Thanks to evidence preserved by the Three Rivers Police Department and Familial Genetic Genealogy (FGG) testing, authorities were able to use DNA and fingerprints collected at the scene of the 1988 murder of Cathy Swartz to bring charges against a suspect nearly 35 years after the murder occurred.
Murder
In a 45th Circuit Court hearing Wednesday, Judge Paul Stutesman issued Mohammad Abuhaltam a prison sentence of 31 to 80 years with parole for the May 21 killing of James May, Sr. in Three Rivers.
In a hearing to determine whether certain evidence is admissible in court, 45th Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman ruled on Friday that the murder case against Wade Allen can go forward. However, because some parts of the events that led to the collection of that evidence are still constitutionally uncertain, Stutesman granted an immediate stay of any further proceedings to permit the defense attorney, David Marvin, an opportunity to apply to an appeals court.
In a hearing Friday, Mohammad Abuhaltam pled guilty to second degree murder in the death of 59-year-old James May, Sr., of Three Rivers.
Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman heard arguments Wednesday on the admissibility of evidence during a motion hearing for Wade Allen of Sturgis, who is accused of the murder and dismemberment of Kelly-Jien Warner-Miller and has been in custody since last year. The hearing was ultimately continued to allow Stutesman to review materials and transcripts pertaining to the case before issuing a decision.
A status conference in the Randall Miller murder case was held in St. Joseph County Circuit Court Thursday. Miller, 34, of Three Rivers is charged with open murder in relation to the 2019 death of Lori Norman, who was found unresponsive in her 5th Street home on March 25 of last year.