Eric Knysz, 19, accused in the shooting death of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, will face four charges, including homicide/murder of a police officer.
While Knysz was not scheduled to be returned to Ludington for a court appearance in the Mason County Courthouse, charges were filed in court Wednesday morning:
Homicide/murder of a police officer, which carries a possible sentence of life without parole.
- Felony firearms charge that carries 2 years consecutively in prison.
- Carrying a concealed weapon, 5 years
- Stealing a vehicle, 5 years. Court documents are referring to the vehicle that belonged to Timothy Schultz. He’s the man who was selling his Grand Prix that the couple was interested in. According to Schultz, Knysz and his wife just drove off in it.
- Finally, since Kynsz was previously convicted in a home invasion back in 2008, the court added a Habitual Offender Second Offense, which would ensure the penalty for the first charge of murder to life in prison
Knysz’ wife, Sarah, 20, was expected to be arraigned after noon Wednesday on two counts:
- Accessory after the fact, a five-year felony.
- Stealing a vehicle, 5 years.
The couple was tracked Monday night to a convenience store 40 miles from the scene of the crime. Eric Knysz is still hospitalized from gunshot wounds he suffered before he was taken into custody. Sarah was unhurt.
(On scene reporting by Nicole DiDonato, FOX 17)
