Child killer case now a battle in Oakland County's political arena

As the star in the TV ad supporting Mike Bishop's run against incumbent Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, Barry King could not be a more sympathetic figure.

Dressed in a suit and tie, King says to the camera: "I am the 81-year-old father of the last victim of the Oakland County child killer. It's been 35 years, and we still don't know who killed Tim. When Jessica Cooper took office, she refused to talk to my family. She even took me to court and falsely accused me of a felony. … If it was your child, we believe you would join us in opposing Jessica Cooper."

Last week, King again sought to harness the court of public opinion against Cooper, the self-described "legal arm" of the task force investigating the abduction and murder of four children in 1976 and 1977.

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FBI reportedly investigates Michigan Supreme Court justice

Hathaway's real estate transactions questioned

Detroit — The FBI is investigating real estate transactions Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway made last year that allowed her to drop nearly $600,000 in mortgage debt on a $1.5 million Lake St. Clair home, sources familiar with the investigation told The Detroit News.

Sources said the probe was launched after news reports in May revealed Hathaway and her husband, trial attorney Michael Kingsley, transferred at least two of their homes to relatives before a bank allowed them to unload the home on Lakeview Court in Grosse Pointe Park in a November 2011 short sale.

The FBI tried to reach out to Hathaway's family through interviews, said a source close to the investigation.

Real estate experts and the Democratic Party-nominated justice's Republican political opponents have questioned whether Hathaway and Kingsley hid assets and committed mortgage fraud after the two homes were returned to the couple shortly after the short sale.

By Robert Snell and Chad Livengood
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Man painted as mastermind in slayings of Hamtramck women

Detroit — An assistant prosecutor on Tuesday portrayed Brandon Cain as the mastermind behind the plot to have his ex-girlfriend Ashley Conaway killed along with her best friend, Abreeya Brown.

"It is impossible to find the words of the horror, the terror ..., the mental torture they suffered as they were driven around knowing they were going to be murdered," Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Molly Kettler said during opening arguments in the trial of four men for the abduction, torture and murder of the women.

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Authorities pull over dozens of cars in hunt for I-96 shooter

Authorities have pulled over dozens of cars Tuesday in Livingston County in ongoing efforts to catch a shooter terrorizing the Interstate 96 corridor.

Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said authorities have received plenty of tips throughout the day with some citizens writing down license plate numbers as authorities pursue a suspect who has allegedly shot at least 25 moving vehicles on roadways in Ingham, Livingston, Shiawassee and Oakland counties.

"It's encouraging that we're getting this much of a response from the public," he said.

Deputies have followed up on many of the tips, while pulling over several vehicles matching the suspect's black or dark-colored Chevrolet Cavalier or Oldsmobile Alero.

"We've pulled 30 or 40 cars today, anything that closely matches the description," Bezotte said. "No arrests, though."


By Tony Briscoe
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Kwame Kilpatrick: I'm never coming back to Detroit

Detroit — Kwame Kilpatrick has disavowed his ties to the Motor City and doesn't plan on moving back, according to the former mayor's emails obtained by The Detroit News.

The emails cement Kilpatrick's split from the city that fueled his political rise and reveals claims that he is concerned about his safety in Detroit while standing trial on racketeering charges.

"I am a Texas resident…I have no intentions of ever residing here again," Kilpatrick wrote in a Sept. 13 email to his parole agent obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. "I'm often thought of as a Detroiter, but I am not. My life, family and residency is in Texas."

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Feds join probe of roadway shootings; $102K reward offered

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined an investigation into a series of vehicle shootings, signaling an increased effort and a reward of more than $102,000 to solve a case that's terrorizing motorists across several counties, The Detroit News has learned.

A news conference with officials from both federal agencies is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Wixom Police Department.

The development comes hours after Michigan State Police confirmed that a vehicle was hit by a projectile near the Interstate 96 corridor Monday morning.

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I-96 shooter strikes again, 1 driver wounded in Fowlerville

Two vehicles were shot, leaving one person wounded on eastbound I-96 in Fowlerville on Saturday, and authorities believe the shooter responsible for 22 other shootings on Michigan highways and roadways has struck again.

An 18-year-old Canton man, who was driving eastbound with an 18-year-old female passenger from Plymouth, called 911 at 11:52 a.m. Saturday reporting that their vehicle had been shot, leaving both rear windows shattered.

Another vehicle was struck at 12:19 p.m. The bullet traveled through the vehicle's seat and hit the lone occupant, a Grand Rapids man, in the buttock.

Sheriff's officials said the injured man is a 46-year-old from Delton. WHMI-FM reported he was traveling from the Grand Rapids area to Detroit to watch the Tigers play the San Francisco Giants in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night.

He was treated at the scene and then taken to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Livingston County. He was listed in stable condition Saturday night.

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Nervous drivers on alert after new I-96 shootings

Fowlerville — While authorities hunt for the Interstate 96 freeway shooter, worried motorists say they're on alert and, in some cases, avoiding the section of the freeway where an eastbound driver was wounded Saturday.

Fowlerville resident Amber Sherill said Sunday she has taken to driving alternate routes out of fear of the freeway shooter.

"It freaks me out," she said. "Just the randomness … no rhyme or no reason."

In the latest incident, shots were fired Saturday at two vehicles on eastbound I-96 in Fowlerville. One of the drivers, a west Michigan man, was wounded in the buttocks and hospitalized.

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Police deny there's a serial killer, but Detroiters hold vigil for victims

Detroit — Becky Dorie didn't want to believe rumors about a serial killer targeting women near Patton Park in her southwest Detroit neighborhood. But it spurred the mother of eight to patrol almost nightly with a community group in hopes of protecting the area.

"We're hoping to get our streets back," she said. "We're fighting to get this crime under control."

Despite what police are saying — that the tales of rape and murder aren't true — Dorie joined about 50 residents Thursday night for a candlelight vigil at the park to highlight what they are calling the recent spate of violence.

Some neighbors say authorities are ignoring the violence, but police insist rumors have spun out of control.

By George Hunter and Mark Hicks
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Father arraigned on open murder charge in 3-month-old's death

Defense lawyer: There may be another suspect

Troy — A Troy father was charged Thursday with open murder in the death of his 3-month old daughter this week, but his attorney says someone else could have killed the girl.

Kenneth Michael Little, 25, stood with shackles on his wrists and ankles in 52-4 District Court as a judge arraigned him on the murder charge and an alternative charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Little, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, faintly answered questions from Judge Kirsten Nielsen Hartig, who refused to set bond for him.

By Jennifer Chambers
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Detroit teen faces sentencing in shooting death of mom

Detroit — A 14-year-old boy who pleaded guilty last month to charges he fatally shot his mother in February while she slept on the couch of the family's east side home will face sentencing Friday.

Joshua Smith, who is charged as an adult, entered the plea to charges of second-degree murder and felony firearm before Wayne County Circuit Judge Bruce Morrow as his trial was set to start.

Smith, who had been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Tamiko Andrea Robinson, is expected to receive 25 to 50 years in prison under the agreement, and a mandatory two years for the firearm conviction, prosecutors said.

Robinson's fiance, Chiko Lewis, testified at Smith's preliminary examination in March that he was asleep in a back bedroom of the home in the 5700 block of Burns on Feb. 27 when he heard gunshots.

By Christine Ferretti
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Man charged in slaying of uncle on Detroit's west side

Detroit — A 28-year-old man is being charged in the slaying of his uncle on the city's west side last weekend, police announced Wednesday.

Mark Williams was arraigned Tuesday on felony charges of first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm and felony firearms.

Bond was denied. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

Police said Williams was visiting relatives at a home in the 6600 block of Sparta about 8:40 p.m. Saturday when he started arguing with his uncle, Robert Williams, 46.

After Mark Williams left, police said, "he fired shots into the dwelling, striking Mr. Williams, who has died from the injuries."

Detroit Police Homicide investigators requested help from the Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team to find and arrest Williams.

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1 dead, 3 wounded in shooting on Detroit's northwest side

Detroit — One man was killed Wednesday afternoon and three other people were wounded, including a 4-year-old boy, in a shooting on the city's northwest side.

According to family of the victims, a group of men passed by a house on the 5100 block of Webb Street and then circled back before shooting, fatally wounding the man, later identified by his family as Stephan Turner Jr., 27.

Regina Ward; her boyfriend, Ronald McGowan Jr.; and their young son, Ronald McGowan III, were grazed by bullets at the house, said Ward's sister, LaTanya Ward, 39.

By George Hunter
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Police: Fragments of 7 bullets in road shootings from same gun

22 incidents reported from Oct. 16-18, most along I-96 corridor

Fragments of seven bullets found at the scenes of roadway shootings in Wixom and Livingston County came from the same gun, authorities said Tuesday.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory analyzed the bullet fragments from the seven sites, Under sheriff Michael McCabe said.

"We can't say with certainty what caliber weapon they came from at this point," McCabe said. "But seven of these incidents are from the same weapon."

Evidence from other shooting incidents is being reviewed by the Michigan State Police.

Wixom Police Chief Clarence Goodlein said investigators have received more than 200 tips from the public about the shootings, suspicious vehicles or suspects.

From Oct. 16-18, police said 22 shootings were reported in Oakland, Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee counties, most aimed at vehicles along the Interstate 96 corridor. No injuries have been reported.

By Mike Martindale and Karen Bouffard
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Michigan State Police: Man who fled trial in May is captured

Jackson — Michigan State Police say they've captured a 53-year-old man who was wanted since he fled the last day of a criminal trial five months ago.

TV stations WNEM and WILX report Ricky Wheeldon was caught early Wednesday following a traffic stop in Ingham County's Leslie Township.

Police say Wheeldon was taken into custody without any problems. He's being held at the Jackson County Jail. A 62-year-old man driving the vehicle also was expected to face charges.

Police say they found a loaded gun and suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle.

Authorities say Wheeldon ran a theft and drug ring. He stood trial in May and MLive.com reports a Jackson County jury convicted him of nine felonies, including running a criminal enterprise.

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Task force promises 'best effort' to find I-96 corridor shooter

East Lansing — A multi-jurisdictional task force met Tuesday morning at Michigan State University to consolidate resources in an investigation of 22 shooting incidents in four counties.

Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth said no new incidents have occurred since late Thursday, but the task force is investigating scores of tips on the incidents, in which shots were fired at oncoming traffic on or near Interstate 96 in Oakland, Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee counties. The shootings took place between Oct. 16-18.

The meeting at the MSU Department of Public Safety included more than 30 officers from Wixom, Ingham County and Shiawassee County.

"We wanted to brief this group with what the Wixom group knew," Wriggelsworth said. "We're pursuing a number of leads."

By Karen Bouffard
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Evidence shows Kilpatrick spent more to steer contracts to Ferguson

Water department altered process to give him better shot

Detroit — Kwame Kilpatrick was willing to pay millions of dollars more for water and sewer work if it meant steering contracts to his friend Bobby Ferguson, according to testimony and evidence presented Monday in federal court.

Water boss Victor Mercado ignored favorable rankings for competing contractors to give work to Ferguson, according to Daniel Edwards, a water department official who testified for more than three hours on Monday.

And the water department took steps to alter competitors' qualifications to give Ferguson a better shot at getting contracts, evidence showed.

By Mike Wilkinson and Robert Snell
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Police release sketch in I-96 shootings

Police released a sketch Sunday of a suspect involved in a series of random shootings in Livingston, Oakland and Ingham counties along the Interstate 96 corridor.

The sketch is from a description of a suspect that was given to police from one of the shooting incidents that happened Thursday in Ingham County. The eyewitness also gave police descriptions of a car resembling the vehicle the suspect was driving. The car being driven by the shooter is possibly a dark 1998 Oldsmobile Alero or a 1998 Camry.

The suspect, from the witness description, is believed to be a white male in his early 20s to mid-30s who has beard stubble.

A multi-jurisdictional task force has been set to try and find the shooter. No one has been injured in the incidents. Some automobiles in the Wixom area have been damaged by bullet holes, however.

By Oralandar Brand-Williams
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Mom seeks help in finding missing Roseville man

Roseville — The mother of a missing man is asking the public for help in finding him.

Christopher "Sloan" Taylor, 39, was last seen Oct. 4 after getting his car repaired, said his mother, Vikki Taylor Harper, an Atlanta-area resident.

Taylor, a divorced father of two, is a salesman of industrial equipment. His mother said she doesn't necessarily expect foul play but said her son would not just walk away without his family knowing where he is.

"This length of time is impossible," said Taylor Harper Sunday. "My son doesn't go two days with talking to me, his aunt, his child or his work."

By Oralandar Brand-Williams
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Police: Roseville man asked undercover detective to kill his wife

Roseville — Charles Tringali of Roseville has been married for 27 years, but police say he wanted out and wasn't planning on getting a divorce.

Tringali, 68, is being held at the Macomb County Jail on $1 million bond after he was arraigned Wednesday in 39th District Court on a charge of soliciting the murder of his wife.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Police haven't released a motive in the case. Tringali's wife was not harmed.

"For whatever his motivations were, he wanted someone to kill his wife and was willing to pay for it," said Deputy Police Chief Donald Glandon of the Roseville Police Department. "Luckily, through quick police work, we were able to stop it."

By Maureen Feighan
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Life sentence for man in Livingston County killing

Howell — A man has been sentenced to life in prison in the murder, mutilation and burning of a 40-year-old man a year ago in Livingston County.

Calling it a "horrific crime," Circuit Judge David Reader sentenced 28-year-old Brian Stafford on Thursday.

Stafford pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, saying he aided co-defendant George Tanner in the Oct. 15, 2011, slaying of Christopher Townsend, who was beaten with a wrench and strangled with a seat belt.

Townsend's remains were burned in a wooded area in Green Oak Township.

Stafford cried and asked for forgiveness from Townsend's family on Thursday.

Tanner's case remains on hold.

The prosecutor's office is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn Reader's ruling that the jury cannot hear Tanner's alleged confession to police.

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Roseville man held on solitication for murder charge

Fraser — A 68-year-old Roseville man is being held on $1 million after he allegedly tried to hire someone to murder his wife.

Charles Tringali was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of solicitation for murder, a felony, in 39th District Court. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

According to a press release, police got a tip that Tringali was looking to hire someone to kill his wife of 27 years. A meeting was held between Tringali and a Roseville detective, during which a location for the murder was discussed along with methods. Police said a down payment was made to the detective.

Tringali was then arrested.

A preliminary exam is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.

By Maureen Feighan
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Women Arraigned on Selling K2 Charges

Two women were arraigned Wednesday on charges of selling K2 at a Livingston County smoke shop.

Court documents state Ronda Rosak of Howell and Melissa Dzierwa of Fowlerville are charged with selling K2 at Smoke Depot in Howell back in April. Their attorney, Timothy Corr, says Michigan State Police took several products from their store including "Gods of Aroma." When police sent the it to the lab, they learned it contained an ingredient consistent with K2 and inconsistant with state law.


"They're very upset of course, because they had no idea that the chemical was in that product," said Corr. "The store was under the impression that chemical wasn't present and they had a lab report from the place they bought it from to prove it."


Both are out on a $5,000 personal bond. If convicted, Corr says the maximum penalty for selling a non-narcotic is seven years in prison.

6 News reached out to Livingston Prosecuting Attorney David Morse several times for comment, but our calls were not returned.

By Maria Hechanova WLNS

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Warren man sought sex in Fraser store bathroom, police say

Fraser — A 61-year-old Warren man has been arrested and charged with soliciting men on Craigslist to meet him in a store bathroom for sex, police said Wednesday.

Ronald Ernest Frazier is charged with prostitution-soliciting and indecent exposure, according to Lt. Dan Kolke of the Fraser Public Safety Department.

Police say investigators came across a posting on Craigslist from a male who was asking other men to meet him for sex in the bathroom at a local Meijer store.

Detectives arranged a meeting with the suspect at the store.

Kolke said an undercover police officer observed the suspect engaged in a sex act alone in a bathroom stall.

The suspect then invited the officer to the parking lot for sex, officials said.

Police arrested the suspect as he walked out of the store with the undercover officer.

By Charles E. Ramirez
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Dearborn police seek theft suspects who posed as utility workers

Dearborn — Police are seeking the public's help to find two suspects they say posed as water company workers to steal from an 89-year-old woman.

The men knocked on the front door of a home in the 7500 block of Anthony Street about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and told the resident they were from the "water board," police said.

The pair, who did not have IDs, said they needed to check the water inside the home.

"Once inside, they stated she needed to pay her water bill," the Police Department said in a statement. "The homeowner went to get the money while both subjects followed. The homeowner opened a safe containing a large amount of money. One subject took the money while another took the safe."

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Metro Detroit taxi drivers on edge after shootings

Detroit — The death of a cab driver, who fired back at two men who tried to rob him, has drivers nervous about a recent uptick in violence against cabbies.

The shooting death of Jawan McQueen, 47, a father of four and at least the fourth Detroit cab driver shot in less than a month, highlights the violence they face whenever a fare enters a taxi.

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Informant says he gave FBI information on additional Child Killing victims, suspects

Detroit — A mysterious informant who claims to have information about the Oakland County Child Killings said Tuesday he has turned over information to the FBI that concerns at least 10 additional victims as well as the names of three suspects he believes were involved in all of the deaths.

At a news conference at the office of attorney Paul Hughes, who represents the family of victim Kristine Mihelich, a man known only as "Bob" discussed facets of his own investigation by phone with reporters.

According to Bob, a five-year independent investigation by him and others found the "random" killings of children or teenagers by a group of three to four people actually began in northern Michigan in 1969 and continued until 1982 — five years after the last of four Oakland County children were abducted, killed and their bodies left in public areas to be found.

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Man dies in fourth cab driver attack in Detroit in a month

Detroit — A fourth cab driver shot in the city within a month is dead.

Detroit police said two men held the Checker Cab driver at gunpoint in a robbery attempt at about 4:20 a.m. Tuesday at a Mobil gas station near the intersection of Harper Avenue and Connor Street on the city's near east side. One of the suspects fired shots at the driver, who then returned fire.


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Kilpatrick witness pleaded guilty in '09, still hasn't gone to prison

Detroit — Kwame Kilpatrick wants to know why a key government witness in the City Hall corruption case has not reported to prison almost two years after being sentenced by a federal judge.

Kilpatrick wants an answer before homeless shelter operator Jon Rutherford testifies, which could happen as early as this week. A hearing is set for Tuesday in federal court.

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Part of man's lip bitten off by would-be robber in Pontiac

Pontiac — An intended robbery victim had part of his lip bitten off during an attempted mugging over the weekend, Oakland County Sheriff's deputies reported Monday.

Deputies responded to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac about 6 p.m. Saturday to interview the victim, identified only as a 51-year-old Pontiac man.

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Dearborn police: No ticket for Lions' Suh after car accident

Dearborn — Detroit Lions' star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will escape a traffic citation following a minor car accident Thursday along the Southfield Freeway, Dearborn police reported Friday.

Stephen Vines, 43, of Livonia, said Suh sideswiped his car on an exit ramp.

Vines said the defensive tackle clipped his Ford Escort as the football player was headed toward the team's practice facility. After the collision, Suh kept driving to the Lions' practice grounds, he said.

By Tony Briscoe, Mike Wilkinson and Chris McCosky
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Illegal immigrant faces charges in sex assault

An illegal immigrant from Mexico has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a minor in Pontiac, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Miguel Angel Davila-Ruiz, 33, was taken into custody Wednesday at a home in southwest Detroit by immigration officers. He was charged in July with four felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Davila-Ruiz was turned over to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. After his criminal case is resolved, he will be returned to ICE custody and processed for deportation, authorities said. The victim in the sexual-assault case told Oakland County detectives that Davila-Ruiz assaulted her numerous times in 2011.

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Officer guilty of murdering pregnant girlfriend in Saginaw

Saginaw — A jury in Saginaw has convicted a 37-year-old suspended police officer of first-degree murder in the extension cord strangulation of a woman eight months pregnant with his son.

The Saginaw County Circuit Court jury reached the verdict Thursday in the trial of Kenneth Bluew. It also convicted him of assault causing a miscarriage and having a firearm in a felony.

He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. His sentencing wasn't immediately scheduled.

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Man charged in Secret Service truck theft

Detroit — The U.S. Secret Service said it's busted a bandit who boosted a truck carrying equipment for Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Michigan last month.

Detroit resident Charles Rumbley, 45, was charged Wednesday in federal court with stealing government property, a 10-year felony.

He is jailed pending trial.

The man's court-appointed lawyer, Leroy Soles, could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

The U-Haul truck carried $150,000 worth of metal detectors that the Secret Service was going to use to screen people during Biden's visit.

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Detroit dad paddled toddler to death for bed-wetting, jury told

Detroit — Bianca Jones was "unwanted and unloved" by her father, prosecutors say, and the man fatally beat the toddler for wetting her bed before throwing away her body like trash.

Wayne County prosecutors contend D'Andre Lane paddled the child to death on Dec. 2, disposed of her corpse at an incinerator and fabricated an armed carjacking to cover up the crime.

The scenario was laid out in closing arguments Wednesday at the close of the father of seven's felony murder trial in Wayne Circuit Court.

"Bianca Jones is dead. She died at 2 years old and he killed her," Assistant Prosecutor Carin Goldfarb told jurors.

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Feds target Kilpatrick payouts

His nonprofit paid for everything from manicures to yoga classes, they say

Detroit — Kwame Kilpatrick's nonprofit group paid for manicures, pedicures, deep tissue massages at resorts in Colorado and California — even $125 for a "gentleman's facial," according to testimony offered Wednesday during the former Detroit mayor's public corruption trial.

The Civic Fund, set up to promote social welfare and voter education, also picked up the tab for Kilpatrick's twice-weekly yoga sessions with his bodyguards, underwrote a portion of relatives' tuition bills and covered a $69,000 bill from a political consultant, witnesses said.

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Detroit dad killed missing toddler, prosecutor tells jury

Detroit — Missing Bianca Jones is dead and her father, D'Andre Lane, killed her, prosecutors told a jury Wednesday.

The father of seven is charged with felony murder on claims he fatally beat the toddler with a hard stick over a bed-wetting incident on Dec. 2, disposed of her body at an incinerator and fabricated a tale of an armed carjacking to cover up the crime.

"Bianca Jones is dead. She died at 2 years old and he killed her," Assistant Prosecutor Carin Goldfarb told a Wayne County Circuit Court jury during closing arguments Wednesday.

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Cost of Ficano defense may rise

Wayne Co. panel approves $100K boost for law firm

Detroit — Wayne County taxpayers may spend another $100,000 defending Executive Robert Ficano and other county officials in a lawsuit from his former top deputy, Azzam Elder.

The deal annoyed county commissioners, but a committee on Tuesday approved a retroactive, one-year modification to a contract with Detroit-based law firm Dickinson Wright. The modification pushes the worth of the contract to $145,000.

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Man charged with fondling, trying to abduct girl, 14, in Royal Oak

Royal Oak — A 24-year-old Bloomfield Hills man has been charged with fondling and trying to abduct a 14-year-old girl over the weekend.

Derek Joseph Wallin, is charged with attempted kidnapping, a five-year felony, and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries up to two years in prison, in Saturday's incident. Wallin, was arraigned Monday before 44th District Court Judge Terrence Brennan, who set bond at $100,000.

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Tot found by crack pipe in car; mom sought

Pontiac — Oakland County Sheriff's deputies are seeking the mother of a 2-year-old boy who was found over the weekend sleeping in a damaged car containing a crack pipe and an alcohol-filled juice bottle.

The 44-year-old woman could face charges including child neglect and endangerment, authorities said.

The incident occurred early Sunday in the Orchard Lake Road and South Johnson Street area.


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2 Eastpointe cops may face charges soon in sale of confiscated items

Eastpointe — Two Eastpointe police officers accused of selling items seized in drug operations and pocketing the money may learn in the next week whether they will face criminal charges.

One officer has been placed on a paid administrative leave, while the other has resigned. It appears the two officers acted independently, city officials said.

"It's very disappointing, there's no question," said Steve Duchane, Eastpointe city manager. "It puts a taint on the department and the people of the city. And that's why we had to deal with it promptly and directly," he said

Both are veteran officers with more than a decade of experience who were involved with the department's undercover narcotics operations, officials said.

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Thieves take car with kids, run over Roseville mom's legs

Roseville — Two men drove over a Roseville mother's legs Thursday morning as she tried to stop them from stealing her sport-utility vehicle with her two children inside, police said.

Roseville Police Chief James Berlin said the woman sustained head and leg injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The men who stole her 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee crashed into a telephone pole less than a mile away; the woman's children were unhurt.

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Petoskey police arrest 'Batman' for alleged antics at crash scene

Petoskey — The search for a driver who fled an accident scene in northern Michigan over the weekend was apparently a job for a dog, not a bat.

State troopers arrested 33-year-old Mark Wayne Williams because they say he refused to leave them alone after he showed up Saturday night wearing a Batman outfit.

"He wouldn't clear the scene, and we had a canine out there and he kept screwing up the scent," State Police Sgt. Jeff Gorno told the Petoskey News-Review. "He said he wanted to help us look for the driver."

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3 cabbies shot in 11 days in Detroit

Detroit — For the third time in 11 days, a cab driver has been shot in Detroit.

The latest incident occurred at 1:45 a.m. Saturday in the 16100 block of Freeland Street. Police said the driver, 46, was arguing with a female customer over the fare when a man with braided hair and a mask shot the victim.

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Robber forced salon employee to expose breasts, police say

Pontiac — Oakland County Sheriff's deputies have arrested an 18-year-old Pontiac man suspected of robbing a hair salon employee at gunpoint and forcing her to expose her breasts.

The 29-year-old woman, who works at A Cut Above in the 700 block of Auburn Avenue, told deputies a man entered the salon Sunday, took out a handgun and demanded money.

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Body parts found on Detroit's west side

Detroit — Police made a grisly discovery Monday night when they recovered plastic bags filled with body parts found in an abandoned building on the city's west side.

According to WDIV-Channel 4, the remains were found in a burned out house in the 2900 block of Leslie Street, located in an area south of Oakman Boulevard and east of Dexter Avenue.

By Tom Greenwood
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Troy man to stand trial in killing of his father

Troy — A 21-year-old Troy man will stand trial in Oakland Circuit Court for allegedly killing his father at their home last month.

Patrick Mikes Jr. was ordered to the higher court Monday by 52-4 District Court Judge William Bolle.

Mikes is charged in the death of Patrick Mikes Sr., 55. If convicted, he faces life in prison. He remains at the Oakland County Jail.

Mikes appeared in court Monday for the conclusion of the probable cause hearing in the case against him. The hearing started Sept. 24 with testimony from the Oakland County Medical Examiner and Mikes' younger brother.

By Charlie Ramirez
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Barricaded gunman surrenders in Lincoln Park

A barricaded gunman peacefully came stepped outside of his Lincoln Park home Sunday morning following a seven-hour standoff.

Police received a call around 3 a.m. regarding a husband living at Cleophus Parkway, near Southfield and Fort Street.

Police set out to his home, but the man remained inside until about 10 a.m. when he surrendered, police said.

By Marisa Schultz
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