Earlier this week, a 24-year-old suspect was arraigned for the murder of a 59-year-old man in a Kalamazoo, Michigan, laundromat. The killing took place in 2007. The suspect has been charged with one count of felony murder. In Michigan, felony murder is defined as the causing of death of another during the commission of another felony.

In 2008, the suspect’s 22-year-old cousin was charged with and convicted of the same man’s murder and is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors believe that the recently arrested 24-year-old suspect may have taken part in the murder with his cousin. His request for a bond this week was denied.

Given that the suspect’s freedom is on the line, it is expected that he will provide a vigorous defense to the murder charges against him. At this point, it is unknown what evidence prosecutors have to support their case. The evidentiary hearing scheduled for April 3.

Because the defendant has been arraigned on charges of a felony crime, he will have an opportunity to present evidence to support his case, set forth arguments to suppress the state’s evidence and to provide reasons for having the case dismissed entirely. In every case, the state has the burden of proving the defendant committed the crime. Criminal defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

It is vital that that the procedural and factual circumstances involved in a criminal defendant’s case are scrutinized by an experienced advocate to ensure that the defendant is treated fairly.

Source: MLive.com, “Suspect in 2007 slaying at Kalamazoo Laundromat arraigned on murder charge,” Rex Hall Jr., March 20, 2012