COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County prosecutors are requesting a second psychiatric evaluation for MacCain Matthew Snyder before considering a dismissal of serious felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder.
While a December 2025 assessment found Snyder competent to stand trial, a subsequent evaluation in March determined he was “not criminally responsible” at the time of the June 2024 incident where he allegedly struck an elderly couple with his truck.
Interim Prosecutor Nora Geiger emphasized to commissioners on Tuesday the need for a second opinion due to public safety concerns and the gravity of the offenses, which also involve multiple counts of aggravated stalking.
Commissioners approved up to $10,000 to obtain a second mental health opinion.
The trial court had previously ordered an evaluation for the defendant in the case. The Branch County Prosecutor’s office had concerns with the opinion by the State Hospital and filed a motion to have an independent evaluation which was granted.
After getting quotes for the evaluation, a physiatrist in Arizona who has been used by other Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys was chosen at an hourly rate of $300 per hour.
Geiger told commissioners the money for such evaluations is already in the budget but just needed approval to proceed.
Under Michigan law, a finding of “not criminally responsible” typically leads to a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, which could result in Snyder’s release or commitment to a state hospital.
If the second expert’s opinion contradicts the first, the case is expected to proceed to a jury trial where jurors will weigh competing testimonies to determine if Snyder should be held criminally accountable for his actions.
Snyder faces two counts of attempted murder for allegedly running down a Coldwater Lake couple with his truck June 10, 2024, an incident tied to his alleged obsession with their granddaughter.
Snyder remains held in the Branch County Jail on a more than $10 million bond
Comments