MASON COUNTY, Mich. — Charges have been filed against the young pregnant woman related to the killing of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield.
The wife of the man accused of shooting him, 20-year-old Sarah Knysz, was arraigned Wednesday in Mason County. She was very emotional during her video arraignment, crying and responding quietly when she needed further explanation on things from the judge.
She was charged with being an accessory after the fact to a felony and one count of stealing a vehicle, both felonies punishable by up to five years in prison. Her husband, 19-year-old Eric Knysz, is expected to be arraigned Thursday on five felony charges, including homicide-murder of a police officer.
Eric was also charged with felony firearm use, carrying a concealed weapon, stealing a car and being an habitual offender-second offense for a conviction of home invasion back in 2008. Sarah Knysz has no criminal history.
Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola says there was no indication that Eric would be arrested during the traffic stop and he wouldn’t comment on who was driving during that stop.
Spaniola also says to his understanding Trooper Butterfield didn’t fire his gun. He says one of the most curious questions behind all of this is the motive, and that all they have right now are theories.
“Our officers are there to protect and serve all of us and they have a difficult job to do and we need to protect them and respect them. I intend to honor Paul Butterfield and do justice for Paul Buttefield,” he said.
