Michigan Police Nab Suspected Serial Killer

[odette]

Michigan Police Nab Suspected Serial Killer

FOX NEWS
Associated Press

Friday, August 31, 2007

LANSING, Mich. — A suspected serial killer has been arrested in the deaths of five women in the city in just over a month — and he is also connected to an assault on a woman whose dog ran the attacker off, police said.

Local, state and federal investigators "have taken a collective sigh of relief," police Lt. Judy Horning said.

The man, whose name was not released, was not expected to be charged or arraigned until at least Friday.

"The despicable individual responsible for this heinous rampage through our community has been captured," Mayor Virg Bernero said. "Our nightmare is over."

Police had been looking for clues and help from the public in five homicides since late July, including two this week, in the state capital, a city of 114,000 about 75 miles northwest of Detroit. ...

continued: Michigan Police Nab Suspected Serial Killer (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295351,00.html)

[odette]

Serial killer 'nightmare is over'

CNN
August 31, 2007

LANSING, Michigan (AP) -- A suspected serial killer has been arrested in the deaths of five women in Lansing, Michigan, and an assault on a sixth whose dog ran the attacker off, police said.

One of the victims was the mother of a City Council member. ...

continued: Serial killer 'nightmare is over' (http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/08/31/michigan.killings.ap/)

http://i14.tinypic.com/62gdnk8.jpg
Police say their suspect matches a sketch
released earlier this week.

[odette]

Lansing police: 'Serial killer' caught

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
August 31, 2007

A serial killer police say rampaged across Lansing for nearly five weeks - attacking at least six women and killing five - is in custody, authorities said Thursday.

Police did not release the name of the man they believe killed Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; Sandra Eichorn, 64; and Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, between July 26 and Aug. 28. Investigators also believe the man beat and injured a 56-year-old woman Tuesday, but her dog chased him away.

The man, depicted in a police sketch released this week, was arrested between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday for a violation of the state's sex-offender registry, Chief Mark Alley said. He would not provide further details about any of the crimes.

excerpt
The man, depicted in a police sketch released this week, was arrested between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday for a violation of the state's sex-offender registry, Chief Mark Alley said. He would not provide further details about any of the crimes.

"I am confident we have the right person in custody," Alley said, describing the suspect as a "serial killer."

Five women dead
Ruth Hallman, 76, of Lapeer Street, found July 26

Deborah Kaye Cooke, 36, found Aug. 7 in Hunter Park

Debra Renfors, 46, N. Washington Ave., found Aug. 9

Sandra Eichorn, 64, S. Genesee Drive, found Aug. 27

Karen Louise Delgado-Yates, 41, Hickory Street, found Aug. 29

continued: Lansing police: 'Serial killer' caught (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/708310349/1001/news)

[odette]

Serial killing suspect arrested

5 women dead in Lansing; attack on 6th broke case

DETROIT FREE PRESS
BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF
August 31, 2007

LANSING -- The beating deaths of five women in five weeks -- four inside homes -- put neighborhoods on edge and sent police searching for a possible serial killer.

Thursday, they said they'd captured one, thanks to a sixth victim who survived Tuesday because her dog scared off her attacker.

And what had been a summer of fear -- especially for women who live alone -- was calmed.

"A cloud has been lifted from our city," Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said at a news conference. "Our nightmare is over."

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley said the suspect would be charged in all five homicides and the assault.

Alley said the description of the man from the 56-year-old woman who survived was crucial to breaking the case. Alley said she was recovering well. He would not provide details about the suspect, but a composite drawing released this week indicated a male in his 30s. ...

continued: Serial killing suspect arrested (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS06/708310362)

http://i18.tinypic.com/5yvd9fk.jpg
Karen Delgado-Yates was killed Wednesday.

[odette]

Victims all lived alone, cops say; survivor out of hospital

DETROIT FREE PRESS
BY SUZETTE HACKNEY
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
August 31, 2007

The crimes all appeared to fit a profile. The victims were women who lived alone and were beaten.

But Thursday, Lansing police said residents could rest a little easier. A man authorities say is responsible for five homicides and one assault starting in late July and continuing through Wednesday had been arrested.

The spree by day and victims:

• July 26: Ruth Hallman, 76, a neighborhood activist and mother of Lansing Councilwoman Carol Wood, was found beaten in her West Lapeer Street home. She died from the injuries two days later. Hallman had long stood for safe streets and often provided information to police about drug houses.

• Aug. 7: Deborah Kaye Cooke, 36. Her body was found in Hunter Park on the city's east side. Officers were on routine patrol about 4:30 a.m. when they spotted her body next to a tree. She was bloodied and beaten in the face and naked below the waist.

• Aug. 9: Debra Renfors, 46, was found dead in her new home in the 1000 block of North Washington in the Old Town district. Friends said Renfors was trying to leave a life of prostitution and would clean homes to avoid the temptation of returning to the streets. She moved from Mt. Clemens to Lansing about seven years ago.

• Monday: Sandra Eichorn, 64, was found dead in a home she was renting in the 1800 block of South Genesee on the west side. Eichorn, a General Motors Corp. plant retiree, had been renting the house for about a year and lived by herself. She was a NASCAR fan.

• Tuesday: A 56-year-old woman was assaulted in her home in the 200 block of Jones Street on the east side. The woman was able to call police from her home after the assault. Police said the attacker, who claimed to be looking for work, entered her back door and struck her in the head.

The woman's dog scared off the man and he fled. Police said the woman's description -- and evidence inside the home -- led them to the suspect. Police would not identify the victim, who has been released from the hospital.

• Wednesday: Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, was found injured in a vacant house in the 1100 block of Hickory Street. Investors interested in buying the house found Delgado-Yates. She died on the way to the hospital. Delgado-Yates also had a history of prostitution and had lived in a homeless shelter for a while.

Victims all lived alone, cops say; survivor out of hospital (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS06/708310363)

Contact SUZETTE HACKNEY at 313-222-6614 or shac kney@freepress.com. The Lansing State Journal contributed to this report.

[odette]

Details on How Local Murder Suspect Was Arrested

WLNS - 6NEWS
VIDEO

The big break in this case came just a couple days ago from one woman under attack who Lansing police are calling a heroine. It is quite remarkable, one woman and her dog being credited by police for helping take a serial killer off the streets. When the dog's owner was being attacked, police say 5-year-old Cheyenne charged at the attacker, barking, forcing him to leave. The victim in that incident, from Jones Street on Tuesday, was badly hurt, but she was able to give police a good description of the attacker, and that's the big break that put an alleged killed behind bars. ...

continued: Details on How Local Murder Suspect Was Arrested (http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7009993&nav=0RbQ)

[odette]

Murder Arrest Coverage Pt. 1

WLNS 6NEWS
Murder Arrest Coverage Pt. 1 Video
August 31, 2007

Lansing police announced that they have arrested the person responsible for five recent homicides in Lansing. You heard it here first. The man behind the rash of attacks is in the Lansing jail. The Lansing police chief says that women in Lansing can sleep easy. He says it took the joint effort of the Lansing Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the FBI, but they now have this killer in custody. The chief says that the man was arrested Tuesday night on unrelated charges, but that this case has moved quick and they're now confident that he's responsible for the string of attacks during the past few weeks.

Mark Alley, Lansing Police Chief: "We brought him in on the 28th in violation of the sex registry. That was the charge. He was definitely a person of interest. We were out actively looking for him, and then we were able to arrest him on that charge. We were able to get together additional information which really broke through this morning. He went from being a person of interest to the prime suspect this morning." ...

continued: Murder Arrest Coverage Pt. 1 (http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7009915&nav=0RbQ)

[odette]

Carol Wood remembers ‘Momie’

http://i17.tinypic.com/6749sax.jpg
Ruth Hallman was photographed around
5 p.m. on the day before she was assaulted
in her home. With her grandson, Jason Wood,
who is Carol Wood’s son, and his daughter,
Emily. Photo courtesy of Carol Wood

LANSING CITY PULSE
Written by T.M. Schultz
Wednesday, 08 August 2007

Carol Wood is sitting barefoot and in a denim house dress in her tiny living room on West Lapeer Street on a bright Friday afternoon. It’s been two days since her mother, community activist Ruth Hallman, was buried.

From her living room window you can see her mother’s flower-filled front porch and well-tended yard next door. The two small city lots stand shoulder to shoulder in the midst of a tough part of a Lansing neighborhood that Hallman fought hard to reclaim from drugs and crime.

Hallman, 76, was attacked on July 26 in broad daylight in her home of almost 50 years. The beating was so severe that Hallman had to have part of her brain removed during surgery at Sparrow Hospital. She never regained consciousness, although Wood saw her mother’s eyes flutter open a few times and felt an occasional squeeze from her hand.

Hallman died on July 28 at Sparrow Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. ...

continued: Carol Wood remembers ‘Momie’ (http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1243&Ite)

http://i19.tinypic.com/66tvuae.jpg
1953: Hallman with her two daughters,
Carleen (in her arms) and Carol, age 3,
outside their rowhouse on an old stretch
of West Michigan Avenue between Pine
and Sycamore streets. Photo courtesy of Carol Wood

[odette]

'Brutal' death is a shock to neighborhood

A GM retiree, victim recalled as 'good woman'

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published August 29, 2007

Teri Steele sat on the front steps of her house Tuesday morning taking drags from a cigarette and, she said, feeling numb.

Steele's friend, 64-year-old Sandra Eichorn, was found dead Monday in the house next door.

"I'm still in shock," said Steele, 50, who wore a straw hat bearing the NASCAR logo. "I just can't believe it."

Steele said detectives told her it was "a very brutal, brutal (crime)." ...

continued: 'Brutal' death is a shock to neighborhood (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070829/NEWS01/708290361)

http://i11.tinypic.com/4ly7p02.jpg
A killing in the community: Lansing residents
Milton Jacobs (in back) and Teri Steele are
on their front porch Tuesday as police guard
a possible crime scene next door on South
Genesee Drive. Their neighbor, Sandra Eichorn,
64, was found dead Monday evening.
(Photo by ROD SANFORD/Lansing State Journal)

[odette]

Neighbors back outside, relieved after suspect held

Matthew Miller and Jeremy Steele
Lansing State Journal
August 31, 2007

On a normal day, it wouldn't be exceptional that Ray Reyes' children were playing on a trampoline in the yard of his Jones Street home.

On Thursday afternoon, it was.

"This is the first time they've been outdoors," Reyes said, the first time since Tuesday, when a 56-year-old woman was attacked in a house across the street.

Police say they've caught the man responsible for that attack and for the killings of five women in Lansing over the past five weeks.

Reyes, like many of his neighbors, said he's relieved.

"There's been a real odd silence going through the east side," said Neil Brackstone, a neighbor who was sitting on Reyes' porch. "It's everybody wondering what's going to happen next." ...

continued: Neighbors back outside, relieved after suspect held (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/708310347/1001/news)

http://i17.tinypic.com/68cr3oh.jpg
S. Genesee Homicide - Lansing Police Officer
Dave Blackman at the scene Tuesday morning.
Rod Sanford | Lansing State Journal

[odette]

http://i10.tinypic.com/4uel547.jpg
Hickory Street Homicide - Lansing police on the scene of a homicide on
Hickory Street.
Rod Sanford | Lansing State Journal

Lansing State Journal (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/708310347/1001/news)

[odette]

Alleged Lansing serial killer was recent parolee

By CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
August 31, 2007

LANSING — Matthew Macon, 27, a parolee, was named by police today as the suspect in custody in connection with the murders of five women and an assault against a sixth. ...

continued: Alleged Lansing serial killer was recent parolee (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS06/70831066/1054/SPORTS06)

http://i11.tinypic.com/62zx20z.jpg
Suspected serial killer Matthew Macon.
(Photo courtesy of Lansing State Journal, lsj.com)

[odette]

Matthew Macon named as 'serial killer' suspect

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
August 31, 2007

Lansing police say they have Matthew Emmanuel Macon in custody in connection with the recent homicides.

Police said he is expected to be charged by the end of the day with the homicide of Sandra Eichorn and an assault on Jones Street Tuesday.

Police have said Macon is a suspect in the killing of killed Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; Sandra Eichorn, 64; and Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, between July 26 and Aug. 28. Investigators also believe the man beat and injured a 56-year-old woman Tuesday, but her dog chased him away.

continued: Matthew Macon named as 'serial killer' suspect (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/70831003)

[odette]

Police identify suspect in Lansing killings; add 6th homicide

The Associated Press
By DAVID EGGERT
8/31/2007, 3:44 p.m. EDT

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Police on Friday identified the suspect they have in custody on suspicion of killing five women in Michigan's capital city this year, and said they also will seek charges against him for a sixth killing from 2004.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley said murder and assault charges were being pursued against Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 27, of Lansing. Macon was paroled from prison June 26. He had been serving a minimum two-year sentence for larceny from a person. ...

continued: Police identify suspect in Lansing killings; add 6th homicide (http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/business/index.ssf?/base/news-46/1188589243309120.xml&storylist=mibusiness)

[odette]

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS - MICHIGAN - MATTHEW EMMANUEL MACON
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System)

http://i10.tinypic.com/4vpivix.jpg
MATTHEW EMMANUEL MACON

Dept. Of Corrections - Michigan - MATTHEW EMMANUEL MACON - (http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=376112)

[odette]

"Serial killer" suspect's father hopes it's not him

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published August 31, 2007
Evening Update

A man Lansing police have in custody in connection with recent homicides has a lengthy criminal history and juvenile criminal sexual conduct convictions.

Police said they expect to charge Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 27, of Lansing with the homicide of Sandra Eichorn and an assault on Jones Street Tuesday. No arraignment will be held today.

Macon's father, Jim Henry Macon Jr. said he found out today that his son, "Chilly," had been arrested.

"I'm just in disbelief," he said. ...

continued: "Serial killer" suspect's father hopes it's not him (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070831/NEWS01/70831003/1312)

[odette]

Victims of Suspected Serial Killer

WILX
Reporter: Lori Dougovito
Last Updated: 6:39 PM
August 31, 2007

Five females murdered, one attacked since July, and Lansing Police say they have the serial killer behind bars. ...

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Victims of Suspected Serial Killer
http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Friends and Family Reaction
http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Friends and Family Reaction, Timeline

continued: Victims of Suspected Serial Killer (http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/9481552.html)

[odette]

Mich. Serial Killing Suspect Identified

FORBES
Associated Press
By DAVID EGGERT
08.31.07, 8:50 PM ET

LANSING, Mich. - A prison parolee and sex offender is suspected of killing five women in the city in a little more than a month and could face charges in a sixth death from 2004, authorities said Friday.

Murder and assault charges were being pursued against Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 27, of Lansing, who was paroled from state prison June 26, said Police Chief Mark Alley. ...

excerpt
He was arrested Tuesday in connection with the deaths this summer of Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; Sandra Eichorn, 64; and Karen Yates, 41. He also may be charged with the 2004 death of Barbara Jean Tuttle, 45, authorities said. Tuttle and Renfors were found dead in the same house.

continued: Mich. Serial Killing Suspect Identified (http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/31/ap4074184.html)

[odette]

2003 SUSPECT

Lansing State Journal
August 30, 2007

In the summer of 2003, Lansing police investigated a series of assaults on the city’s west side, in which they believed a man targeted middle-aged and older women living alone.
The suspect, who police never caught, would ask the victims if they needed him to do work around the house before attacking them.

cont. 2003 suspect (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/NEWS01/708300356/1001/RSS)

http://i19.tinypic.com/6h8idu1.jpg
Composite released in July 2003 of serial
rapist and assault suspect.

[odette]

Police see similarities to attacks in city in '03

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha, Christine Rook
and Derek Wallbank
Published August 30, 2007

Another woman is dead in Lansing - the fifth unsolved killing since late July, and the city's 14th homicide victim this year. And now police and residents wonder if the attacks are related to a string of unsolved 2003 assaults. ...

EXCERPT
"Suspect never caught
In the summer of 2003, Lansing police investigated a series of assaults on the city's west side in which a man appeared to target middle-aged and older women living alone. A composite sketch of that suspect appears strikingly similar to a sketch police released Tuesday.

The 2003 suspect, who police never caught, would ask the victims if they needed him to do work around the house before attacking them. Police said Tuesday's attacker also claimed to be looking for work.

In the three 2003 incidents, which occurred within about a week of each other, the man assaulted an 80-year-old woman, beat and sexually assaulted a 62-year-old woman, and tried to attack a 49-year-old woman but her dog scared him off.

Alley said Tuesday's victim, who was assaulted at her 222 Jones St. home, gave detectives valuable information about the suspect, which led to the detailed composite sketch released the same day.

She called 911 from her home, where the man entered her back door and attacked her, striking her in the head.

The woman's dog, a 5-year-old shepherd mix, heard the commotion, charged the man and he fled, Alley said.

Frank Manista, who lives three blocks from Monday's homicide on South Genesee Drive and whose neighbor was the 80-year-old woman assaulted in 2003, said he and other neighbors have been trying to find the sketch police handed out in 2003."

continued: Police see similarities to attacks in city in '03 (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/NEWS01/708300341/1001/RSS)

[odette]

Attacker took her best friend - her mom

Wood says mother was great role model

From Lansing State Journal
Tom Lambert
Published August 5, 2007

Carol Wood's mother and best friend Ruth Hallman was brutally beaten on July 26, Wood's birthday.

Hallman, 76, president of the Genesee Neighborhood Association, had been attacked that morning in her West Lapeer Street home; she died three days later at Sparrow Hospital.

When it came time to go through her mother's belongings, Wood was adamant about finding the birthday card her mother didn't have a chance to give her that day.

After some searching, she found the card. Its message ended with: "I could not exist without you. All the love I have, Mommie." ...

continued: Attacker took her best friend - her mom (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/NEWS01/708050647/1001/NOISE18)

[odette]

Parolee Linked to Killing of 5 Women in Michigan Capital

NEW YORK TIMES
By NICK BUNKLEY
September 1, 2007

DETROIT, Aug. 31 — A paroled sex offender was identified on Friday as the man whom the police suspect of attacking and killing five women in Lansing, including an activist whose daughter is on the City Council. A sixth woman survived the attacks.

The authorities in Lansing said they were looking into whether the suspect, Matthew E. Macon, 27, who was arrested on Tuesday night on an unrelated warrant, is responsible for attacks in 2003 and 2004 that coincided with two periods when Mr. Macon was on parole after being jailed for a larceny conviction from 2001.

At least some victims this summer, as well as in 2003, were sexually assaulted, the authorities said. ...

continued: Parolee Linked to Killing of 5 Women in Michigan Capital (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/01/us/01arrest.html)

[odette]

Mich. Serial Killing Suspect Identified

ASSOCIATED PRESS
By DAVID EGGERT – 1 hour ago


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A prison parolee and sex offender was identified as the man suspected of killing five women in the city in a little more than a month, and he could face charges in a sixth death from 2004, authorities said Friday.

excerpt:
"Macon was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of not reporting to his parole officer and not registering as a sex offender, and on a breaking and entering warrant. He could face charges in the deaths this summer of Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; Sandra Eichorn, 64; and Karen Yates, 41. A number of the victims were beaten."

(This version CORRECTS that Macon was arrested on suspicion of not reporting to his parole officer, not registering as a sex offender and on a breaking and entering warrant, instead of arrested in connection with the five women's deaths.) The Associated Press

continued: Mich. Serial Killing Suspect Identified (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gXs16XVD9CWGmJx4wGMG8sA5Y7Uw)

[dallasvic]

This guy need to be sentenced to death.He had been to prison, got out and was on parole, and still did this.he does not to live among us.:flamemad: :rose: To The Victims Families:rose:

[odette]

Man held in killings was out on parole
Suspect in beating deaths of 5 women has lengthy record

DETROIT FREE PRESS
BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF
September 1, 2007

LANSING -- A 27-year-old man accused of murdering five Lansing women in five weeks had a long criminal record as a juvenile -- including two sexual assaults -- and was on parole for exactly one month before the first woman was slain on July 26.

As part of his parole, Matthew Macon was ordered to register with the state as a sex offender and to stay away from children, state corrections records show.

He was arrested Wednesday for not registering as a sex offender and on a home invasion charge. While in custody, he was named the suspect in the five beating deaths and a sixth assault in which the woman survived, the Ingham County prosecutor's office said.

Macon's arraignment on the killings was postponed until next week, as Lansing police and Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III compile their case for a string of homicides that unnerved the city for more than a month.

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley withheld details about the attacks and Macon, saying only that Macon would be charged in Monday's slaying of Sandra Eichorn, 64, a GM retiree who lived alone, and the assault of the 56-year-old woman whose dog chased away her attacker. ...

continued: Man held in killings was out on parole (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/NEWS06/709010345)

[odette]

A look at the suspect's record

DETROIT FREE PRESS
September 1, 2007

Police accuse Matthew Macon of murdering five Lansing women since being released from prison in late June. They also are investigating him in connection with an unsolved 2004 homicide in Lansing that occurred while he was on parole. Authorities did not release details about his two parole violations.

As a juvenile: Dates not released, but Macon had extensive juvenile criminal history, including two sex offenses, breaking and entering, larceny and unlawfully driving away an automobile.

March 2000: Pleaded guilty to a larceny from a person for an incident that happened in 1999. He was sentenced to one year in jail with credit for 318 days served, according to court records. He also received three years of probation.

January 2001: Violated probation.

September 2001: Sent to prison for 2-10 years with credit for 472 days served.

April 16, 2003: Paroled after serving two years.

Dec. 2, 2003: Returned to prison for parole violation.

Sept. 25, 2004: Paroled second time.

December 2004: Barbara Jean Tuttle killed in Lansing; case remains unsolved.

June 2005: Pleaded guilty to third-degree home invasion and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer in connection with a February 2005 incident. Sentenced to 12 months in jail.

May 17, 2006: Returned to prison for parole violation.

June 26, 2007: Paroled from prison a third time.

July 26: First killing in Lansing, Ruth Hallman, 76.

Aug. 7: Second killing, Deborah Kaye Cooke, 36.

Aug. 9: Third killing, Debra Renfors, 46.

Monday: Fourth killing, Sandra Eichorn, 64.

Tuesday: Beating of 56 year-old woman in her home.

Wednesday: Fifth killing, Karen Delgado-Yates, 41. Macon is arrested for home invasion and failure to register as a sex offender.

Sources: Michigan Department of Corrections, Ingham County Prosectuor's Office, court records, Lansing State Journal

A look at the suspect's record (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/NEWS06/709010346)

[odette]

Victims' friends express mix of relief, doubt about arrest

LANSING STATE JOURNAL
Brendan Bouffard
Published September 1, 2007

Just hours after attending Sandra Eichorn's funeral, Tina Dyer compared a picture of suspected killer Matthew E. Macon to the composite sketch released by police earlier this week.

Although she said she wanted someone brought to justice, she could not help but think the two pictures didn't look similar in the least.

Dyer is among several who have questioned the arrest of Macon, due to the dissimilarities of his photo to that of the composite sketch.

Edward Morris, 67, lives on Eighth Street near its intersection with Michigan Avenue in a Lansing neighborhood where Macon previously lived.

He said he thought the man in the composite sketch had much lighter skin than Macon.

"That man is innocent until proven guilty," Morris said. "Are they going by his track record or by the evidence?" ...

continued: Victims' friends express mix of relief, doubt about arrest (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/NEWS01/709010344/1001/news)

[odette]

Macon Has Long Criminal History

WILX10
Posted: 6:10 PM Aug 31, 2007
Last Updated: 11:07 PM Aug 31, 2007
Reporter: Tony Tagliavia and Beth Shayne

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif - Serial Killer Investigation

Matthew Macon's early life was undoubtably hard. He was in and out of foster care and he spent time at a juvenile center in Washtenaw County. ...

continued: Macon Has Long Criminal History (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9503932.html)

[odette]

Serial Killer Suspect May be Responsible for More Crimes

6NEWS WLNS
Stephanie Kolp

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Serial Killer Suspect May be Responsible for More Crimes


Could the man who's accused of murdering six Lansing women be responsible for even more crimes in mid-Michigan? That's the question police are asking themselves. As you heard earlier on 6 News, police identified the man they're calling a serial killer as Matthew Emmanual Macon. Police say they have evidence linking Macon to 7 brutal crimes. The criminal investigation is just beginning. It's the end of a busy week for the Lansing Police Department.

Cpt. Ray Hall, Lansing Police Department: "It's been quite a roller coaster, roller coaster of emotions."

But in a way, their work has just begun. Police say Matthew Macon murdered 5 women in just the past 5 weeks. They also say he's responsible for the 2004 murder of Barbara Jean Tuttle. ...

continued: Serial Killer Suspect May be Responsible for More Crimes (http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7014864&nav=0RbQ)

[odette]

Why Was Macon Paroled?

WILX10
Posted: 9:55 PM Aug 31, 2007
Last Updated: 9:55 PM Aug 31, 2007
Reporter: Lauren Zakalik

"We always live in fear of a case like this," says Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan.

The prison doors opened for Matthew Macon on June 26 after the state parole board deemed him ready to rejoin society after an on-again-off-again stint in prison.

That recent parolee is who police are calling Lansing's "Serial Killer."

"The parole board reviewed his file, reviewed all his criminal history, talked with him, and made the decision he wasn't going to be a menace to society," he says. ...

continued: Why Was Macon Paroled? (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9510392.html)

[odette]

More Details on Serial Killer Suspect

WLNS 6NEWS
Dave Akerly

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif More Details on Serial Killer Suspect

So who is this guy, suspected serial killer Matthew Emanuel Macon? According to state files Macon spent most of his young life in and out of foster care and was found guilty of two criminal sexual conduct offenses as a juvenile when he spent time at the Maxey Home in Ypsilanti as part of his rehab. ...

continued: More Details on Serial Killer Suspect (http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7014884&nav=0RbQ)

[odette]

Macon In Maximum Security Cell

WILX
Reporter: Lauren Zakalik
Posted: 10:01 PM Sep 1, 2007
Last Updated: 10:01 PM Sep 1, 2007

A maximum-security single-person cell at the Ingham County Jail is accused serial killer Matthew Macon's new home for now.

He was moved into the maximum-security area Friday after charges against him grew from failing to register as a sex offender to murder.

He's accused of killing five Lansing women in five weeks, and potentially a sixth woman in 2004.

Macon spends 23 hours a day in the cell now. He's checked on by deputies every hour, but watched all the time. ...

continued: Macon In Maximum Security Cell (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9523362.html)

[odette]

Inmate's family accuses suspect in serial killings
Review of 2006 conviction sought

LANSING STATE JOURNAL
BY CHRISTINE ROOK
September 2, 2007

LANSING -- Relatives of a Lansing man serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting and killing a Lansing Community College professor say they believe the suspect in five recent homicides may be the real culprit.

The family of Claude Z. McCollum, 30, says he was wrongly convicted last year in the 2005 death of Carolyn Kronenberg, 60, of Gladwin. Instead, McCollum's relatives say they want police to consider whether Matthew E. Macon, 27, arrested this week in connection with five recent killings and an unsolved 2004 beating death, could also be responsible for Kronenberg's killing.

"These five women should never have died," said Carol McCollum, Claude McCollum's aunt. "If they had looked for the right person instead of trying to wipe the crime off the books."

She added friends and family have called to say they've seen news reports that Macon confessed to several murders including Kronenberg's.

But Lansing police Lt. Judy Horning declined Saturday to confirm any confessions by Macon. ...

continued: Review of 2006 conviction sought (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070902/NEWS06/709020689/1048/SPORTS)

[odette]

Family of Suspected Serial Killer Speaks Out

WLNS TV6
Preeti Arla
Sep 3, 2007

For the first time family members of a suspected serial killer are speaking out. Matthew Macon is accused of killing six women in Lansing. His family says he's being falsely accused. They faced the cameras to declare Macon's innocence. In a small hallway, Matthew Macon's family stood side by side in support.

Melinda Macon, sister: "We're standing by his side, despite what everyone else thinks, he's not that type of person." ... continued at below link

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7018518&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Sister of Suspected Serial Killer Talks

WLNS 6NEWS
Sep 3, 2007 04:08 AM

Matthew Macon's sister is speaking out, telling 6 News that police are using her brother as a scapegoat. Macon's sister says they have the wrong man. .. continued

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7017053&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif More Details on Serial Killer Suspect's Prison History

WLNS 6NEWS
Sep 3, 2007 04:54 AM

More information on how a suspected serial killer was able to get out of prison on parole. Matthew Macon is in a Lansing jail accused of killing six women. The Department of Corrections is explaining Macon's history in prison. The Department of Corrections says Matthew Macon has been no stranger to the law.

Russ Marlan, Dept. of Corrections: "Obviously he didn't follow the rules." ... continued

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7017082&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Lawyer defends 'serial killer' suspect

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 3, 2007

The attorney representing a man Lansing police say is connected to five recent killings and possibly two others says speculation in the media should stop.

Mike O'Briant - an Okemos-based attorney who said he was retained Friday by Matthew E. Macon's family - said comments by police officials as well as Mayor Virg Bernero, calling his client a serial killer, were "unfair and wrong." ...

continued: Lawyer defends 'serial killer' suspect (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709030353)

[odette]

Macon Set To Be Arraigned Tuesday

Posted: 2:44 PM Sep 3, 2007
Last Updated: 2:44 PM Sep 3, 2007
Reporter: Lauren Zakalik
Email Address: lauren.zakalik@wilx.com

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Macon Family Speaks Out

In a maximum-security, single-person cell at the Ingham County Jail, Matthew Macon awaits arraignment on the first of a potential six murder charges.

Police say Macon killed five Lansing women in a span of less than five weeks. They're also looking to link him to an unsolved murder from 2004.

Macon is expected to be arraigned Tuesday here at 54-A District Court in Lansing for Sandra Eichorn's murder. Warrants for the other murders have not yet been issued.

Macon Set To Be Arraigned Tuesday (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9549757.html)

[odette]

Attorney says it's 'unfair' to call suspect a killer

Macon's lawyer calls for end to speculation about him in media

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 4, 2007

The attorney representing a man police say is connected to five recent killings and possibly two others said Monday that speculation in the media should stop. ...

excerpt
'The wrong person'

About 40 of Macon's family members and friends showed up Sunday for a news conference to support him, O'Briant said.

Clifton Jackson, of Lansing, said Monday during a telephone interview that Macon, his cousin, is not a killer.

"This is not Matthew," Jackson said. "He was in the process of putting his life together, striving to make changes. There's no way he would do this."

Jackson added: "I think they have the wrong person. I don't think the Lansing Police Department should stop looking. They should not give the community a false sense of victory in this case."

continued: Attorney says it's 'unfair' to call suspect a killer (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709040328)

[odette]

Murder suspect gives family hope

THE SAGINAW NEWS
LaNIA COLEMAN
Tuesday, September 04, 2007

LANSING -- A 30-year-old Lansing man was wrongly convicted of killing a 60-year-old college professor from Gladwin, his family members say.

Claude Z. McCollum remains imprisoned at the St. Louis Correctional Facility in Gratiot County.

In February 2006, an Ingham County jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct in the Jan. 22, 2005, death of Carolyn Kronenberg, an professor at Lansing Community College.

Defense lawyer Lee Taylor said in closing arguments that witnesses never presented DNA evidence linking McCollum to the crime.

Now, McCollum's family claims a suspect in five slayings in five weeks likely killed Kronenberg, too.

A student found Kronenberg in her classroom about 15 minutes before she was scheduled to teach.

McCollum was a student at the 19,500-student college but was not in Kronenberg's classes. ...

continued: Murder suspect gives family hope (http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-5/118892468297510.xml&coll=9)

[odette]

Prosecutor Asking for More Information

Posted: 12:13 PM Sep 4, 2007
Last Updated: 3:22 PM Sep 4, 2007
Reporter: Lori Dougovito
Email Address: lori.dougovito@wilx.com

Prosecutors and investigators met Tuesday morning for nearly two hours. They were reviewing evidence against suspected serial killer Matthew E. Macon. ...

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Prosecutor Asking for More Information (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9564132.html)

[odette]

Arraignment delayed for serial slaying suspect

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 4, 2007
Evening update

The man police believe killed at least six Lansing women since 2004 - including five between July 26 and Aug. 28 - was not charged today in connection with any of the homicides.

More than a dozen of Matthew E. Macon's family members waited all day outside 54A District Judge Charles Filice's downtown courtroom, expecting the arraignment to happen.

At about 4:30 p.m., they were told Macon would not appear for the video arraignment. It is not yet known when a hearing will take place. ...

continued: Arraignment delayed for serial slaying suspect (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709040364)

[odette]

Prosecutor Asking for More Information

Posted: 12:13 PM Sep 4, 2007
Last Updated: 3:22 PM Sep 4, 2007
Reporter: Lori Dougovito
Email Address: lori.dougovito@wilx.com

Prosecutors and investigators met Tuesday morning for nearly two hours. They were reviewing evidence against suspected serial killer Matthew E. Macon. ...

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif Prosecutor Asking for More Information (http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9564132.html)

I see that this particular article is no longer available :confused:

[odette]

Suspect was not seen as threat

Parolee is now accused in killings

BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF
September 5, 2007

LANSING -- Serial murder suspect Matthew Macon was considered low risk with a record of good behavior, no need for psychological treatment and having a supportive family in the community when he was paroled from prison June 26.

The state Parole Board took a burglary he committed while on parole in 2005, other parole violations and a lengthy juvenile record into consideration when it granted Macon his third parole, said Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan. ...

CONTINUED:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS06/709050372/0/SPORTS18

[odette]

Police say they have killer; now courts must operate

From Lansing State Journal
Published September 5, 2007

Lansing is breathing easier following the announcement by local police that they hold a single man who they say is responsible for the slayings of five women and another brutal attack.

The lessening of the fear that gripped the city in recent weeks may be appropriate. But it's still wise to be clear about one point:

The police have made an allegation that they have the person responsible for these killings. This allegation is based on a long and intensive investigation. Such claims are never made lightly by public officials. ...

CONTINUED:
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/OPINION01/709050320/1085/opinion

[odette]

Some think killer still could be on streets

Police calling for patience; residents wonder if wrong person is in custody

From Lansing State Journal
Christine Rook and Kevin Grasha
Published September 5, 2007

Doubt is running through Lansing.

As the city waits for prosecutors to make official the accusations police have piled on Matthew E. Macon, residents wonder whether the right guy is in custody.

Macon, 27, has been linked to the deaths of at least six women and an attack on a seventh.

But could the killer or killers still be on the loose?

"They're railroading him," 21-year-old Lansing resident Alderman Dowdel said of police. "They got one hit on one person and they didn't put any more effort into it." ....

CONTINUED:
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS01/709050339/1001/news

[odette]

Arraignment set for suspect in serial slayings

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 5, 2007

Matthew E. Macon, a 27-year-old Lansing man police say is connected to five recent killings and possibly two others, is scheduled to be arraigned today on charges related to last week's death of Sandra Eichorn, prosecutors said.

The hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. in 54 District Court in downtown Lansing.

Eichorn, 64, who lived alone, was found dead Aug. 27 in her home at 1813 S. Genesee Drive.

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS01/709050358

[odette]

Suspected serial killer charged with Lansing killing

By DAVID EGGERT
The Associated Press
9/5/2007

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A suspected serial killer was charged Wednesday with open murder in the death of a woman on the city's west side, and more charges could follow in the slayings of five other women.

Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 27, of Lansing, was ordered held without bond during his video arraignment in Lansing District Court after being named as a suspect last week.

Macon, a recent prison parolee and registered sex offender, had been in prison off and on since 2001 before being paroled in late June. He was handcuffed and wearing an orange jail jumpsuit while standing beside his attorney, Mike O'Briant.

Macon waived the right to have a preliminary examination within 14 days. The preliminary exam was set for Oct. 30-31 in the death of Sandra Eichorn, 64, who was found dead in her home Aug. 27. Macon consistently responded to Judge Patrick F. Cherry's procedural questions by answering, "Yes sir, your honor." ......

CONTINUED
http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-46/1189020140242250.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

[odette]

Macon's Family Insists He's Innocent

Reporter: John Tramontana
Email Address: john.tramontana@wilx.com
Last Updated: 10:17 PM Sep 5, 2007

"We're going to stand by Matthew."

The family of suspected serial killer Matthew Macon says he's innocent...claiming he's not the killer, but rather a victim.

"Unfortunately a lot of time we are judged by our past," said Macon's cousin and family spokesperson Clifton Jackson. "Obviously there's no hiding what had happened before but again, it doesn't make him the person they're portraying him to be at this time." ....

CONTINUED
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9605797.html

[odette]

Macon had history of sexual offense and delinquency

Kevin Grasha
Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 5, 2007

A Lansing man police said is connected to five recent killings, and who was arraigned today on a murder charge in connection with one of those deaths, spent time as a juvenile in at least three homes for delinquents and received sex offender therapy.

At a 1996 Ingham County juvenile hearing, a court referee said although Matthew E. Macon, then 16, was making progress in a program for sex offenders, he required lifetime vigilance.

“Sexual offending — like an addiction,” the juvenile court referee’s notes from the hearing say.

In 1993, when he was 14, Macon admitted sexually assaulting a girl under 13. He was charged as a juvenile and pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct charges. .....

CONTINUED
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770905003

[odette]

Man suspected in Lansing serial killings charged

By CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF
September 5, 2007

VIDEO: Defense attorney comments on Lansing serial killings case

LANSING – Suspected serial killer Matthew Macon was charged today with murdering one of five women beaten to death since late July, and assaulting a sixth woman whose dog chased her attacker out of her home, perhaps saving her life.

Police have said additional charges will be filed later in connection with the other killings, which cast a shadow of fear over the city...

CONTINUED
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS06/70905064/1006/NEWS04

http://i10.tinypic.com/4ktb7e1.jpg
Mathew Macon, left, and attorney Mike O'Briant on the video
screen in court during the Macon's arraignment in Lansing.
(STEPHEN McGEE/Detroit Free Press)

[odette]

Court holds arraignment for suspect in serial killings

The State News
By Jacob Carpenter
September 6, 2007

The suspect in a string of Lansing killings was charged with open murder during his arraignment in Lansing’s 54-A District Court on Wednesday.

Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 27, is being held without bond in Ingham County Jail, accused of the murder of 64-year-old Sandra Eichorn, who was found dead in her Lansing home last week.

In addition to the murder charge, Macon was charged with first-degree home invasion and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder for an Aug. 28 incident involving a 56-year-old Lansing woman.

He could also face charges for the murder of five other women dating back to 2004. ....

CONTINUED
http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2007/09/court_holds_arraignment

[odette]

Macon's Past as a Juvenile Offender

Reporter: Beth Shayne
Email Address: beth.shayne@wilx.com
Last Updated: 11:19 PM Sep 5, 2007

Suspected serial killer Matthew Macon was no more than six when his name first appeared in court files. The state removed him and his five siblings from their home amid allegations of physical, sexual, alcohol and drug abuse against his father Jim Macon.

His criminal record began in 1989. Court files note he was just 60 pounds, 3 foot nine, and nine years old. He admitted to breaking into a bike shop, and stealing from inside.

He went to Boys Town, a special youth home in Nebraska where reviews noted his "leadership skills", his "progress," an appearance on the today show. One note does mention "acting out" and says "anger a big problem." ....

CONTINUED
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9606497.html

[odette]

Suspected killer's life full of neglect, violence
Lansing man also got into crime early, records show

DETROIT FREE PRESS
BY SUZETTE HACKNEY and JIM SCHAEFER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
September 6, 2007

By age 4, Matthew Macon's life already was spiraling.

An abusive father. A mother who looked the other way. Foster care and juvenile delinquency in his future.

The portrait of his home life depicted in Ingham County Court records is a grim one. Macon, 27, grew up hard.

He was arraigned Wednesday in one of five killings -- all in just more than four weeks -- a spree shocking not only for its ferocity, but because Macon was paroled from state prison just this June. Police also expect to charge him in the other four.

In 1983, at age 4, Macon lived in Lansing in a home with five siblings, according to records.

A neglect petition filed in court that year paints his father, Jim Henry Macon Jr., as a violent alcoholic who sexually assaulted one of his young stepdaughters in their home. It was unclear from court records whether charges were filed against the father, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday. ...

CONTINUED
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/NEWS06/709060381/1001

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Missed Opportunity? Suspect arrested almost three weeks after alleged violation

Kevin Grasha and Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal
Published September 6, 2007

On Aug. 9, a woman called 911 saying Matthew E. Macon had kicked in a window at her house and threatened to kill her.

A cordless phone in hand, she ran from her home to escape the 27-year-old parolee, her ex-boyfriend, a state official said.

Lansing police did not tell corrections officials about the incident until 20 days later - two days after 64-year-old Sandra Eichorn was beaten to death in her home and one day after Karen Yates, 41, was killed. ....

CONTINUED
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709060344

[odette]

Recap: Suspected Serial Killer Arraignment

WLNS
Jill Wagner
Sep 6, 2007

Charges are handed down to a man Lansing police label a serial killer. It was Matthew Macons' first courtroom appearance in this case, part of a video arraignment. Macon was charged with open murder for the death of Sandra Eichorn. She was found dead in her home just last week. He was also charged with home invasion and assault after a woman was found badly beaten in her home one day after Eichorn's death. ...

CONTINUED
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7034065&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Sex Offender Legislation Introduced

WLNS
Sep 8, 2007 12:21 AM

Any and all violent sex offenders, no matter what age, should be on the sex offender registry. That's according to two local lawmakers who say the recent case of an accused serial killer in Lansing, who's sexual criminal history was never made public, is forcing them to take action. The lawmakers say they want changes to the sex offender registry. Finding out who most sex offenders are is just a click away on your computer, but State Representative Rick Jones says there's a group of people missing from the sex offender registry.

Rep. Rick Jones, (R) Grand Ledge: "Teenagers are not on this list unless they commit an act later in life, and I think that is a flaw in the system."

Jones says the recent case of alleged serial killer Matthew Macon brought the issue to light. Macon pled guilty to sexually assaulting a child when he was just 14. Because he committed his crime as a juvenile, his was never made public.

Rep. Joan Bauer, (D) Lansing: "We're talking about a violent teenage rapist. This should be available to the public to protect everybody." ....

CONTINUED
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7040153&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Local Suspected Serial Killer Arraigned

WLNS
Jill Wagner
Sep 7, 2007 02:27 AM

The man Lansing police call a serial killer appeared in front of a judge and learned what he'll be charged with. Police say 2-year-old Matthew Macon killed six women and assaulted another, but Macon was only charged in two of those cases. The first charge is for the open murder of Sandra Eichorn on August 27th. The maximum sentence is life in prison without parole. He's also being charged for the Jones Street assault on August 28th. In that case the charges are first degree home invasion and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. For all of these cases, he's being charged as a habitual offender. Macon's attorney was by his side throughout the arraignment. He was given the right to a preliminary hearing within fourteen days, but the attorney says they need more time to prepare.

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7031153&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Some residents skeptical parolee is Lansing killer

BY JIM SCHAEFER and SUZETTE HACKNEY
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
September 9, 2007

He fathered at least four children with three women, refused to pay child support and, with stints in prison, was a stranger to his kids.

At 28, Matthew Macon is a flawed man. But a serial killer?

Contrasting images emerged last week in the working-class neighborhoods of Lansing, where police issued the all-clear but some residents are still nervous. .....

CONTINUED
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS06/709090672/1001

http://i14.tinypic.com/4tkt6wi.jpg
Linde Tucker, 32, grips a portrait of her sister Karen Delgado Yates, who
was found dead Aug. 29 in a house on Hickory Street in Lansing.
(ERIC SEALS/Detroit Free Press)

[odette]

Victims led different lives, had similar fate

BY DAVID ASHENFELTER and L.L. BRASIER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
September 9, 2007

RUTH HALLMAN: A courageous soul

DEBORAH COOKE: 'She gave up caring'

DEBRA RENFORS: She always made do

SANDRA EICHORN: Life was simple, low-key

KAREN DELGADO YATES: Down and out, but upbeat

Five women. Five different lives. Some seemed already lost, turning tricks to support their drug and alcohol habits. Others were enjoying their later years after years of working and raising children. But mostly, they were alone. And that is how their killer found them -- in their homes, in a vacant house, in a desolate park. Police said Matthew Macon, a 28-year-old parolee, bludgeoned them during a stealthy, monthlong rampage through Lansing's rougher neighborhoods. So far, he has been charged in one death, that of 64-year-old Sandra Eichorn, but more charges are expected. Police also consider him a suspect in the 2004 beating death of Barbara Tuttle. .....

CONTINUED
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS06/709090673/1001

[odette]

Gag order issued in trial

Slaying suspect's lawyer to seek change of venue

BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF
FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF
September 6, 2007

LANSING -- Police and other officials cannot publicly discuss details or their opinions of the case of slaying suspect Matthew Macon, under a restraining order issued Wednesday in a Lansing court.

Macon, 27, was charged in one of five recent beating deaths of Lansing women. He also was charged with assaulting a sixth woman, whose life may have been saved when her dog chased her attacker from her home.

Macon's attorney, Mike O'Briant, said he will seek a change in venue for the trial because of publicity and statements by Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and Police Chief Mark Alley declaring a serial killer had been captured with Macon's arrest Aug. 29.

"It's my intent to make sure government officials" are not speculating, O'Briant told reporters. .....

CONTINUED
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070906/NEWS06/709060382/1008

[odette]

Convicted killer says he was a scapegoat

Case against man serving life in death of LCC prof lacked witnesses or DNA

Lansing State Journal
Kevin Grasha
Published September 9, 2007

On a Sunday morning in January 2005, 60-year-old Carolyn Kronenberg was killed in a second-floor classroom at Lansing Community College.

A year later, 28-year-old Claude McCollum - a drifter with no fixed address who had been taking classes at the school - was found guilty of raping the longtime professor with a remote control and beating and strangling her to death. There were no fingerprints. No DNA match. No witnesses. And only a single strand of fiber that forensic experts said might have come from Kronenberg's sweater.

Friday, from inside the St. Louis Correctional Facility in Gratiot County, McCollum said in his first-ever media interview that he has been made a scapegoat. Another person committed the violent crime, he said. And whether or not it was suspected serial killer Matthew E. Macon, a rumor McCollum says he's heard, he wants to make one thing clear: "I got wrongfully convicted of a crime I did not commit. I want people to know that I am innocent."

EXCERPT
McCollum was taken into custody after a police officer found him in a campus bathroom two days after Kronenberg's death.

On Friday, he said he lived with friends, relatives or stayed in motels. But often, because he was so focused on studying, he would stay on campus and doze off. He said he was unemployed at the time, "but that's why I felt I had to rely on my education so much."

McCollum said he had been working on a business management degree at LCC for a few years when was arrested. He remembers intensely studying.

"Because it takes me longer to understand, that's the reason they made me a scapegoat for the crime," said McCollum.

Local attorney Michael Maddaloni said he is interested in taking on the case pro bono.

"I believe an innocent man is sitting in prison," Maddaloni said. "Much of the evidence suggests he didn't do it."

CONTINUED
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070909/NEWS01/709090548/1001/news

http://i1.tinypic.com/644amoj.jpg
On the stand: Claude McCollum looks over transcripts
during his 2006 trial. McCollum contends he was wrongly
convicted of murdering Lansing Community College
professor Carolyn Kronenberg in January 2005.
(Photo by Lansing State Journal file photo)

What's next
• Claude McCollum's appeal of his conviction is pending before the Michigan Court of Appeals. Both sides have filed briefs and are awaiting oral arguments to be scheduled.

• A preliminary hearing for Matthew E. Macon is set for Oct. 30 and 31 in 54A District Court. The hearing determines whether the case goes to trial.

[odette]

Police interview with Claude McCollum (one page missing) - pdf

http://www.lsj.com/assets/pdf/A38389697.PDF

[odette]

Photo of Carolyn Kronenberg who is mentioned in the above articles.

http://i19.tinypic.com/4yqxkkz.jpg
In Loving Memory of our Colleague
Carolyn Kronenberg
(Lansing Community College)

http://www.lcc.edu/sdev/facultystaff/index.htm

[odette]

Prosecutor Will Reopen Investigation into LCC Professor Death

Last Updated: 6:23 PM Sep 11, 2007
Reporter: Lori Dougovito
Email Address: lori.dougovito@wilx.com

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III says he will re-open the investigation into the murder of Lansing Community College Professor Carolyn Kronenberg.

Claude McCollum was convicted last year of raping and killing Kronenberg in January of 2005. McCollum, now 30, is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His case is currently under appeal.

"There's a legal issue involved that caused me to contact his defense attorney," says Dunnings. Something not in his appeal says Dunnings.

McCollum's attorney says McCollum is pleased to hear the case is being reopened. The Michigan Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear his case in October. McCollum's attorney says he will try to delay that hearing to see what this investigation uncovers.

The Lansing Community College Police and Michigan State Police are working with the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office to investigate Kronenberg's death.

Family members have said all along he is innocent. Even at his trial, they say, there was nothing to connect him to Kronenberg's death. There was no DNA match, no fingerprints, just a fiber that could have come from the Professor's sweater.

Lansing police are investigating suspected serial killer Matthew Macon's involvement in deaths and assaults on women dating back to 2003. Macon was arrested earlier this month and linked to the deaths of six women and the assault of another.

Dunnings had no comment when asked about Macon's possible connection to Kronenberg's death. Lansing Police had no comment as well, citing a gag order in place in Macon's current cases.

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9716432.html

[odette]

After Lansing killings, old conviction to be reviewed
Family of inmate pushed for probe

BY DAWSON BELL - FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER - September 12, 2007

LANSING -- An investigation into the 2005 campus killing of a Lansing Community College instructor -- for which a homeless man was convicted and is serving a life sentence -- was reopened Tuesday, apparently based on suspicion it may have been committed by a man in custody in connection with a series of killings this summer.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III issued a brief statement Tuesday afternoon, announcing that the killing of Carolyn Kronenberg, who was found dead in a classroom Jan. 23, 2005, would be reexamined.
CONTINUED: After Lansing killings, old conviction to be reviewed (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070912/NEWS06/709120373)

[odette]

More Details on Local Murder Case Reopening

WLNS.COM - Stephanie Kolp - Sep 13, 2007 01:45 AM

A nearly three-year-old Lansing murder, thought to be solved with a conviction, has been reopened. Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings says he'll reopen the murder case of an LCC professor. Claude McCollum sits behind bars, convicted of murdering LCC Professor Carolyn Kronenberg back in January of 2005. While McCollum serves a life sentence for that crime, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings is announcing a change that will reopen the investigation.

Stuart Dunnings III, Ingham County Prosecutor: "There may be new matters that need to be looked into."

Dunnings wouldn't be specific on those new matters, but when asked if opening the case is in any way connected to the ongoing investigation of accused serial killer Matthew Macon, Dunnings had this to say.

Stuart Dunnings III: "I don't know where the investigation is going to lead, if I knew that I wouldn't be doing the investigation. Let's wait and see what the investigation tells us." .....

CONTINUED: http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7062519&nav=menu25_2

[odette]

McCollum interview with police questioned
- Expert calls conviction 'shocking'; Dunnings says analysis is biased -

Lansing State Journal - Kevin Grasha - Published September 13, 2007

A police interview that led to Claude McCollum's murder conviction was flawed, and even shows he could be innocent, an expert told the State Journal.

McCollum, 30, is serving a life prison sentence for the 2005 slaying of Lansing Community College professor Carolyn Kronenberg. In an interview Friday at the St Louis Correctional Facility in Gratiot County, McCollum said he was wrongfully convicted.

On Jan. 25, 2005, two days after Kronenberg was found barely alive in her classroom, detectives interviewed McCollum, a drifter with no fixed address who was taking classes at the school and sometimes slept in campus buildings.

McCollum's statements were a major component of the case prosecutors presented at trial.

In the interview, the detectives never asked McCollum directly if he killed Kronenberg. Instead, they led him through a series of questions about how he might have committed the crime.

"McCollum's statements are not a reliable indication that he is guilty. They speak as much, if not more, to his innocence than they do his guilt," said Steven Drizin, legal director for the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University's law school, which has been instrumental in freeing 11 death row inmates in Illinois.

"It's shocking to me that this was enough to charge, and ultimately convict somebody," said Drizin, who reviewed transcripts of the two-hour interview. .....

(see above post # 63 - Police interview with Claude McCollum (one page missing) - PDF File)

CONTINUED: http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/NEWS01/709130343/1001/news

[odette]

Case puts spotlight on parole system

-- Despite multiple rule violations, Macon continued to be set free --

Lansing State Journal - Christine Rook - Published September 23, 2007

It couldn't have been a shock that Matthew E. Macon wound up back in jail.

The 28-year-old has made a career of breaking parole and probation rules, winning himself return trips behind bars.

Now awaiting a court hearing on a charge of killing one woman and attacking another, Macon looks to be a four-time parole/probation violator, his freedom corresponding with numerous slayings and sexual assaults that police suspect are linked - possibly to him.

On Friday, prosecutors received a request from Lansing police to file additional charges against him.

Macon was most recently released from prison in June, becoming one of 72,000 parolees and probationers statewide to be monitored by 1,217 parole agents. Was he released too soon, given too much freedom? Or is the handling of his case as good as things get?

Blame seems to be tossed everywhere - at the state for releasing Macon, at police for lack of communication and at the Legislature for prison overcrowding. Macon was enrolled in two programs - one to reduce prison populations and the other to give parole agents more flexibility.

"Right now it seems like everyone is pointing fingers at everyone else," said John Roy Castillo, executive director of Cristo Rey Community Center where Macon was supposed to be enrolled for substance abuse treatment.

Macon's attorney, Michael O'Briant, declined to comment, citing a gag order on the case. .....

continued

Case puts spotlight on parole system (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/NEWS01/709230666/1001/news)

[odette]

Appeals Court grants new trial to McCollum

-- Case returned to Ingham court; man may move to jail --

Kevin Grasha - Lansing State Journal - Published September 25, 2007

Claude McCollum, who says he was wrongfully convicted of a 2005 murder, will get a new trial, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Monday.

ngham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III and Peter Ellenson, the attorney who has handled McCollum's appeal, filed a joint motion Friday asking for a new trial.

They cited new information that recently came to light.

In its ruling, the Appeals Court threw out McCollum's murder conviction and returned the case to Ingham County Circuit Court.

McCollum, 30, was found guilty last year of sexually assaulting and killing Lansing Community College Professor Carolyn Kronenberg.

In an interview Monday at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, McCollum said he believes the truth is starting to come out.

"But I don't want to get my hopes up," he said. "It may be a long struggle ahead."

It is not known when a new trial will be scheduled.

McCollum is expected to be returned to the custody of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office, officials said, and would be held at the county jail. .....

continued:
Appeals Court grants new trial to McCollum (http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/NEWS01/709250333/1001/news)

[odette]

Police request additional charges against Macon

Kevin Grasha - Lansing State Journal - Published September 21, 2007

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said today that has received a request from Lansing police to file additional charges against Matthew E. Macon, who police say is responsible for a string of homicides.

Macon, 28, of Lansing, has so far been charged with killing one woman and assaulting another last month. Police say they have linked him to five recent slayings, as well as an unsolved 2004 homicide.

Macon is charged in the death of Sandra Eichorn, 64. But police have said he was also a suspect in the killings of Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; and Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, between July 26 and Aug. 28.
Advertisement

Dunnings would not specify which victim or victims the requested charges are related to.

Police request additional charges against Macon (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709210373)

[odette]

1 man freed as 1 confesses

Parolee says he killed prof in 2005

FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU - By CHRIS CHRISTOFF - October 16, 2007

LANSING — Hours after convicted murderer Claude McCollum walked out of jail Tuesday with a second chance to prove his innocence, the Michigan State Police said another man has confessed to the 2005 slaying of a college professor that sent McCollum to prison.

That man, prison parolee Matthew Macon, also has been linked to the deaths this summer of five other women and another woman in 2004.

Macon’s confession was confirmed by Detective Lt. Jamie Corona of the State Police Major Case Unit in an interview with the Lansing State Journal. Corona is an investigator in the McCollum case.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III had asked for the new trial for
McCollum last month after Macon’s arrest, but he has refused to say that the two are linked.

Dunnings said late Tuesday afternoon that he asked for a new trial for McCollum after he learned of new evidence, which he would not discuss, from the Michigan State Police.

“I came to the conclusion it would not be in the service of justice for him to be held without bond,” Dunnings said.

He defended the original prosecution and verdict as consistent with the facts at the time. Dunnings said he is reviewing the evidence to determine whether McCollum will be tried again.

After his release Tuesday, McCollum, 30, told reporters: “It was one of the greatest feelings in the world. There was a time when I had doubts, but something told me things were going to work out, and that I’ll finally see this day.” continued: »

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071016/NEWS06/71016025/0/NEWS04

__________________________________________________ _____

[odette]

Convicted Man Talks About Freedom

wlns.com - Oct 18, 2007

McCollum is calling it his first victory in a long battle. In a small room surrounded by his family, Claude McCollum spoke for the first time about what it's like to once again be a free man.

Claude McCollum, released from prison: "One of the greatest feelings in the world."

A big difference from what he experienced over the past three years, and experience he describes as a nightmare. A jury convicted McCollum in 2005 for the murder of a LCC professor, a crime he claimed from the beginning he didn't commit.

Claude McCollum: "Being there for a crime I didn't commit was really hard." continued: »

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7225747&nav=menu25_2

[odette]

Taste of freedom: Lansing man relishes his first meal with his family in more than a year

Lansing State Journal - Kevin Grasha - October 17, 2007

There wasn't enough time to make the chicken and dumplings that Claude McCollum had seen on television while in prison.

There was only time for carry-out fries, coleslaw and fried chicken.

And even though McCollum had eaten countless servings of chicken during his 33 months behind bars, what he had Tuesday evening after being released was beyond compare.

"It tastes better," said McCollum, 30, as he stood in his cousin's Delta Township kitchen, amid a throng of relatives, young and old, distant and close.

"This right here is what I've been looking forward to."

It was McCollum's first bite of food since being released on bond Tuesday from the Ingham County Jail. His brown shirt, previously neat, now was untucked.

His cousin, Aisha McCollum, 29, hosted the gathering of more than 20 family members - held in honor of the 30-year-old Lansing man, who says he was wrongfully convicted of murder and is now free on bond. continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071017/NEWS01/710170357/1001/news

http://i21.tinypic.com/2ciehat.jpg
Homecoming hugs: Claude McCollum gets
a hug from his cousin, Aaisha McCollum,
on Tuesday after his release on bond. -
(Photo by Rod Sanford/Lansing State Journal)

[odette]

State police confirm: Macon confessed to killing LCC prof

Claude McCollum leaves jail on bond, awaits new trial in case

Lansing State Journal - Christine Rook and Kevin Grasha - October 17, 2007

The shackles came off of Claude McCollum on Tuesday.

He's not quite free. He must wear an electronic tether.

But his conviction in the 2005 rape and slaying of a community college professor was thrown out. He'll get a new trial. And a state police detective on Tuesday acknowledged another man has confessed to the crime.

That confession by accused serial killer Matthew E. Macon is what caused investigators to re-examine video evidence from 2005, which might show McCollum was not at the crime scene.

"It's going to prove or be part of proving the innocence of McCollum," Michigan State Police Detective Lt. Jamie Corona said of the video.

Corona is a key member of a task force set up to reinvestigate the death of Carolyn Kronenberg, 60, who was attacked on the Lansing Community College campus.

Was the wrong person punished? Who is the right one?

"I'm trying to be OK with whatever happens," said Kronenberg's longtime companion Doug Albert, 58, of Lansing. continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071017/NEWS01/710170358/1001/news

http://i20.tinypic.com/200aauw.jpg
Claude McCollum laughs with family and friends including
niece Ivana McCollum, 2, at a family gathering Tuesday
evening after Claude McCollum was freed on bond.
(Photo by Rod Sandford | Lansing State Journal)

[odette]

McCollum Free, Released from Jail on Bond

wilx.com - Reporter: Lori Dougovito - Oct 16, 2007

http://i21.tinypic.com/iqkglf.gif » McCollum Free, Raw Interview
http://i21.tinypic.com/iqkglf.gif » McCollum Free, Released from Jail on Bond

"I'm looking forward to embracing this great feeling that I have right now," Claude McCollum told a crowd of reporters.

Around 12:30 this afternoon, McCollum, 30, walked out of the Ingham County Jail wearing a brown shirt, tie and brown pants. With his lawyer by his side, he answered a few questions.

"As I was walking out the door I told myself, 'this is it right here, this is what actually counts'." McCollum spoke slow and precise, pointing out a couple of times it was his family that kept him going while incarcerated. continued: »
"I feel good that I'm out. I don't have any reason to be bitter at this moment," he said. "One of the first things I'm going to do is try to get back, you know, what was lost for me and that's rights as a free person." McCollum talked about getting an education, possibly starting a family and owning a home of his own. continued: »

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/10577536.html

[odette]

Suspected serial killer charged in 2nd slaying

mlive.com - By DAVID EGGERT - The Associated Press - 10/17/2007

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A suspected serial killer was charged Wednesday with open murder in the death of a second woman, and authorities say he could face charges in at least four more homicides.

Matthew Emmanuel Macon, 28, was being held without bond in Ingham County Jail. He was charged with the death this past summer of Karen Yates, 41. He previously had been charged with the death of Sandra Eichorn, 64, who was found dead in her Lansing home Aug. 27.

A preliminary exam has been set for Oct. 30-31 in both homicides.

Macon's arraignment came a day after a Michigan State Police detective told the Lansing State Journal that Macon confessed to brutally killing 60-year-old Carolyn Kronenberg, a Lansing Community College professor. Macon has not been charged in that homicide.

Claude McCollum, who was convicted in that slaying, was released Tuesday while he awaits a new trial. He had been in custody for two years and nine months in the attack on Kronenberg. continued: »

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-47/1192623862184460.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

[odette]

Prosecutors ask judge to keep Macon preliminary hearing open to public

lsj.com - Kevin Grasha - Lansing State Journal - October 19, 2007

Prosecutors are asking a judge to reject a defense attorney's request to bar the media from a suspected serial killer's preliminary hearing, court documents show.

The attorney for 28-year-old Matthew E. Macon has asked the judge to close Macon's preliminary hearing, saying media coverage could affect his client's right to a fair trial. continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/NEWS01/710190388/1001/news

[odette]

Prosecutors cite First Amendment in opposing attorney's request

Macon's defense seeking to keep media from hearing

lsj.com - Kevin Grasha - Lansing State Journal - October 20, 2007

A defense attorney's request to bar the media from a suspected serial killer's preliminary hearing would violate the First Amendment, prosecutors say in court documents filed this week.

The attorney for 28-year-old Matthew E. Macon, Mike O'Briant, has asked the judge to close Macon's preliminary hearing, saying media coverage could hurt his client's right to a fair trial.

The hearing - which determines if Macon of Lansing stands trial on charges of killing two women and assaulting another - is scheduled to begin Oct. 30 in 54A District Court before Judge Patrick Cherry.

Preliminary hearings are routinely open to the public. continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071020/NEWS01/710200338/1001/news

[odette]

Prosecutor dismisses case against McCollum

statenews.com - Jacob Carpenter - October 24, 2007

A second trial against Claude McCollum was dismissed Tuesday by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office.

McCollum was granted a new trial last month after spending more than a year and a half in prison for the murder of a Lansing Community College professor. He was released last week on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond and was required to wear a tether during his bond period.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he signed the order of dismissal after seeing evidence that would exonerate McCollum.

“We have filed a request that the case against Mr. McCollum be dismissed because I believe Mr. McCollum would not be convicted in a new trial,” Dunnings said. — continued: »

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2007/10/prosecutor_dismisses_case

[odette]

Charges Dismissed Against Claude McCollum

wilx.com - Beth Shayne - Last Updated: 11:20 PM Oct 24, 2007

http://i21.tinypic.com/iqkglf.gif » Charges Dismissed Against Claude - McCollum Exclusive Interview

The Ingham County Prosecutor has dismissed all charges against Claude McCollum, the man once convicted of murdering Lansing Community College Professor Carolyn Kronenberg.

In a press conference Wednesday, Stuart Dunnings, III announced a judge had signed an order to dismiss all charges. He explained a continuing investigation into McCollum's involvement in the murder was taking too long in a forensic lab, and he believed it was unnecessary to wait for a conclusion he thinks is obvious. "At this time, I believe Mr. McCollum is innocent," he said.

For a man who felt so failed by the legal system, the freedom that comes with that statement is hard to put into words.

"I'm overwhelmed with joy," McCollum says. — continued: »

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/10771776.html

[odette]

McCollum: "This nightmare is over"

Lansing State Journal - Derek Wallbank - October 24, 2007

UPDATED 6 p.m. - Claude McCollum called his conviction and imprisonment for the murder and rape of a college professor "a nightmare."

Charges were dropped against him today in connection with the death of Carolyn Kronenberg after he served more than 1-1/2 years of a life sentence. He was released on a personal recognizance bond last week. Now he's completely free.

"I'm overwhelmed with joy right now," he said today from his lawyer's office after a judge dropped the charges against him.

"I'd say the hardest part is realizing that the legal system had so many errors."

On whether he's satisfied with Dunnings' statement that he wishes Claude well, is there anything else he'd like to hear Dunnings say? "I'm sorry."

McCollum read a statement at a news conference: "The dismissal of the charges against me by the prosecutor's office is long overdue. While I am glad this nightmare is over, it should never have happened and I hope it never happens to anyone else. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/NEWS01/310240003/1001/news

[odette]

Judge removes electronic tether requirement for McCollum

mlive.com - The Associated Press - 10/22/2007

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An Ingham County judge says a Lansing man awaiting a new trial in the death of a Lansing Community College professor doesn't have to wear an electronic monitor while he is free on bond.

Circuit Judge Games Giddings says the evidence isn't strong supporting the case against Claude McCollum for the rape and killing of Carolyn Kronenberg. — continued: »

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-47/1193086311261880.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

[odette]

A Look Back at Man Wrongly Convicted of Murder

wlns.com - Oct 26, 2007

http://i23.tinypic.com/15f198k.gif » A Look Back at Man Wrongly Convicted of Murder

While McCollum has been insisting on his innocence since the very beginning, it wasn't until last month that investigators actually started to believe him. It's a question on the minds of many- how did an innocent man go to prison?

Stuart Dunnings, Ingham County Prosecutor: "It's horrible for an innocent man to go to jail, it's terrible, it's a terrible thing." — continued: »

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7263908

[odette]

McCollum case shakes faith in system

Some question how conviction was even possible

lsj.com - Christine Rook - October 25, 2007

On a clear January morning in 2005 on the downtown campus of Lansing Community College, a 27-year-old man walked into a computer lab intent on studying.

Claude McCollum wanted a degree in business and to make something of himself.

He left the lab to take a break at about 7:20 a.m. Not long after, professor Carolyn Kronenberg drove to the campus to teach her morning class. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/NEWS01/710250355/1001/news

Jurors swayed by statement to police

In February 2006 a jury of nine women and three men unanimously found Claude McCollum guilty of rape and murder of Lansing Community College professor Carolyn Kronenberg.
Jurors relied on a statement McCollum made to police - a statement that prosecutors characterized as a confession.

On Wednesday, all accusations against McCollum were thrown out. He is free.

Two jurors spoke to the Lansing State Journal about the deliberations. The foreman died after the trial. The rest either declined comment or could not be reached.

One juror, a retired Ingham County man, pointed to the statement that McCollum made to police in January 2005 as the reason for his guilty vote. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/NEWS01/710250355/1001/news

[odette]

Preliminary hearing for Macon to be open to public

lsj.com - Christine Rook - October 25, 2007

UPDATED 2:24 P.M. - District Court Judge Patrick Cherry ruled that next week's preliminary hearing for suspected serial killer, Matthew E. Macon will be open to the public. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/NEWS01/310250006/1002

[odette]

Media Allowed in During Macon Preliminary Exam

wilx.com - John Tramontana - Oct 25, 2007

The cameras and audio recorders will be rolling next week when Matthew Macon's preliminary exam begins. 54th District Judge Patrick Cherry made that ruling Thursday after Macon's defense team filed a motion to have the media banned from proceedings.

"I do not think the defense has demonstrated a substantial opportunity for there to be a serious prejudice to the defendant here," Judge Cherry ruled. "Therefore the court denies the motion." — continued: »

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/10798546.html

[odette]

Judge: Media can cover hearing for suspected serial killer

mlive.com - By DAVID EGGERT - The Associated Press - 10/25/2007

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A probable cause hearing for a man suspected of killing at least six women will be open to the public, a judge ruled Thursday.

District Judge Patrick Cherry denied a motion by Matthew Macon's attorney to close next week's preliminary exam.

Macon, 28, is charged with the deaths of two Lansing women, and authorities say he could face charges in at least three other homicides in the city.

Macon's attorney told the judge that publicity surrounding the cases could keep his client from getting a fair trial, partly because would-be jurors may learn about evidence from the press and not understand the difference between what evidence is permissible at probable cause hearings but might not be allowed in trials.

"Our concern is he will be tried in the media," Mike O'Briant said.

But prosecutors and attorneys for The Associated Press, The Lansing State Journal and Lansing TV stations WILX and WLNS said any tainted jurors can be weeded out before trial. They said the public has a right to be informed about criminal proceedings, and that Macon could ask for a change of venue in the future. — continued: »

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-47/1193339361230610.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

[odette]

STATE: Man breaks down in tears at suspected serial killer’s hearing

dailypressandargus.com - Christine Rook - October 30, 2007

The silence of the courtroom gallery broke around 11:20 a.m. when a prosecution witness began discussing the scene inside a home on Hickory Street this summer.

An unidentified man in the gallery began sobbing uncontrollably, biting his hands just at the time that the witness, Kevin Garvey, also choked up on the stand. Garvey described a woman he found Aug. 29 nearly dead in a house that was for sale. The victim, Karen Delgado-Yates, later died.

Garvey said he called 911 on his cell phone to let them know there was a woman on the kitchen floor naked. The 911 operator asked if the woman was still breathing. So Garvey said he returned to the woman.

"She gasped for breath," he said, and then recalled what he said to the 911 operator. "I said 'she's still alive.' " — continued: »

http://www.dailypressandargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/NEWS01/71030013

[odette]

Probable cause hearing begins in murder case against Lansing man

mlive.com - JAMES PRICHARD - 10/30/2007

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Kevin Garvey paused briefly on the witness stand to gather his composure as he told a judge how he came to find a dying woman lying on the floor of a vacant home. — continued: » X 2pages

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-48/1193756650257360.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

[odette]

Family: The man police call a killer was turning life around

Lansing resident faces judge today for preliminary exam Macon called 'a good person'

lsj.com - Christine Rook - October 30, 2007

http://i23.tinypic.com/15f198k.gif » Interview with Matthew E. Macon's family

Throughout today, Ingham County prosecutors will try to convince a judge that Matthew E. Macon ought to be brought to trial on murder, torture and rape charges.

The start of what could be a two-day hearing will be the public's first glimpse at what evidence prosecutors think they have against the 28-year-old Lansing man.

Is Macon - a father of five and an aspiring college student - really the killer police claim him to be? — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/NEWS01/710300332/1001/news

[odette]

Son Testifies in Suspected Serial Killer Hearing

wlns.com - Oct 31, 2007

Kevin Garvey, Real Estate Investor: "I made two steps up and I seen mom, her legs."

The son of a murder victim testifies in the court hearing of an accused serial killer. Matthew Macon is charged with killing two women this summer and attacking another, but police believe he's responsible for at least five other murders. — continued: »

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7286775&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Macon Evidence Presented

wilx.com - A.J. Hilton - Oct 30, 2007

The mood was mixed as 28-year-old Matthew Macon sat in his red jumpsuit before District Judge Patrick Cherry during Tuesday's preliminary hearing.

Half the room were family members of victims looking for justice. The other half was family members supporting Macon, saying he was making better choices in his life. — continued: »

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/10901851.html

[odette]

Exam will determine if man held for trial

Kevin Grasha - Lansing State Journal - October 31, 2007

Severely beaten and clinging to life, Karen Delgado-Yates was dragged through a vacant Lansing house, leaving trails of blood, according to court testimony Tuesday.

Authorities say a suspected serial killer bludgeoned the 41-year-old woman Aug. 28 and left her for dead with four broken ribs and a skull fracture.

Trails of blood streaked across the living room carpet, through the kitchen, down the basement stairs, into a drain.

Delgado-Yates was the last of five women authorities say Matthew E. Macon killed this summer.

A real-estate investor, showing the 1115 Hickory St. house to a family with a young child, testified that he found Delgado-Yates Aug. 29, lying on the first floor naked.

After ushering the others out of the home, Kevin Garvey said he called 911. The operator asked if she was breathing, so Garvey returned to where Delgado-Yates lay. — continued: »

• VIDEO: Man describes how homicide victim was found
• VIDEO: Defense attorney reacts to hearing
• VIDEO: Assault victim testifies at Macon hearing
• VIDEO: Investigators discuss Delgado-Yates murder
• VIDEO: Interview with Matthew E. Macon's family
• Photo Gallery: Matthew Macon's Preliminary Hearing

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/NEWS01/710310348/1001/news

http://i21.tinypic.com/15oxdw9.jpg
In court: Matthew Macon listens to a witness during his preliminary
hearing Tuesday in 54A District Court.
(Photo by Becky Shink/Lansing State Journal)

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Families of victims feel fresh pain in courtroom

Heartbreaking facts told of two women's last moments of life

Christine Rook - Lansing State Journal - October 31, 2007

The brother of one murder victim sobbed Tuesday during a preliminary hearing for a man accused in a series of slayings.

The daughter of another victim blotted her eyes, and outside of court, the son of a third broke down.

For three and a half hours, there was pain and tears from grief ripped open in the gallery of 54A District Court in Lansing City Hall.

With a string of eight witnesses, the prosecution launched accusations of brutality against 28-year-old Matthew E. Macon of Lansing. The testimony was detailed, the photos gruesome.

"I lost my - give me a second," Gerald Lehman said outside of court expressing what he misses about his mother, Sandra Eichorn, 64, who was found beaten in her home Aug. 27.

Lehman, 40, stopped the interview to gain his composure.

"My whole life got turned upside down," he said. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/NEWS01/710310347/1001/news

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Woman Attacked by Suspected Serial Killer Tells Story

wlns.com - Nov 1, 2007

http://i2.tinypic.com/5zfbskm.gif » Woman Attacked by Suspected Serial Killer Tells Story

Victim: "I started screaming as loud as I could scream." — continued: »

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7289819&nav=menu25_2

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Reaction to Suspected Serial Killer Hearing

wlns.com - Nov 1, 2007

The courtroom was packed and overflowing with emotion. On the one side, about a dozen members of Matthew Macon's family filled the seats. They say Macon is innocent and are standing by him. For his part, Matthew Macon seemed encouraged by their presence, looking over and smiling at them when he walked in and out of court. Macon was silent throughout the hearing and taking notes during much of the testimony. — continued: »

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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7289718&nav=0RbQ

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Suspected serial killer's hearing postponed until Monday

Christine Rook - Lansing State Journal - October 30, 2007

UPDATED 2:52 p.m. - Testimony has adjourned in the preliminary hearing for suspected serial killer Matthew E. Macon.

The hearing has been postponed until Monday. The prosecution will bring in what is expected to be its final witness who is an expert on DNA. — continued: »

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/NEWS01/310300001/1002

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Man who police say may be serial killer ordered tried in 2 deaths

mlive.com - KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN AP - 11/5/2007, 1:21 p.m. EST

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A man who police say may be a serial killer was bound over for trial Monday in the deaths of two women. — continued

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-48/119427897070550.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

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Suspected serial killer to stand trial for murder, assault

Lansing State Journal - Kevin Grasha and Christine Rook - November 5, 2007

Updated at 1:58 p.m. -- A judge ruled today that Matthew E. Macon will stand trial for killing two women and assaulting another this summer. — continued

Excerpt: Macon also is charged with torturing Delgado-Yates. Assistant Prosecutor Catherine Emerson today described evidence that Delgado-Yates, as she was clinging to life, was dragged to a basement drain and then back upstairs to the living room.

“It was brutal, inhumane and sadistic,” Emerson said in court.

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/NEWS01/311050004/1001/news

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Judge moves Macon murder, torture cases to circuit court

statenews.com - Jacob Carpenter - November 5, 2007

A Lansing district court judge forwarded five charges against accused serial killer Matthew Macon to circuit court Monday, including two counts of open murder.

Macon’s preliminary examination for the murders of Lansing residents Sandra Eichorn and Karen Delgado-Yates and the assault of another Lansing woman concluded Monday with District Court Judge Patrick Cherry moving all but one charge to circuit court.

He is now slated to stand trial for two counts of open murder and individual counts of torture, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and first-degree home invasion. — continued

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Matthew Macon

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2007/11/suspected_serial_killer

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DNA links serial suspect with killings of 2 women

LANSING STATE JOURNAL - KEVIN GRASHA - November 6, 2007

LANSING -- DNA on a baseball cap and a work glove found at two crime scenes matched that of serial killing suspect Matthew Macon, a forensic scientist testified Monday. — continued

http://i23.tinypic.com/11b53k2.jpg
Matthew Macon, right, and his attorney, Mike O'Briant, listen to witness
Jeffrey Nye, a forensic expert with the Michigan State Police.
(Photo by BECKY SHINK)

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS06/711060368/1001/NEWS

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Victim's brother haunted by her killing

Women's families hope for answers at preliminary hearing

Lansing State Journal - Christine Rook - November 6, 2007

Every empty house reminds Douglas Redmon of his sister.

He has difficulty showing up to work to remodel homes, for fear he'll open a door and find the battered, bloody and mostly naked body of a woman barely alive.

That's how Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, was found - almost dead in an unoccupied home.

She was discovered Aug. 29 by an investor showing 1115 Hickory St. to a family.

"She was my big sister," Redmon said after a judge bound over Matthew E. Macon for trial in the death of Delgado-Yates and in attacks on two other women.

Redmon of Holt broke down in the lobby outside of 54A District Court where Judge Patrick Cherry issued his ruling.

"All of our family was close," Redmon said. "Because we grew up with a single mom, we depended on each other." — continued

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS01/711060325/1001/news

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Families React to Suspected Serial Killer

wlns.com - Preeti Arla

The family of Karen Delgado Yates sat in the courtroom listening to the judge's decision. Yates' brother says his family is relieved by the decision. Doug Redmon says it's been a tough for his family since his sister Karen Delgado Yates was murdered back on August 29th.

Doug Redmon: "It's been real hard, somebody chose to take her from us." — continued

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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7317439&nav=menu25_2

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Suspected Serial Killer Heading to Trial

wlns.com - Preeti Arla

Police say he is a serial killer, now a jury will get to decide. A judge rules that Matthew Macon will stand trial for the murders of two Lansing women and the attempted murder of a third.

That's after prosecutors finished laying out their case in Macon's preliminary hearing Monday. Judge Patrick Cherry decided Macon will stand trial on five charges.

Those charges include the murders of Sandra Eichorn and Karen Delgado-Yates, as well as the assault of a third woman who survived the attack. — continued

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http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7317310&nav=0RbQ

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Kevin Grasha • Lansing State Journal • May 9, 2008 • From Lansing State Journal

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Hearing the verdict: Matthew E. Macon, 28, reacts after the jury reads his verdict Thursday as guilty of all five counts for which he was charged in Lansing. -- Becky Shink/Lansing State Journal

Guilty: Jury convicts Macon in 2 killings, 1 assault

Prosecutor: Evidence in case was overwhelming

For Linda Chapel Jackson, a chapter that began last summer when she was badly beaten and left bleeding in her kitchen ended Thursday.

Matthew E. Macon came to her side door Aug. 28, claiming to look for work. After writing an alias, "Chili Smith," on a pad of paper, he beat her with a beer bottle, cutting deep gashes in her arm and on her head. She still suffers the effects today: dizziness and loud ringing in her ears.

A jury found Macon, 28, of Lansing, guilty Thursday of murder, assault and torture.

Afterward, Chapel Jackson thought not only of herself but Macon's family as well.

"There's a young man in hell today and his family's grieving for him, and he's not even dead," she said in a soft voice.

Macon was convicted of killing Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, and Sandra Eichorn, 64, as well as assaulting Chapel Jackson, 56. All three attacks happened in August.

Police suspect Macon in five other homicides dating back to 2004.

Chapel Jackson lived to identify her attacker and testify against him.

After deliberating for less than two hours, a jury of nine men and three women found the Lansing man guilty of all five counts with which he was charged: two counts of first-degree murder, one count of assault with intent to commit murder, one count of torture and one count of home invasion.

"The jury has spoken," was all Macon's attorney, Mike O'Briant, would say about the verdict. He added that he didn't expect the jury to decide on a verdict so quickly.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he was not surprised by the swift verdict.

"The evidence was overwhelming," he said, adding: "A person who ruthlessly killed two innocent women and attempted to kill a third will be going to prison for the rest of his life without the possibility of parole."

• Article Continued
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805090330

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By DAVID EGGERT - Associated Press Writer - 06/18/2008

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Matthew Macon, 28, listens to Ju