bowman: 2 human blood stains on pants.

• Body armor also submitted to Bowman. Blood stain on vest, too.

• Bowman also obtained "buckle swab" of Bluew's inner mouth, sent for testing.

• O'Farrell on cross, now.

• Bowman: blood stain found in treatment plant driveway was not spattered or dropped from a high level. But that's all she can say about it.

• Bowman: two spatter-type stains: one in vehicle, one on t-shirt. Other stains were "transfer" stains, like coming in contact w/ blood.

• Bowman says it is possible to spread blood by touching it, then inadvertently or intentionally touching other items.

• Another lull here, as Bowman isn't saying anything new or different than on direct examination.

• Bowman is done. Boyd concludes the hearing for the day. Attorneys headed to chambers to discuss when to continue.

• The hearing will continue tomorrow, Friday, at 10 a.m. Check MLive either later today or tomorrow morning on details of how to follow live.

Court spectator assures suspended Buena Vista Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused of murdering Jennifer Webb, that 'It'll be OK.'
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 1:52 PM
Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 1:52 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/court_spectator_assures_suspen.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News]

SAGINAW — With only the center aisle of a Saginaw County courtroom separating them, supporters of suspended Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew and of Jennifer M. Webb — the woman Bluew is accused of murdering — wiped away tears during Bluew’s preliminary exam Thursday morning.

Bluew himself was anything but stoic, too, during the hearing before a standing-room-only audience of about 45 people in front of District Judge Christopher S. Boyd, frequently whispering in the ear of his defense attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, during testimony.

During a court recess Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township wheeled his chair around to scan the audience with his eyes, mouthing words to supporters he spotted behind him.
“It’ll be OK,” one woman said to Bluew, a former Tittabawassee Township police chief, accused of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township, who was eight months pregnant.

During the same recess in Boyd’s courtroom, several supporters gave prolonged hugs to Dawn Webb — the late Jennifer Webb’s mother — as she stood up during the break.

Boyd heard testimony this morning from three witnesses as he tries to determine whether there’s probable cause to order Bluew to trial on charges of first-degree murder, assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

Testimony was set to resume at 1:45 p.m. before Boyd, who presided this morning before a packed courtroom, with as many as seven spectators standing against the back wall at times because court benches were filled up.

The late Webb’s parents, Donald and Dawn Webb, along with others including her sister, Angela, sat in the front row behind Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud.

The front row on the other side of the courtroom — behind Bluew — was reserved for police officers. Several officers identifying themselves as Michigan State Police employees occupied the front row, but declined comment when asked if they were there to support Bluew, who has worked for the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department in addition to working for the Tittabawassee Township and Buena Vista Township departments.

Thomas said he expects to call Buena Vista Township Police Department Sgt. Sean Waterman and Officer Sara Sylvester this afternoon. Thomas said he doesn’t believe the exam will finish today.

At today's hearing, friends and relatives of the late Jennifer Webb, including Webb’s onetime baby sitter, Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, wore badges — pinned to their shirts or sweaters — bearing Webb’s photo.

Wiles wiped tears from her eyes in a hallway outside court during a recess in testimony, but declined comment.

Other supporters wore bracelets in Webb’s memory, and one spectator wore a T-shirt bearing words and a photo commemorating Webb.

New details revealed in case against officer accused of murder
Posted: Oct 20, 2011 7:57 AM CDT Updated: Oct 20, 2011 2:41 PM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter
http://www.wnem.com/story/15738782/police-officer-charged-with-murder-to-appear-in-court?clienttype=printable

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police officer Ken Bluew was in court Thursday morning for a preliminary exam.

Bluew is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn child.

Webb was eight months pregnant when her body was discovered in late August near a police shooting range.

According to court documents acquired by TV5, Bluew's attorney has requested Pre-Trial release of his client. Furthermore, his wife has filed for divorce. If Bluew is released, he would be staying with his cousin Sonya Lass.

Bluew has a long law enforcement history in the Mid-Michigan area. He was employed with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department from 1997 until being hired by Buena Vista in 1999. He served as the Chief of Police for Tittabawassee Township from 2006 until February 2008, when he returned to the Buena Vista Police Department.

WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi was in the courtroom all morning and tweeted new information in the case. Several witnesses were expected to testify against Bluew, including the Buena Vista Township Police Chief.

Here are her tweets verbatim:
--Jenny Webb's best friend is on the stand testifying. She was the last person to see Webb alive. Prosecutor Mike Thomas held up evidence - Jenny Webb's favorite necklace. Her friend said she wore it the night she died.

--Employee from trucking co on Outer Dr taking stand. It is located near site where Webb's body was found. Trucking employee says he saw a Buena Vista Police car in the area that night, heading North.

--Buena Vista Police Officer is testifying. He was working that evening of Aug 30th. Officer on the stand is describing a period of time when central dispatch could not reach Officer Bluew.

--BV Officer Patterson says when he drove to Outer Dr he saw Officer Bluew. Says Bluew was "sweating bullets."

--Shocking: Officer Ken Bluew, the one who is charged with murder, took pics of the crime scene. At the time police thought it was a suicide.

--Prosecutor Thomas is showing pics of a deceased Jenny Webb with an extension cord around the neck. Pics taken by Officer Bluew.

--It took 15-20 mins after Jenny Webb's body was discovered before anyone realized Bluew knew her. He didn't say so until asked.

Revelation that BV Officer Kenneth Bluew fathered Jennifer Webb's unborn child sickened colleague who told her parents she killed herself
Published: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 6:19 PM
Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 7:38 PM
By Tom Gilchrist The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/revelation_that_bv_officer_ken.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew waits during a recess in his preliminary hearing in front of Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd. Bluew is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

SAGINAW — After Buena Vista Police Department Sgt. Sean Waterman came to the Bridgeport Township home of Donald and Dawn Webb the night of Aug. 30 to tell them their pregnant daughter, Jennifer, had died of an apparent suicide earlier that evening, they had a revelation for him.

Waterman testified Thursday in Saginaw County District Court the Webbs told him “there was no way possible” that Jennifer Webb, 32, killed herself and that Kenneth Bluew — Waterman’s fellow Buena Vista officer, whose phone number was listed as “Ken Cop Boo” on Webb’s cell phone — was the father of her unborn son.

“I actually got pretty sick to my stomach, actually,” Waterman testified when Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas asked his response to the Webbs’ statements about Bluew, a 36-year-old married man from Saginaw Township who once served as the Tittabawassee Township police chief.

“I was thinking this was no longer a possible suicide,” said Waterman, who said the Webbs also told him they believed Bluew knew he was the father because Jennifer Webb “had made a decision to go to the Friend of the Court to get some assistance when the time was right.”

Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd is trying to decide whether there’s probable cause to send Bluew to trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Webb. Bluew also is charged with assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo, and with two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

The preliminary exam, which drew a standing-room-only audience of up to about 45 people, will continue Friday at 10 a.m. in front of Boyd.

Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson testified he went looking for Bluew, who was on duty and not responding to radio calls. He saw a Pontiac Aztek, Webb’s car, where North Outer meets Hack in Buena Vista Township. Moments later, he saw Bluew pull up from behind some trees in his patrol car behind Webb’s car before 11 p.m. that night.

Patterson testified he, accompanied by Bluew, found Webb’s lifeless body resting in “an indentation” near the top of a nearby drainage ditch, with an extension cord wrapped around her neck and attached to the roof rack of her vehicle.

Patterson testified he called Saginaw County Central Dispatch to report an apparent suicide. He said he noticed Bluew was sweating.

“To me, it looked like he was sweating bullets, like he had just (exited) a shower,” Patterson said.

Waterman testified he learned at the scene that Bluew knew Webb, and when he questioned Bluew about it, the officer said the pair were friends and Bluew told him he’d known her for about 10 years. But Waterman also testified he examined Webb’s cell phone at the scene and noticed two calls from Webb’s phone to Bluew’s cell phone, at 8:28 p.m. and 8:43 p.m., with a third call from Bluew’s phone to Webb’s phone at 8:48 p.m.

Donald Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s father, took off his glasses and wiped away tears in the front row of the gallery as Waterman testified about visiting Jennifer Webb’s room at the Webbs’ home on the night Waterman told them their daughter was dead. Waterman’s voice caught in his throat and he paused as he related how he told the parents about their daughter’s death.

“There was baby stuff everywhere in there,” said Waterman, while Dawn Webb softly patted her husband on the back and Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, who once babysat Jennifer Webb, also dabbed at tears.

During a break in testimony Thursday afternoon, courtroom spectator Becky Torrez, 35, of Carrollton Township, who said she grew up across the road from Jennifer Webb, said Webb eagerly awaited the birth of her son and planned to name him Braxton.

“She would have made a great mom, especially for a boy,” Torrez said. “She was very into sports.”

Torrez said Webb was an avid fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines, including the football team. She said Jennifer Webb told her less than two weeks before her death that Bluew was the father of the child.

Torrez, like some other spectators in court Thursday, wore a badge featuring a photo of Jennifer Webb. Other supporters wore blue rubber bracelets with the yellow words in “memory of Jenny and Braxton,” and at least one spectator wore a T-shirt bearing words and a photo commemorating Webb.

Andrea King, describing herself as a close friend of Webb for about 12 years, testified Webb had nicknamed her soon-to-be-born son “Little Man.”

“She was ecstatic, ecstatic” about the pending birth, King said. “Anybody just looking at her could tell.”

Valerie Bowman, a forensic scientist at the State Police Crime Laboratory in Bridgeport Township, testified she found a ragged tip of an exam glove among Webb’s clothes, and detected saliva on the outside of the glove tip and human blood on the inside.

Bowman also testified she found human blood on the steering wheel of Bluew’s police car and detected human blood in Webb’s Pontiac Aztek on the gear selector, driver’s side door, rear seat and possibly the vehicle exterior.

Bluew, clad in a two-piece orange-and-white inmate outfit with “Gratiot County Jail” printed on the back, frequently whispered in the ear of his defense attorney, Saginaw lawyer Rod O’Farrell, during testimony Thursday.

During a court recess, Bluew turned his chair around to scan the audience with his eyes, mouthing words to supporters he spotted behind him.

“It’ll be OK,” one woman told him.

Tweets from the courtroom: Day two of preliminary hearing for BV Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, accused in pregnant woman's death
Published: Friday, October 21, 2011, 9:13 AM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 2:24 PM
By Gus Burns The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/tweets_from_the_courtroom_day.html

Suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew arrives in the courtroom for day two of his preliminary hearing

SAGINAW — Day two testimony in the preliminary hearing for suspended Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth T. Bluew, accused of strangulation and killing of Jennifer M. Webb and her unborn son while on duty, resumes Friday.

Bluew's preliminary hearing, during which Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd will consider if enough evidence exists to take Bluew to trial, begins at 10 a.m. at the Saginaw County Governmental Center, 111 S. Michigan.

Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Webb, 32, whose body was found Aug. 30 near a Buena Vista gun range, as well as assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

Webb was eight months pregnant.

Read here for Twitter updates throughout the proceedings or follow @saginawnews or @SNAndyHoag on Twitter.

• Several people in attendance are wearing T-shirts depicting Jennifer Webb. At the bottom they say Jenny & Braxton.

• Bluew entered in shackles and an orange and white striped jail uniform. Bluew winked at someone in the crowd.

• The prosecution called Lisa Ramos, a forensic specialist in biology at the state police DNA lab in Lansing. Stroud questioning.

Lisa Ramos, a DNA processor with the state police Lansing biology unit, testifies during the second day of the preliminary hearing at the Saginaw County Governmental Center. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Testimony is technical, related to process of DNA collection and testing.

Judge Christopher S. Boyd listens to testimony during the second day of the preliminary hearing of suspended Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Ramos: Results of DNA testing of fetus and Bluew were "consistent that he was the father."

• Ramos: Bluew's DNA found in swab of Webb's fingernails.

• Ramos: DNA tests of blood on exterior passenger side of Bluew's patrol car and steering wheel match Bluew's DNA.

• Ramos: Sample of blood stain from driveway at scene matched Webb's DNA.

• Ramos: DNA test of blood sample taken from Webb's "purple bra" matched Bluew.

• Ramos: Result of sample from exam glove finger tip from scene could not exclude Bluew or Webb.

• Ramos: 1 in 350,000 chance or more that this is not a mix of Webb and Bluew DNA.

• O'Farrell , for Bluew, has begun cross-examination.

• Ramos: Tests she conducted did not identify body source, such as saliva, blood, sweat.

• Ramos: Testing does not identify age of DNA source.

• Defense has no further questions. Prosecution calls State Police Detective Sgt. Jason Teddy from East Tawas Post.

State police Det. Sgt. Jason Teddy of the Tawas post testifies during the second day of the preliminary hearing of suspended Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew at the Saginaw County Governmental Center. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Dispatched to scene in Buena Vista Township from home at 3:30 a.m. and later interviewed Bluew at BV police interview room.

• Teddy said he learned that Bluew left headquarters mid-shift with a "yellow laundry bag." Interview occurred at conclusion of Bluew's shift.

• Teddy: Bluew said he was "conducting general patrol." Discovered Webb's vehicle facing east at Hack and N. Outer.

• Teddy: Fellow officer Patterson arrived. Together they approached with lights on. "We've got a body" Bluew said.

• Teddy: Bluew said he entered vehicle to obtain ID. Opened piece of paper, an "obvious suicide note," before opening purse for ID.

• Teddy: Bluew said he last spoke to Webb day prior, last saw her weeks prior and in "cop mode" didn't recognize her car.

• Teddy: Bluew, when asked about sex with Webb, said: "I never had sex with that woman."

• Teddy: Bluew said Webb's pregnancy wasn't any of his business and he did not know who the father was.

• Teddy: Bluew said facial and arm scratches he had were from playing with his bulldog prior to shift.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud holds a photo showing one of Bluew's injuries during testimony in the second day of the Bluew's preliminary hearing. Jeff Schrier.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud displays a photo of Bluew's left forearm showing a tattoo. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Bluew paused for "number of minutes" before signing DNA test consent form.

• Teddy: As Bluew signed, he said: "I can tell you one thing guys, I did in fact sleep with her."

• Teddy: Bluew said they had sex once, while off duty, "some time ago," possibly January.

• Teddy: Bluew said his wife knew of and was OK with Bluew and Webb's "friendship".

• Teddy: During subsequent search at Bluew's home, police seized a uniform from Bluew's truck that he said didn't fit anymore.

• Court is amidst a five-minute recess.

• Teddy said Bluew submitted fingerprints days after Webb's death and had a "divot" and "deep bruising" on right index finger.

• From a distance, bruising beneath Bluew's right index finger nail is still visible.

• O'Farrell asks if finger photographed when Teddy first saw it during fingerprints. Teddy said no.

• Teddy said he asked about finger. Bluew told him he slammed it in a door.

• O'Farrell said a photo of one of Bluew's tattoos also shows his right hand with index finger concealed by "raggedy" Band-Aid.

Bluew's attorney, Rod O'Farrell, show photos of Bluew's injuries to State Police Det. Sgt. Jason Teddy during cross examination. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Teddy: Uniform seized from Bluew's personal vehicle appeared "used".

• O'Farrell ended cross-examination.

• Prosecution calls Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani, left, testifies about autopsy photos while questioned by Prosecutor Michael Thomas. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas is questioning Virani.

• Virani: Webb's body had scratch on left cheek, bruise on right jaw, bruising both arms, dislocated right hand, blood from nose, marks on neck.

• Virani: Cord with slip-knot still attached to neck when Webb's body arrived.

• Virani: I removed a 32- to 36-week-old fetus. It was a "viable" male baby.

• Virani: "Her cause of death was a neck compression... Not a total strangulation." Cause was pressure to neck and chest.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani explains to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas how a chokehold caused the death of Jennifer M. Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• Virani: There was no internal neck injury. Cord was applied "later on after she died." It was a homicide.

• Thomas admitted autopsy photos of Webb. Bluew glanced but looked away as O'Farrell reviewed them.

• O'Farrell did not request to see a photo of the fetus, which Thomas handed to Judge Boyd as evidence.

• O'Farrell cross-examining. Virani concluded a "choke hold" caused Webb's death.

• Virani: A person administering choke hold would likely exhibit "some, minimum to quite a bit, injury" from victim fighting back.

• Virani: Bruising was "fresh," from at or around the time of death.

• Virani: Continuous choke hold could kill a person in three to five minutes.

• Virani demonstrated the theoretical choke used by Bluew on O'Farrell.

Saginaw County Medical Examiner Kanu Virani demonstrates a choke hold on Defense Attorney Rod O'Farrell during second-day preliminary hearing testimony. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.

• There were laughs when Virani joked about choking the attorney for real.

• Virani: Fetus lives two to three minutes upon mother's death.

• The prosecution has no more witnesses.

• Boyd has bound all counts over to the Circuit Court based on presence of "probable cause".

• Now to the matter of Bluew's bond. Thomas "strenuously" urges against Bluew's pretrial release. Boyd agrees. Court adjourned.

Day 2: Prelim for officer charged with murder
Posted: Oct 21, 2011 8:03 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 21, 2011 2:24 PM CDT
By Liz Gelardi, TV5 Reporter -
http://www.wnem.com/story/15765571/prelim-for-officer-charged-with-murder-continues

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -

Suspended Buena Vista [MI] Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, who is charged with the August 30, 2011 murder of Jennifer Webb.

Jennifer Webb was eight months pregnant at the time she was murderded. DNA tests have confirmed that Officer Kenneth Bluew [charged in her murder] was the father of her unborn son.

The preliminary exam for a police officer accused of killing a pregnant woman continues Friday.

Ken Bluew is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Jenny Webb and her unborn baby. Webb's body was found in late August near a police shooting rage in Buena Vista Township.

--Read TV5 reporter Liz Gelardi's tweets from the courtroom below--
Several witnesses took the stand Thursday, including several officers who were working with Bluew the night Webb's body was found. Bluew was also on duty.

Officer Tim Patterson and Ken Bluew discovered her body in a ditch at the end of Outer Driver. When police arrived on the scene they initially though Webb's death was a suicide. Earlier that night there was a period of time when central dispatch could not reach Bluew's patrol car via radio.

Several photographs of the crime scene were admitted for evidence. Bluew took most of the pictures.

Police moved Webb's body and car before realizing the pregnant woman did not kill herself. When officers notified Webb's parents of her death they told police Ken Bluew was the father of the unborn baby. At that time police reestablished "what was left of the scene."

Detectives also found Webb's cell phone. One testified the call log showed three calls between Webb and Bluew the night of her death.

Bluew is currently suspended from the Buena Vista Police Department without pay.

Here are Liz's tweets from the court hearing today, they are in chronological order newest to oldest:

--Defense attorney is trying to get Bluew released while he awaits trial. Judge will not allow it.

--Judge: Probable cause, case will be bound over for trial.

--Dr. Virani leaves stand. I think they're wrapping.

--Prosecutor Thomas redirects with a question about baby. He asked how long would fetus survive after mom's death. Virani says 2-3 mins.

--What is going on in this courtroom? The defense attorney just asked Dr. Virani to demonstrate a choke hold on him. Didn't see that coming.

--Bluew is shaking his head. I'm pretty sure he mouthed 'what are you doing.'

--During cross exam defense is trying to argue physical findings match those of a hanging. Webb family members are shaking their heads.

--Dr. Virani says bruises on Webb's body were fresh. He thinks it happened at or around time of death.

--Dr. Virani says Webb's cause of death is neck compression & consistent with someone likely using a "choke hold" to kill her.

--When Webb's body was found there was an electrical cord tied around her neck. Dr. Virani can tell it was put around her neck after she died.

--Dr. Virani says this is not a suicide. It is a homicide.

--Tears from Jenny Webb's family & friends as the autopsy is described. I can't imagine what it's like for them to hear this.

--Dr. Virani says when he examined the baby it was full term. He says baby was viable if it had been delivered.

--Dr. Virani testifies Webb had bruises below the cheek & on her arms. He says her right wrist was dislocated.

--Taking the stand now - Dr. Kanu Virani. He is a forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy.

--MSP went to his truck to get the uniform. There was one in the laundry bag & another uniform stuffed under a seat.

--When Bluew arrived back at the police dept he took his uniform off, put it in a laundry bag & put in his truck. MSP asked for uniform.

--During the interview with Det Teddy, Bluew denied having sex with Webb but before they took his DNA he paused & said I slept with her.

--MSP detective says he noticed marks on Blue's face during their interview.

--Central dispatch could not reach Bluew for a period of time the night of Webb's death. Bluew told investigators it was on a diff channel.

--During interview Bluew told detective he did not have sex with Webb. He "adamantly denied it."

--Prosecution: Did Bluew ever tell you why his blood would be on victim or her car? Detective: No.

--Bluew told the detective he did not go near the body. Also explained that he entered Webb's car through front passenger door to get her ID.

--Detective says blood & necklace were about 100 yards from the area where car was found.

--MSP detective interviewed Bluew early Wednesday morning after Webb's body was found.

--Defense asked very few questions in cross exam. Next person on the stand is a Michigan State Police Detective.

--Defense is cross examining MSP DNA Expert.

--This DNA stuff can get pretty technical, trying to break it down. Expert says DNA from Bluew was found in Webb's car.

--Expert testifies blood on Jenny Webb's bra belongs to Bluew.

--DNA from Webb's fingernails show samples from her own DNA & Bluew's.

--Lab also tested blood in the street. Blood belongs to Jenny Webb.

--Lab tested blood on Bluew's police body armor, uniform pants & a steering wheel. Results show blood belongs to Bluew.

--MSP DNA expert testifies that Ken Bluew is the father of the unborn baby. She used some technical terms but basically he is a match.

--Expert tested for paternity. Explaining DNA profiles. She has not said results yet.
--DNA expert is explaining the process MSP uses for this type of evidence.

--First witness called: Lisa Ramos. She is with the Michigan State Police Lab & processes DNA.

--In court. Prelim resumes at 10am. Jenny's family & friends are wearing [commemorative] shirts.

Friend of late Jennifer Webb on Officer Kenneth Bluew being ordered to stand trial on murder charge: It's 'what we were praying for'
Published: Friday, October 21, 2011, 3:48 PM
Updated: Friday, October 21, 2011, 3:59 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/10/friend_of_late_jennifer_webb_o.html

Jan Wiles, of Spaulding Township, second from left, a friend of the late Jennifer Webb, gets a hug after Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd bound Kenneth Bluew over for trial. Bluew, a suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer is charged in the Aug. 30 strangulation of the pregnant Jennifer Webb. [Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.]

SAGINAW — The fact Buena Vista Township Police Department Officer Kenneth T. Bluew has been ordered to stand trial on a charge of murdering pregnant Jennifer M. Webb is “what we were hoping for, what we were praying for,” said Jan Wiles of Spaulding Township, who once babysat Webb, following Bluew’s preliminary hearing this afternoon.

Saginaw County District Judge Christopher S. Boyd found probable cause exists for Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township to stand trial on the murder charge and on a charge of assault against a pregnant individual intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo.

The judge also ordered Bluew — who was on duty when Webb, 32, of Bridgeport Township was slain Aug. 30 — to stand trial on two counts of possessing a firearm while committing a felony.

“They got a lot more evidence than I thought they had. It’s a pretty strong case,” Donald Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s father, told The Saginaw News during a break in today’s testimony.

“Most of what (prosecutors) presented, I didn’t know about ahead of time,” Webb said.

After Bluew was ordered to stand trial for the slaying of Webb, and after a court officer handcuffed his wrists to lead him from the courtroom, he turned toward supporters in the gallery and nodded twice, but didn’t mouth any words or wink as he had done earlier in the hearing, which began Thursday morning.

Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Jason Teddy testified today that Bluew eventually admitted in an interview to having sex with Webb after initially “adamantly” denying it. Teddy, who stared in Bluew’s direction a number of times while testifying against him, also said Bluew told him Webb had “hinted” that Bluew was the father of her unborn son.

Seated at the defense table in court, Bluew shook his head several times in apparent disagreement with testimony from forensic pathologist Dr. Kanu Virani, who told the court he believes someone killed Webb by approaching her from behind and applying a “chokehold” on the woman, who was eight months pregnant.

Virani testified Webb died due to “neck compression” and not because of “ligature strangulation” by hanging herself with an extension cord, though Buena Vista police initially classified her death as a suicide.

Thursday’s testimony included statements from Buena Vista Officer Tim Patterson, who said he found Bluew alone at the scene of Webb’s death on the night of Aug. 30 where North Outer dead ends at Hack.

Patterson testified he, accompanied by Bluew, found Webb’s lifeless body resting in “an indentation” near the top of a drainage ditch, with the extension cord wrapped around her neck and attached to the roof rack of her Pontiac Aztek.

But Virani, who performed the autopsy on Webb, testified Webb had a dislocated right wrist and bruises on both arms in addition to a ligature mark around her neck. The doctor also said he found bleeding underneath Webb’s skin in the area of her chest, consistent with someone applying pressure on her chest while also applying pressure to her neck.

At defense attorney Rod O’Farrell’s request, Virani demonstrated — using O’Farrell as a pretend victim — how the doctor believes someone killed Webb.

When Virani testified about finding the fetus inside Webb’s body during the autopsy, Dawn Webb, the late Jennifer Webb’s mother, placed her head on Donald Webb’s shoulder, shaking her head back and forth, and covering her mouth with her hands.

Other supporters of the late Jennifer Webb wiped away tears as Virani described a “viable baby” who had died inside Jennifer Webb.

Wiles sat with other supporters of Webb and members of the Webb family. She said it was “hard to hear” Virani’s testimony about what happened to Jennifer Webb.

“I’ve known her ever since she was born,” Wiles said after Thursday’s hearing. “She wasn’t my daughter, but she was just like my daughter.”

Officer Kenneth Bluew; Buena Vista Police Department, Michigan; Murder of Jennifer Webb, Michigan; Officer Involved Domestic Violence; News coverage of Kenneth Bluew murder trial.

SENATOR LAUTENBERG MARKS 15 YEARS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN

2011-09-30T22:59:00.004-06:00

U.S Senator Frank Lautenberg [NJ]

Newsroom: Press Releases
Lautenberg Marks 15 Years of Domestic Violence Gun Ban
Law Has Protected Families and Victims by Stoping 200,000 Gun Sales to Abusers
Lautenberg Press Office, 202-224-3224
Friday, September 30, 2011
http://lautenberg.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=334241&

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) marked 15 years since legislation he authored was signed into law to prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from buying or possessing firearms. Since it was enacted in 1996, the law has succeeded in keeping guns out of the hands of spousal and child abusers on approximately 200,000 occasions.

“Over the past 15 years, this law has made a significant impact on the lives of innocent women and children. Instead of living in fear, domestic violence victims have protections from gun violence as they rebuild their lives,” Lautenberg said. “The law is plain and simple: If you are convicted of assaulting your wife or beating your child, we are not going to allow you to arm yourself with a gun. Common-sense laws like this have made our country safer and I will continue working in Washington and fighting the gun lobby to protect our families from gun violence.”

The Domestic Violence Gun Ban was approved in Congress and signed into law in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. This law specifically bans the shipment, transport, sale or ownership of guns by individuals convicted of domestic violence.

Sen. Lautenberg is a leader in Congress for responsible gun safety measures. Earlier this year, he introduced a package of three common-sense bills that would ban high-capacity gun magazines, close the gun show loophole, and keep deadly weapons out of the hands of criminals and terrorists.

ALSO SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN; THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

18 U.S.C. § 921: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN; THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT

2011-09-14T10:49:00.008-06:00

SEE ALSO:
MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

Intention of the Lautenberg Amendment: To prevent people convicted of domestic violence crimes from owning / possessing firearms. This law applies to even police officers and military personnel. No one was exempt under this law. Thus, if a law enforcement officer was convicted of a domestic violence assault...even a misdemeanor...they would lose their right to own/ posses a firearm and would thus no longer be able to work as a police officer.

The execeptions to this law: 18 U.S.C. § 921 B(33) (i) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter, unless— (I) the person was represented by counsel in the case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and (II) in the case of a prosecution for an offense described in this paragraph for which a person was entitled to a jury trial in the jurisdiction in which the case was tried, either (aa) the case was tried by a jury, or (bb) the person knowingly and intelligently waived the right to have the case tried by a jury, by guilty plea or otherwise. (ii) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter if the conviction has been expunged or set aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored (if the law of the applicable jurisdiction provides for the loss of civil rights under such an offense) unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.

MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE FOR THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT IS MCL 769.4A. CURRENTLY, IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, POLICE OFFICERS ARE HAVING THEIR ASSAULTIVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRIMES SET ASIDE UNDER MCL 769.4A . THIS ALLOWS THE OFFICER TO RETURN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT...NO MATTER HOW ASSAULTIVE THEIR CRIME WAS...OR THE HARM THEY CAUSED THEIR VICTIM[S]

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT

2011-09-14T10:40:00.006-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (EXCERPT)
Act 175 of 1927
769.4a Assault on spouse, former spouse, individual with child in common, dating relationship, or household resident; plea or finding of guilty; deferral of proceedings and order of probation; previous convictions; adjudication of guilt upon violation of probation; mandatory counseling program; costs; circumstances for entering adjudication of guilt; discharge and dismissal; limitation; nonpublic record; definitions.

Sec. 4a.
(1) When an individual who has not been convicted previously of an assaultive crime pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, a violation of section 81 or 81a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 and 750.81a, and the victim of the assault is the offender's spouse or former spouse, an individual who has had a child in common with the offender, an individual who has or has had a dating relationship with the offender, or an individual residing or having resided in the same household as the offender, the court, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused and of the prosecuting attorney in consultation with the victim, may defer further proceedings and place the accused on probation as provided in this section. However, before deferring proceedings under this subsection, the court shall contact the department of state police and determine whether, according to the records of the department of state police, the accused has previously been convicted of an assaultive crime or has previously availed himself or herself of this section. If the search of the records reveals an arrest for an assaultive crime but no disposition, the court shall contact the arresting agency and the court that had jurisdiction over the violation to determine the disposition of that arrest for purposes of this section.

(2) Upon a violation of a term or condition of probation, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(3) An order of probation entered under subsection (1) may include any condition of probation authorized under section 3 of chapter XI of the code of criminal procedure, 1927 PA 175, MCL 771.3, including, but not limited to, requiring the accused to participate in a mandatory counseling program. The court may order the accused to pay the reasonable costs of the mandatory counseling program. The court also may order the accused to participate in a drug treatment court under chapter 10A of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.1060 to 600.1082. The court may order the defendant to be imprisoned for not more than 12 months at the time or intervals, which may be consecutive or nonconsecutive and within the period of probation, as the court determines. However, the period of imprisonment shall not exceed the maximum period of imprisonment authorized for the offense if the maximum period is less than 12 months. The court may permit day parole as authorized under 1962 PA 60, MCL 801.251 to 801.258. The court may permit a work or school release from jail.

(4) The court shall enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided in this chapter if any of the following circumstances exist:
(a) The accused commits an assaultive crime during the period of probation.
(b) The accused violates an order of the court that he or she receive counseling regarding his or her violent behavior.
(c) The accused violates an order of the court that he or she have no contact with a named individual.

(5) Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person. Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is not a conviction for purposes of this section or for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities imposed by law upon conviction of a crime.

(6) There may be only 1 discharge and dismissal under this section with respect to any individual. The department of state police shall retain a nonpublic record of an arrest and discharge and dismissal under this section. This record shall be furnished to a court or police agency upon request pursuant to subsection (1) or to an office of prosecuting attorney for the purpose of showing that a defendant in a criminal action under section 81 or 81a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 and 750.81a, or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to section 81 of that act has already once availed himself or herself of this section or for the purpose of determining whether the defendant in a criminal action is eligible for discharge and dismissal of proceedings by a drug treatment court under section 1076

(5) of the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.1076.

(7) As used in this section:
(a) "Assaultive crime" means 1 or more of the following:
(i) That term as defined in section 9a of chapter X.
(ii) A violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90g.
(iii) A violation of a law of another state or of a local ordinance of a political subdivision of this state or of another state substantially corresponding to a violation described in subparagraph (i) or (ii).

(b) "Dating relationship" means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: Add. 1978, Act 353, Imd. Eff. July 14, 1978 ;-- Am. 1980, Act 471, Eff. Mar. 31, 1981 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 68, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 208, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 220, Eff. Jan. 1, 2005 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 663, Imd. Eff. Jan. 10, 2007

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES

2011-09-14T10:35:00.007-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81 are misdemeanor assault criimes. Under the Lautenberg Amendment / 18 U.S.C. § 921, a person convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence assault cannot posses / own a firearm. However, under MCL 769.4a, a person charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence offense / MCL 750.81 can enter a guilty plea [under MCL 769.4a], resulting in the charges being dismissed. The guilty plea entered is not considered a conviction, "...for purposes of disqualifications...imposed by law upon conviction of a crime". [i.e. Domestic Violence Gun Ban under the Lautenberg Amendment /18 U.S.C. § 921].

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.81 Assault and battery; penalties; applicability to individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with MCL 380.1312 of the revised school code; “dating relationship” defined.

Sec. 81.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who assaults or assaults and batters an individual, if no other punishment is prescribed by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) or (4), an individual who assaults or assaults and batters his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(3) An individual who commits an assault or an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has previously been convicted of assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, under any of the following, may be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(4) An individual who commits an assault or an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has 2 or more previous convictions for assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of his or her household, under any of the following, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81a, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(5) This section does not apply to an individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with section 1312 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1312.

(6) As used in this section, “dating relationship” means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 75081 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 64, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 270, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2000, Act 462, Imd. Eff. Jan. 10, 2001 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 189, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 190, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002
Former Law: See section 29 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5739; CL 1871, § 7538; How., § 9103; CL 1897, § 11498; CL 1915, § 15220; CL 1929, § 16736; Act 167 of 1879; and Act 54 of 1929.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.82, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN AGGRAVATED MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES

2011-09-14T10:34:00.004-06:00

SEE:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/misdemeanor-and-felony-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a are misdemeanor aggravated assault crimes. Under the Lautenberg Amendment / 18 U.S.C. § 921, a person convicted of a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence assault cannot posses / own a firearm.

However, under MCL 769.4a, a person charged with a felony domestic violence offense / MCL 750.81 can enter a guilty plea [under MCL 769.4a], resulting in the charges being dismissed. The guilty plea entered is not considered a conviction, "...for purposes of disqualifications...imposed by law upon conviction of a crime". [i.e. Domestic Violence Gun Ban under the Lautenberg Amendment /18 U.S.C. § 921].

When MCL 769.4a was first enacted, only persons facing misdemeanor domestic violence charges could plea under this law. At that time, a person convicted of a felony domestic violence offense could not plea to a misdemeanor offense in order to take advantage of having their conviction dismissed.

Around the time of the enactment of the Federal Domestic Violence Gun Ban [18 U.S.C. § 921/ Lautenberg Amendment:[ http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html], Michigan Legislators amended MCL 769.4a [ http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html ], to include felony domestic violence charges.

In the state of Michigan, it is all too prevalent for law enforcement officers who are facing felony domestic violence laws, to be protected from the effects of the Lautenberg Amendment, under MCL 769.4a. While this leaves the victims of OIDV unprotected, it allows officers who plead guilty to felony dv charges, to regain possession of their guns and to return to duty as police officers.

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.81a Assault; infliction of serious or aggravated injury; “dating relationship” defined.

Sec. 81a.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who assaults an individual without a weapon and inflicts serious or aggravated injury upon that individual without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), an individual who assaults his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household without a weapon and inflicts serious or aggravated injury upon that individual without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(3) An individual who commits an assault and battery in violation of subsection (2), and who has 1 or more previous convictions for assaulting or assaulting and battering his or her spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom he or she has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom he or she has had a child in common, or a resident or former resident of the same household, in violation of any of the following, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both:
(a) This section or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state substantially corresponding to this section.
(b) Section 81, 82, 83, 84, or 86.
(c) A law of another state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of another state substantially corresponding to this section or section 81, 82, 83, 84, or 86.

(4) As used in this section, “dating relationship” means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.

History: Add. 1939, Act 237, Eff. Sept. 29, 1939 ;-- CL 1948, 750.81a ;-- Am. 1994, Act 65, Eff. July 1, 1994 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 270, Eff. July 1, 2000 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 190, Eff. Apr. 1, 2002

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81b

2011-09-14T10:33:00.006-06:00

750.81b Enhanced sentence; provisions.

Sec. 81b.

The following provisions apply in any case in which the prosecuting attorney seeks an enhanced sentence under section 81(3) or (4) or 81a(3):

(a) The charging document or amended charging document shall include a notice provision that states that the prosecuting attorney intends to seek an enhanced sentence under section 81(3) or (4) or 81a(3) and lists the prior conviction or convictions that will be relied upon for that purpose. The notice shall be separate and distinct from the language charging the current offense, and shall not be read or otherwise disclosed to the jury if the case proceeds to trial before a jury.

(b) The defendant's prior conviction or convictions shall be established at sentencing. The existence of a prior conviction and the factual circumstances establishing the required relationship between the defendant and the victim of the prior assault or assault and battery may be established by any evidence that is relevant for that purpose, including, but not limited to, 1 or more of the following:

(i) A copy of a judgment of conviction.

(ii) A transcript of a prior trial, plea-taking, or sentencing proceeding.

(iii) Information contained in a presentence report.

(iv) A statement by the defendant.

(c) The defendant or his or her attorney shall be given an opportunity to deny, explain, or refute any evidence or information relating to the defendant's prior conviction or convictions before the sentence is imposed, and shall be permitted to present evidence relevant for that purpose unless the court determines and states upon the record that the challenged evidence or information will not be considered as a basis for imposing an enhanced sentence under section 81(3) or (4) or 81a(3).

(d) A prior conviction may be considered as a basis for imposing an enhanced sentence under section 81(3) or (4) or 81a(3) if the court finds the existence of both of the following by a preponderance of the evidence:

(i) The prior conviction.

(ii) 1 or more of the required relationships between the defendant and the victim of the prior assault or assault and battery.

History: Add. 1994, Act 65, Eff. July 1, 1994

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES THAT CAN BE DISMISSED / DISCHARGED UNDER MCL 769.4a

2011-09-14T10:33:00.005-06:00

Do the crime, but not the time with MCL 769.4a.

See also:
18 U.S.C. § 921 [ LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT / DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GUN BAN]
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/18-usc-921-domestic-violence-gun-ban.html

MCL 769.4A: MICHIGAN'S LOOPHOLE TO THE LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-7694a-michigans-loophole-to.html

MCL 750.81: MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081-misdemeanor-domestic-assault.html

MCL 750.81a : MICHIGAN FELONY DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/09/mcl-75081a-michigan-felony-domestic.html

Section Act 175 of 1927
769.4a
Discharge and dismissal of assaultive domestic violence crimes:

"7) As used in this section:
(a) "Assaultive crime" means 1 or more of the following:
(i) That term as defined in section 9a of chapter X.
(ii) A violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90g."

MCL 750.81 to 750.90g include the following assaultive crimes, that can be dismissed under MCL 769.4a:

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
Chapter XI
ASSAULTS

750.81: Assault and battery; penalties; applicability to individual using necessary reasonable physical force in compliance with MCL 380.1312 of the revised school code; “dating relationship” defined.

750.81a: Assault; infliction of serious or aggravated injury; “dating relationship” defined.

750.81b: Enhanced sentence; provisions.

750.81c: Threats or assault against employee of family independence agency; violation; penalty; other conviction; “serious impairment of body function” defined.

750.81d: Assaulting, battering, resisting, obstructing, opposing person performing duty; felony; penalty; other violations; consecutive terms; definitions.

750.81e: Assault or battery of employee or contractor of public utility; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; other violations; definitions.

750.82: Felonious assault; violation of subsection (1) in weapon free school zone; definitions.

750.83: Assault with intent to commit murder.

750.84: Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

750.85: Torture; felony; penalty; definitions; element of crime; other laws.

750.86: Assault with intent to maim.

750.87: Assault with intent to commit felony not otherwise punished.

750.88: Assault with intent to rob and steal; unarmed.

750.89: Assault with intent to rob and steal; armed.

750.90: Sexual intercourse under pretext of medical treatment.

750.90a: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as felony; intent.

750.90b: Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as crime; intent.

750.90c: Gross negligence against pregnant individual as crime.

750.90d: Conduct proscribed under MCL 257.625(1) or (3) involving accident with pregnant individual as felony; penalties.

750.90e: Conduct as proximate cause of accident involving pregnant individual as misdemeanor; penalty.

750.90f: Applicability of MCL 750.90 to 750.90e; “physician or other licensed medical professional” defined.

750.90g: “Infant protection act” as short title of section; legislative findings; prohibited acts; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; definitions.

18 U.S.C. § 921, Lautenberg Amendment, Domestic Violence Gun Ban, MCL 769.4a, Michigan's loophole to the Lautenberg Amendment, MCL 750.81, MCL 750.81a, Michigan misdemeanor and felony domestic assault crimes dismissed under MCL 769.4a.

MCL 750.81c

2011-09-14T10:32:00.000-06:00

750.81c Threats or assault against employee of family independence agency; violation; penalty; other conviction; “serious impairment of body function” defined.

Sec. 81c.

(1) A person who communicates to any person a threat that he or she will physically harm an individual who is an employee of the family independence agency and who does so because of the individual's status as an employee of that agency is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a person who assaults or assaults and batters an individual while the individual is performing his or her duties as an employee of the family independence agency or because of the individual's status as an employee of that agency and causes the individual any physical injury is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(3) A person who assaults or assaults and batters an individual while the individual is performing his or her duties as an employee of the family independence agency or because of the individual's status as an employee of that agency and causes the individual serious impairment of body function is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00, or both.

(4) A conviction or sentence imposed for a violation of this section does not preclude a conviction or sentence for a violation of any other applicable law.

(5) As used in this section, “serious impairment of body function” means that phrase as defined in section 625(5) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.625.

History: Add. 2001, Act 22, Eff. Sept. 1, 2001
Popular Name: Lisa's Law
Popular Name: Lisa's Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.81d

2011-09-14T10:31:00.000-06:00

750.81d Assaulting, battering, resisting, obstructing, opposing person performing duty; felony; penalty; other violations; consecutive terms; definitions.

Sec. 81d.

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4), an individual who assaults, batters, wounds, resists, obstructs, opposes, or endangers a person who the individual knows or has reason to know is performing his or her duties is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) An individual who assaults, batters, wounds, resists, obstructs, opposes, or endangers a person who the individual knows or has reason to know is performing his or her duties causing a bodily injury requiring medical attention or medical care to that person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(3) An individual who assaults, batters, wounds, resists, obstructs, opposes, or endangers a person who the individual knows or has reason to know is performing his or her duties causing a serious impairment of a body function of that person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

(4) An individual who assaults, batters, wounds, resists, obstructs, opposes, or endangers a person who the individual knows or has reason to know is performing his or her duties causing the death of that person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $20,000.00, or both.

(5) This section does not prohibit an individual from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law that is committed by that individual while violating this section.

(6) A term of imprisonment imposed for a violation of this section may run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed for another violation arising from the same transaction.

(7) As used in this section:

(a) "Obstruct" includes the use or threatened use of physical interference or force or a knowing failure to comply with a lawful command.

(b) "Person" means any of the following:

(i) A police officer of this state or of a political subdivision of this state including, but not limited to, a motor carrier officer or capitol security officer of the department of state police.

(ii) A police officer of a junior college, college, or university who is authorized by the governing board of that junior college, college, or university to enforce state law and the rules and ordinances of that junior college, college, or university.

(iii) A conservation officer of the department of natural resources or the department of environmental quality.

(iv) A conservation officer of the United States department of the interior.

(v) A sheriff or deputy sheriff.

(vi) A constable.

(vii) A peace officer of a duly authorized police agency of the United States, including, but not limited to, an agent of the secret service or department of justice.

(viii) A firefighter.

(ix) Any emergency medical service personnel described in section 20950 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.20950.

(x) An individual engaged in a search and rescue operation as that term is defined in section 50c.

(c) "Serious impairment of a body function" means that term as defined in section 58c of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.58c.

History: Add. 2002, Act 266, Eff. July 15, 2002 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 517, Imd. Eff. Dec. 29, 2006

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.81e

2011-09-14T10:30:00.000-06:00

750.81e Assault or battery of employee or contractor of public utility; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; other violations; definitions.

Sec. 81e.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who assaults, batters, or assaults and batters an individual while the individual is performing his or her duties as an employee or contractor of a public utility or because of the individual's status as an employee or contractor of a public utility is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(2) A person who assaults, batters, or assaults and batters an individual while the individual is performing his or her duties as an employee or contractor of a public utility or because of the individual's status as an employee or contractor of a public utility causing the individual bodily injury requiring medical attention or medical care is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(3) A person who assaults, batters, or assaults and batters an individual while the individual is performing his or her duties as an employee or contractor of a public utility or because of the individual's status as an employee or contractor of a public utility causing the individual serious impairment of a body function is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00, or both.

(4) This section does not prohibit a person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law arising out of the same transaction as the violation of this section.

(5) As used in this section:

(a) "Public utility" means a utility that provides steam, gas, heat, electricity, water, cable television, telecommunications services, or pipeline services, whether privately, municipally, or cooperatively owned.

(b) "Serious impairment of a body function" means that term as defined in section 58c of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.58c.

History: Add. 2010, Act 131, Eff. Oct. 19, 2010

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.82 : FELONY ASSAULT

2011-09-14T10:29:00.000-06:00

750.82 Felonious assault; violation of subsection (1) in weapon free school zone; definitions.

Sec. 82.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person who assaults another person with a gun, revolver, pistol, knife, iron bar, club, brass knuckles, or other dangerous weapon without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm less than murder is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) in a weapon free school zone is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the following:

(a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years.

(b) Community service for not more than 150 hours.

(c) A fine of not more than $6,000.00.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “School” means a public, private, denominational, or parochial school offering developmental kindergarten, kindergarten, or any grade from 1 through 12.

(b) “School property” means a building, playing field, or property used for school purposes to impart instruction to children or used for functions and events sponsored by a school, except a building used primarily for adult education or college extension courses.

(c) “Weapon free school zone” means school property and a vehicle used by a school to transport students to or from school property.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.82 ;-- Am. 1994, Act 158, Eff. Aug. 15, 1994
Former Law: See section 1 of Act 232 of 1913, being CL 1915, § 15228; CL 1929, § 16747; and Act 241 of 1915.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.83 : ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO COMMIT MURDER

2011-09-14T10:28:00.001-06:00

750.83 Assault with intent to commit murder.

Sec. 83.

Assault with intent to commit murder—Any person who shall assault another with intent to commit the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or any number of years.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.83
Former Law: See section 14 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5724; CL 1871, § 7523; How., § 9088; CL 1897, § 11483; CL 1915, § 15205; and CL 1929, § 16721.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.84 : ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO DO GREAT BODILY HARM LESS THAN MURDER

2011-09-14T10:27:00.000-06:00

750.84 Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Sec. 84.

Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder—Any person who shall assault another with intent to do great bodily harm, less than the crime of murder, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 10 years, or by fine of not more than 5,000 dollars.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.84
Former Law: See section 1 of Act 71 of 1883, being How., § 9122a; CL 1897, § 11505; CL 1915, § 15227; and CL 1929, § 16746.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.85 : FELONY TORTURE

2011-09-14T10:26:00.000-06:00

750.85 Torture; felony; penalty; definitions; element of crime; other laws.

Sec. 85.

(1) A person who, with the intent to cause cruel or extreme physical or mental pain and suffering, inflicts great bodily injury or severe mental pain or suffering upon another person within his or her custody or physical control commits torture and is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) "Cruel" means brutal, inhuman, sadistic, or that which torments.

(b) "Custody or physical control" means the forcible restriction of a person's movements or forcible confinement of the person so as to interfere with that person's liberty, without that person's consent or without lawful authority.

(c) "Great bodily injury" means either of the following:

(i) Serious impairment of a body function as that term is defined in section 58c of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.58c.

(ii) One or more of the following conditions: internal injury, poisoning, serious burns or scalding, severe cuts, or multiple puncture wounds.

(d) "Severe mental pain or suffering" means a mental injury that results in a substantial alteration of mental functioning that is manifested in a visibly demonstrable manner caused by or resulting from any of the following:

(i) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of great bodily injury.

(ii) The administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt the senses or the personality.

(iii) The threat of imminent death.

(iv) The threat that another person will imminently be subjected to death, great bodily injury, or the administration or application of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt the senses or personality.

(3) Proof that a victim suffered pain is not an element of the crime under this section.

(4) A conviction or sentence under this section does not preclude a conviction or sentence for a violation of any other law of this state arising from the same transaction.

History: Add. 2005, Act 335, Eff. Mar. 1, 2006
Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 750.85, which pertained to assault with intent to commit rape, sodomy, or gross indecency, was repealed by Act 266 of 1974, Eff. Apr. 1, 1975.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

750.86 : ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO MAIM

2011-09-14T10:25:00.000-06:00

750.86 Assault with intent to maim.

Sec. 86.

Assault with intent to maim—Any person who shall assault another with intent to maim or disfigure his person by cutting out or maiming the tongue, putting out or destroying an eye, cutting or tearing off an ear, cutting or slitting or mutilating the nose or lips or cutting off or disabling a limb, organ or member, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 10 years or by fine of not more than 5,000 dollars.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.86
Former Law: See sections 11 and 12 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, §§ 5721 and 5722; CL 1871, §§ 7520 and 7521; How., §§ 9085 and 9086; CL 1897, §§ 11480 and 11481; CL 1915, §§ 15202 and 15203; and CL 1929, §§ 16718 and 16719.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

750.87 : ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO COMMIT FELONY

2011-09-14T10:24:00.000-06:00

750.87 Assault with intent to commit felony not otherwise punished.

Sec. 87.

Assault with intent to commit felony, not otherwise punished—Any person who shall assault another, with intent to commit any burglary, or any other felony, the punishment of which assault is not otherwise in this act prescribed, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 10 years, or by fine of not more than 5,000 dollars.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.87
Former Law: See section 28 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5738; CL 1871, § 7537; How., § 9102; CL 1897, § 11497; CL 1915, § 15219; and CL 1929, § 16735.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

750.88 : ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO ROB [UNARMED]

2011-09-14T10:23:00.001-06:00

750.88 Assault with intent to rob and steal; unarmed.

Sec. 88.

Assault with intent to rob and steal being unarmed—Any person, not being armed with a dangerous weapon, who shall assault another with force and violence, and with intent to rob and steal, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 15 years.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.88
Former Law: See section 18 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5728; CL 1871, § 7527; How., § 9092; CL 1897, § 11487; CL 1915, § 15209; and CL 1929, § 16725.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

750.89: ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO ROB [ARMED]

2011-09-14T10:22:00.000-06:00

750.89 Assault with intent to rob and steal; armed.

Sec. 89.

Assault with intent to rob and steal being armed—Any person, being armed with a dangerous weapon, or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead a person so assaulted reasonably to believe it to be a dangerous weapon, who shall assault another with intent to rob and steal shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life, or for any term of years.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- Am. 1939, Act 94, Eff. Sept. 29, 1939 ;-- CL 1948, 750.89
Former Law: See section 16 of Ch. 153 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5726; CL 1871, § 7525; How., § 9090; CL 1897, § 11485; CL 1915, § 15207; CL 1929, § 16723; Act 143 of 1869; and Act 374 of 1927.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90

2011-09-14T10:21:00.000-06:00

750.90 Sexual intercourse under pretext of medical treatment.

Sec. 90.

Sexual intercourse under pretext of medical treatment—Any person who shall undertake to medically treat any female person, and while so treating her, shall represent to such female that it is, or will be, necessary or beneficial to her health that she have sexual intercourse with a man, and shall thereby induce her to have carnal sexual intercourse with any man, and any man, not being the husband of such female, who shall have sexual intercourse with her by reason of such representation, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not more than 10 years.

History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.90
Former Law: See section 1 of Act 172 of 1883, being How., § 9314e; CL 1897, § 11721; CL 1915, § 15505; and CL 1929, § 16847.

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90a : ASSAULT ON PREGNANT WOMAN RESULTING IN MISCARRIAGE / STILLBIRTH

2011-09-14T10:20:00.001-06:00

750.90a Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as felony; intent.

Sec. 90a.

If a person intentionally commits conduct proscribed under sections 81 to 89 against a pregnant individual, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years if all of the following apply:

(a) The person intended to cause a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual or death or great bodily harm to the embryo or fetus, or acted in wanton or willful disregard of the likelihood that the natural tendency of the person's conduct is to cause a miscarriage or stillbirth or death or great bodily harm to the embryo or fetus.

(b) The person's conduct resulted in a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual or death to the embryo or fetus.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 1, Eff. June 1, 2001

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90b : ASSAULT AGAINST A PREGNANT WOMAN

2011-09-14T10:19:00.001-06:00

750.90b Conduct proscribed under MCL 750.81 to 750.89 as crime; intent.

Sec. 90b.

A person who intentionally commits conduct proscribed under sections 81 to 89 against a pregnant individual is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) If the conduct results in a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual, or death to the embryo or fetus, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $7,500.00, or both.

(b) If the conduct results in great bodily harm to the embryo or fetus, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(c) If the conduct results in serious or aggravated physical injury to the embryo or fetus, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(d) If the conduct results in physical injury to the embryo or fetus, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 1, Eff. June 1, 2001

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90c : GROSS NEGLIGENCE AGAINST A PREGNANT WOMAN

2011-09-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

50.90c Gross negligence against pregnant individual as crime.

Sec. 90c.

A person who commits a grossly negligent act against a pregnant individual is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) If the act results in a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual or death to the embryo or fetus, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not more than $7,500.00, or both.

(b) If the act results in great bodily harm to the embryo or fetus, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.

(c) If the act results in serious or aggravated physical injury to the embryo or fetus, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 6 months or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(d) If the act results in physical injury to the embryo or fetus, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 1, Eff. June 1, 2001 ;-- Am. 2002, Act 672, Eff. Mar. 31, 2003

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750d : ACCIDENT WITH PREGNANT WOMAN [FELONY]

2011-09-14T10:17:00.000-06:00

750.90d Conduct proscribed under MCL 257.625(1) or (3) involving accident with pregnant individual as felony; penalties.

Sec. 90d.

A person who engages in conduct proscribed under section 625(1) or (3) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.625, that involves an accident with a pregnant individual is guilty of a felony punishable as follows:

(a) If the person's conduct causes a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual or death to the embryo or fetus, imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of not less than $2,500.00 or more than $10,000.00, or both.

(b) If the person's conduct causes great bodily harm or serious or aggravated injury to the embryo or fetus, imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00, or both.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 1, Eff. June 1, 2001

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90e : ACCIDENT WITH PREGNANT WOMAN [MISDEMEANOR]

2011-09-14T10:16:00.000-06:00

750.90e Conduct as proximate cause of accident involving pregnant individual as misdemeanor; penalty.

Sec. 90e.

If a person operates a motor vehicle in a careless or reckless manner, but not willfully or wantonly, that is the proximate cause of an accident involving a pregnant individual and the accident results in a miscarriage or stillbirth by that individual or death to the embryo or fetus, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999 ;-- Am. 2001, Act 1, Eff. June 1, 2001

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90f

2011-09-14T10:15:00.000-06:00

750.90f Applicability of MCL 750.90 to 750.90e; “physician or other licensed medical professional” defined.

Sec. 90f.

(1) Sections 90a to 90e do not apply to any of the following:

(a) An act committed by the pregnant individual.

(b) A medical procedure performed by a physician or other licensed medical professional within the scope of his or her practice and with the pregnant individual's consent or the consent of an individual who may lawfully provide consent on her behalf or without consent as necessitated by a medical emergency.

(c) The lawful dispensation, administration, or prescription of medication.

(2) This section does not prohibit a prosecution under any other applicable law.

(3) As used in this section, “physician or other licensed medical professional” means a person licensed under article 15 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16101 to 333.18838.

History: Add. 1998, Act 238, Eff. Jan. 1, 1999

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan

MCL 750.90g

2011-09-14T10:14:00.001-06:00

750.90g “Infant protection act” as short title of section; legislative findings; prohibited acts; violation as felony; penalty; exceptions; definitions.

Sec. 90g.

(1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the “infant protection act”.

(2) The legislature finds all of the following:

(a) That the constitution and laws of this nation and this state hold that a live infant completely expelled from his or her mother's body is recognized as a person with constitutional and legal rights and protection.

(b) That a live infant partially outside his or her mother is neither a fetus nor potential life, but is a person.

(c) That the United States supreme court decisions defining a right to terminate pregnancy do not extend to the killing of a live infant that has begun to emerge from his or her mother's body.

(d) That the state has a compelling interest in protecting the life of a live infant by determining that a live infant is a person deserving of legal protection at any point after any part of the live infant exists outside of the mother's body.

(3) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5), a person who intentionally performs a procedure or takes any action upon a live infant with the intent to cause the death of the live infant is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years or a fine of not more than $50,000.00, or both.

(4) It is not a violation of subsection (3) if a physician takes measures at any point after a live infant is partially outside of the mother's body, that in the physician's reasonable medical judgment are necessary to save the life of the mother and if every reasonable precaution is also taken to save the live infant's life.

(5) Subsection (3) does not apply to an action taken by the mother. However, this subsection does not exempt the mother from any other provision of law.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Live infant” means a human fetus at any point after any part of the fetus is known to exist outside of the mother's body and has 1 or more of the following:

(i) A detectable heartbeat.

(ii) Evidence of spontaneous movement.

(iii) Evidence of breathing.

(b) “Outside of the mother's body” means beyond the outer abdominal wall or beyond the plane of the vaginal introitus.

(c) “Part of the fetus” means any portion of the body of a human fetus that has not been severed from the fetus, but not including the umbilical cord or placenta.

(d) “Physician” means an individual licensed to engage in the practice of allopathic medicine or the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery under article 15 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16101 to 333.18838.

History: Add. 1999, Act 107, Eff. Mar. 10, 2000
Popular Name: Infant Protection Act

© 2009 Legislative Council, State of Michigan