By Trend News Line 2024-07-03 06:00:00.
The Rescheduled Preliminary Hearing
Michael Peter Hayes, a LeRoy man involved in the murder case of a 55-year-old Cadillac man, had his preliminary hearing rescheduled for the second time. Initially scheduled for July 1 after being adjourned on May 31, the hearing did not take place as planned. The new date set for the preliminary exam hearing is now Friday, Aug. 2.
Co-defendant’s Hearing
Accused co-defendant Katelynne Jonelle Hendricks from Luther also had her preliminary hearing rescheduled from May 31 to July 15. As of Tuesday, the hearing for Hendricks was still on schedule to occur.
The Charges
On April 30, Hayes faced charges in court that he had committed the heinous act of killing Michael Hague, mutilating his body, and attempting to conceal the crime between Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 in Cedar Creek Township. The charges against Hayes include first-degree murder/homicide — premeditated, felony firearms, dead body disinterment/mutilation, concealing the death of an individual, and unauthorized removal of a dead body.
If convicted of first-degree murder/homicide, Hayes could face life imprisonment. The disinterment/mutilation charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, while concealing the death offense could result in up to five years of imprisonment. Additionally, he faces a two-year sentence for the felony firearms offense.
Hendricks, on the other hand, is charged with accessory after the fact to a felony and concealing the death of an individual for her involvement in the incident on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 in Cedar Creek Township. If found guilty, she could face up to five years in prison.
Police Investigation
The investigation began on Feb. 20 when police were alerted about Hague’s disappearance. His belongings, including his truck, dog, phone, and personal items, were found at his home. Upon searching the property, police discovered a disturbed area behind the house, leading to further investigation.
Authorities obtained a search warrant on Feb. 21 and commenced excavating the area, uncovering burnt wood, tires, remnants of burnt clothing, and what appeared to be flesh. Additional search warrants were issued, and the Michigan State Police crime lab was called in to collect more evidence, ultimately identifying the body as Hague.
Autopsy and Findings
An autopsy was carried out at the Western Michigan University Department of Pathology in February, confirming that Hague’s death was a result of homicide. The exact details of the evidence linking the crime to the suspects were not disclosed by the police, as the investigation was ongoing.
Hayes and Hendricks, who had been staying with Hague prior to his disappearance, were identified as suspects early in the investigation. Both individuals were already in custody on unrelated charges when the murder case came to light.
It is important to note that the charges against Hayes and Hendricks are allegations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Both individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law, with the burden of proof resting on the prosecution.
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LeRoy man facing murder charges prelim rescheduled
LeRoy man murder charges prelim rescheduled.