COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A murder for hire plot has been uncovered in Branch County and you could call it an inside job. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced that his Criminal Division has charged a St. Clair County man with solicitation of murder in Branch County. Schuette said the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office requested that the state handle the case. The suspect, 28-year old Michael Still, is currently being held at the Ionia Correctional Facility on unrelated charges.
Michigan State Police started their investigation after officials at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater intercepted a letter that was returned to Still as undeliverable. In the letter, he allegedly attempted to solicit a former prison inmate to kill Still’s ex-girlfriend.
In Branch County District Court yesterday, Schuette filed one count of Homicide – Solicitation of Murder against Still. The charge carries upon conviction a punishment of up to life in prison. Schuette also filed notice to supplement Still as a fourth time habitual offender due to his prior criminal record.
