The Wayne County Morgue was forced to dig up the body of a person who was identified as a woman at the time of burial because that woman is actually alive and well. The body has since been identified as a missing man.

The Wayne County Morgue was forced to dig up the body of a person who was identified as a woman at the time of burial because that woman is actually alive and well. The body has since been identified as a missing man.

Another person spoke with the Local 4 Defenders to share a horror story about how her loved one’s body was treated at the Wayne County morgue.

Since Local 4 Defenders reported on the issue last week, the area behind businesses near the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Beresford Street has been more clean.

Here’s what you can expect on Local 4 News at 5

It’s taken four years for Garry and Patti Javizian to publicly speak about what happened to their 32-year-old son Gregory.

The 59-year-old was found dead in Detroit and brought to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office. Despite ID being on him, his family was not contacted until 17 months had passed.

It’s a problem across the country including right here in Metro Detroit. School districts targeted by hackers.

The family said the morgue kept saying it didn’t have the 31-year-old mother.

The Board of Police Commissioners in Detroit gave up oversight of towing and how Detroit police handles towing companies.

A family is suing Redford Township police and Redford Township over the rough arrest of a 58-year-old man with health problems who later died.

Councilmember Andre Spivey has already been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.

A man was arrested after police said he tried to sexually assault a clerk inside a 7-Eleven store early Tuesday morning in Ferndale.

Richard Wershe Jr. is suing FBI agents, Detroit police and others a year after he was released from prison.

How Detroit police handle mental health cases is changing.

A Detroit Fire Department medic, who was called to help a woman at her home on Detroit’s west side, was attacked by the woman’s 31-year-old son.

A Detroit woman called the teenager who stole her car “the dumbest criminal of all” after she spent three days tracking him down and then physically confronted him inside a business.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is attributing the cause of the I-94 flooding to power failure.

New court documents are giving us more information into an intricate scheme federal authorities say took place at the MGM Grand Detroit casino.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Police arrested a man driving a stolen vehicle after he led officers on a chase in Farmington Hills. Dashcam video shows officers trying to stop the driver with their vehicles. Body cam footage shows officers chasing the man, even jumping over a fence. Police believed the suspect was armed after they retraced their steps the next day. “The next morning, during daylight, investigators recovered a fully loaded handgun from the area believed to be involved in the incident,” said Police Chief Jeff King.

DETROIT – A Detroit man went to the Local 4 Defenders for help because his neighbor was dumping raw sewage in their backyard. Chavone Demham admitted to dumping the sewage and told the city that she was in need of help. “It’s a program called Code Blue,” Bowser said. AdIn a typical year, Code Blue helps about 30 families. While the assistance directly helps Demham, it also helps all of the neighbors living on Birwood Street.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – About 20 to 25 murder cases are reported a year in Oakland County, said Karen McDonald, the new county prosecutor. But there have been seven murders reported since December. “If this trend continues, we are looking at a large amount of homicides,” McDonald said. Ad“I absolutely think it is COVID related,” McDonald said. Ad“We are trying not to incarcerate individuals that are not a public safety threat for a variety of reasons,” she said.

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A lawsuit filed by a father and son alleges that students at one Metro Detroit high school attacked and forced the son to participate in sexualized games during a retreat in 2019. The father, a longtime teacher at St. Mary’s Preparatory High School in Orchard Lake, and his son, a student, filed a lawsuit outlining a series of sexualized games allegedly played by the school’s student athletes. The lawsuit claims that when the son chose not participate in the games, the other students attacked him. And they’re left alone to do that,” said Bob Palmer, attorney for the father and son in the case against St. Mary’s officials. “It’s kind of ironic that the individual who was assaulted is the son of the teacher -- they’re both there,” Palmer said.

Michigan’s system of “phases,” which determines who receives a COVID vaccine first, has put health care providers in a difficult spot. Some Michiganders have been cutting in line for a vaccination, making it more difficult for those in need to receive the vaccine. She is eligible to receive a COVID vaccine in Michigan, but Therese says trying to sign up with her healthcare provider -- St. Joseph Mercy Health System -- has become another full time job. Other residents who are far younger and not frontline workers have apparently had success getting vaccines from St. Joseph Mercy. When he was asked how he got so far ahead in line, he said, “I’m essential I guess,” with a winking emoji.

A company is accused of illegally discharging nearly 48 million gallons of waste from landfills into Flint wastewater system.

DETROIT – A local man said city officials wouldn’t help when he complained about his neighbor dumping raw sewage into the back yard. Something needs to be done about that sewage leaking into the backyard,” Scott said. Within hours of the Defenders contacting the city, an inspector -- along with Detroit police officers -- arrived to address the problem. The city said if the pumping of sewage does not stop immediately, they will be fined $500. If you have a similar problem, you can report it to Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department at 313-628-2451.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The family of an Eastern Michigan University (EMU) student who was found murdered in her apartment in 2012 are still looking for justice. The family recently want the Ypsilanti Police Department to hand the case over to Michigan State Police. The Niswender family said Christmas is a particularly difficult time for them. “I still feel anger that it’s been eight years and we were told this as a solvable case,” Turnquist said. “Why has it been eight years?”Julia was 23-years-old when the Eastern Michigan University student was found dead in her Ypsilanti apartment on Dec. 11, 2012.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A 17-year-old and her family are suing the franchise of a Sterling Heights Jimmy John’s store after the teen said she was raped by a former employee. The teen, who has a disability, said that in August, Jerry Brown-Pegues forced her into a storage room and assaulted her. Documents show that the owner -- Turner Services Group in Clinton Township -- was aware of Brown-Pegues’ prior sexual assault crime and kept him on staff. He served time in prison, was out on parole and got a job as a delivery driver at the Jimmy John’s store. On Friday, attorneys for Turner Services said they are reviewing the case and declined to comment.

Details of the secret group chat held by some of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Local 4 Defenders saw the group’s conversation in which one member alerted them that police questioned a former roommate of his in Milford. All defendants on the group chat are from Metro Detroit. Fox reportedly wasn’t told that members believed the suspected domestic terrorist plot had gotten out. Many of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov.

Many of the suspects in the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap and kill Gov. In court Wednesday, the Null brothers were hoping they might be released right away. The state said the Null brothers are a danger to police, elected officials and to the public. The judge at first denied the request to lower the $250,000 bond for the brothers, and then quickly agreed to change that to a 10% cash surety bond. The judge said if and when the brothers post bond, they will be on a GPS tether, they can work but cannot go anywhere near the governor.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – It’s been nearly four years since Danielle Stislicki disappeared, and Local 4 spoke one-on-one with investigators of the case about some key pieces of evidence they found that day. King is the Farmington Hills police chief now, but four years ago, he was one of the first investigators to arrive at Danielle’s Farmington Hills apartment. Jessica Perry, Danielle’s cousin, said they are just a few years apart in age and they grew up together. Her memories of Danielle revolve around the holidays -- which are now very different for the Stislicki family. You can see some photos of Danielle Stislicki in the gallery below.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – It’s been nearly four years since Danielle Stislicki mysteriously vanished, and her case is still unsolved. “We want her found because we want to have a place for her,” Carol Stislicki, Danielle’s grandmother, said. Carol Stislicki, Danielle Stislicki's grandmother. You can see some photos of Danielle Stislicki in the gallery below. She had an apartment in Farmington (Hills).”Danielle was living at that Farmington Hills apartment when she disappeared.

DEARBORN, Mich. – A federal lawsuit was filed after a local father said he asked for directions from a police officer and was assaulted. Court documents claim Luther Gonzalez-Hall, 22, asked Dearborn Police officer Marvin Sanders for directions and the interaction ended with the officer assaulting and choking Gonzalez-Hall. At one point during the confrontation, Sanders’ bodycam falls to the ground. “I didn’t believe that it was real.”Now Gonzalez-Hall is suing Sanders, the city of Dearborn and the Dearborn Police Department for the way he was treated. When Local 4 asked about the status of officer Sanders, the Dearborn Police Department immediately asked the Defenders to submit a Freedom of Information Act request.

An alleged co-conspirator of the foiled domestic terror plot appeared in a Wisconsin court on Wednesday. He is accused of providing material support to the “Wolverine Watchmen” in their effort to allegedly attempt to kidnap the Michigan governor. Brian Higgins, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, appeared in a hearing Wednesday via YouTube. District Attorney Brenda Yaskal says there is now a warrant for Higgins’ arrest in both Michigan and Wisconsin. Higgins allegedly traveled to Michigan to take part in the group’s surveillance of the governor’s home up north.

New warrants issued for Wisconsin man charged in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plotIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

FARMINGTON, Mich. – As the chaos surrounding the Farmington school board continues, the superintendent and two board members resigned during an explosive, emotional meeting. “This is painful, very painful,” school board President Pamela Green said. “I have the utmost respect for Dr. Herrera.”Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Robert Herrera, who was hired just last year, resigned Monday night during an explosive, emotional board meeting. Superintendent, board members allege harassment, ‘dysfunctional behavior’The superintendent of Farmington Public Schools as well as two members of the district’s Board of Education cited allegations of harassment and “dysfunctional behavior.”Herrera filed a complaint against Smith for harassment. “Farmington Public Schools will continue to serve the students and families well in our community; the District has a strong leadership team that will continue to move the District forward.”Click here to read this full story.

School board chaos at Farmington Public Schools leads to superintendent's resignationIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

DETROIT – A man previously charged with drug possession is suing the city of Detroit and its police department -- specifically after his arresting officer was found to be corrupt. Renard Austin, 40, of Detroit was arrested in October of 2018 when Detroit police raided his friend’s house. Austin did say, however, that one Detroit police officer was on him, big time. Austin claims the former officer told him “If you pay $10,000, this will all go away.”Mosely was one of several former Detroit police officers recently found to be corrupt. He has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department regarding Mosely’s alleged corrupt behavior.

DETROIT – As America pauses to honor those who served our country on Veterans Day, a Detroit contractor is helping to rehab one veteran’s house free of charge. Renita Wilson, of SEIU Home Health Care Providers, was overcome with emotion when she checked on William Norman -- an 81-year-old Army veteran. Disability Network Wayne County, the Wayne County Community Action Agency and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib came together to help Wilson. “When I got here, I was shocked,” said Orlando Robinson, of Flipping Detroit. “The damage was devastating.”Robinson owns Flipping Detroit, a contracting company.

What’s going to happen when residents around Michigan go to the polls Tuesday to vote in the General Election? One little incident could set someone off, so from a law enforcement standpoint, that is what you are worried about.”Is the state prepared for Tuesday? Election 2020: How WDIV reports election resultsWith that comes increased concerns about safety at the polls. “I think you’ve really got to keep an eye on the ballots,” Arena said. His office is on the lookout for anyone threatening voters who are trying to exercise their rights.

LIVONIA, Mich. – A store security guard was charged with assault and it appears it may not be an isolated incident. It’s the same security guard who was involved in an incident Aug. 8, in which a customer at a Menards store said his leg was broken over a dispute over wearing a mask. He said he could have been seriously hurt when he was thrown into the air and onto the floor by a security guard at the Livonia Menards. He said the security guard cursed at him for trying to exit through the entrance. RELATED: Man says Menards security guard in Livonia broke his leg for not wearing mask despite medical reason“What was Menards thinking keeping him there?"

LIVONIA, Mich. – The case of an alleged assault over a mask mandate that occurred at a Menards store in Livonia has been dismissed. Though he was the one charged, Blake claims that a Menards security guard broke his leg for not wearing a mask into the Livonia store, despite having a medical reason not to wear one. Blake says on August 8 the security guard broke his leg during a takedown after notifying him that he had to wear a mask in the store. The customer said he tried to explain to the security guard that he had a health issue, but couldn’t get a word in before the guard got in his face. The security guard told police that he informed Blake of the policy, but Blake said that was not true.

Nicholas Bahri, 37, of West Bloomfield township, was arraigned Tuesday on 15 charges in the execution-style killings of a 6-year-old boy, the boy’s father and his father’s girlfriend. Prior to the recent killings, Bahri had developed an extensive criminal history and was released from prison just months ago. “I don’t think that anyone looking at the (criminal) history could forecast the crimes (Bahri) has been accused of, and possibly committed here,” said Local 4′s legal analyst Neil Rockind. Rockind says there are peculiar clues about Bahri’s criminal history. “(Bahri’s criminal record) shows someone who is sick, demented and who has really forfeited their right to to interact with the rest of us,” Rockind said.

As some of the men accused in the domestic terror plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appear in court, we’re getting our first look at how the defense attorneys plan to present a much different story. The defense attorney for Ty Garbin -- one of 13 people charged after FBI agents uncovered the scheme -- has started to put his plan in motion. One of the defense attorney called the men “crackpots," saying their deliberations were all talk. FBI agents said three men from Metro Detroit were key players who were close to putting the plan into action.

DETROIT – A deal has been reached to fix the Detroit Riverfront where a dock collapsed, spilling contaminated soil into the river. On Monday, Revere Dock signed an administrative consent agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. As part of the deal, the restoration work at the site is expected to be done by July 2021. In May, this litigation produced an agreement, requiring Revere Dock, LLC to obtain permits from EGLE and the US Army Corp of Engineers for a dock restoration. In May, this litigation produced an agreement, requiring Revere Dock, LLC to obtain permits from EGLE and the US Army Corp of Engineers for a dock restoration.

LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A driver was seriously injured over the weekend when someone threw a 40-pound sandbag through her windshield from an overpass on I-96 in Lyon Township, according to police. A woman was driving along I-96 when a man on the Old Plank Road overpass, which is under construction, started throwing sandbags onto the highway, according to authorities. Michigan State Police say a man throwing 40-pound sandbags off an overpass on I-96 in Lyon Township hit a vehicle and injured a woman late Sunday night. (Michigan State Police)The man who threw the sandbag had crashed his truck on I-96, police said. Workers near the overpass said they believe the man grabbed bags that had been holding down caution signs.

‘Truly evil, unthinkable and senseless’ -- Warren police commissioner speaks out on the murders of 6-year-old boy, womanPublished: October 2, 2020, 12:16 pmPolice in Warren held a press conference Friday after authorities found a woman and a boy dead Thursday morning while trying to notify the family of a man whose body was discovered in a burning car.

WARREN, Mich. – Police found a woman and a boy dead inside a Warren home while trying to notify the family of a man whose body was discovered in a burning car in Detroit. Warren police officers responding to a scene at Dequindre Road and Otis Avenue on Oct. 1, 2020. (WDIV)During the course of the investigation, officials identified the body -- a Warren man. Warren officers went to the home before 11 a.m. Thursday in the area of Dequindre Road and Otis Avenue, police said. There was no answer at the home, but Warren police found the bodies of a woman and a body inside, according to authorities.

WARREN, Mich. – Police are investigating a possible double murder inside a Warren home, Local 4 has learned. Warren police officers responding to a scene at Dequindre Road and Otis Avenue on Oct. 1, 2020. When Warren officers arrived, they discovered what appeared to be a double homicide. They’re waiting for official word from investigators. Warren police Commissioner Bill Dwyer was also at the scene.

DETROIT – Four doctors, two nurse practitioners and three pharmacists are among the 19 people who have been indicted in connection with an elaborate drug scheme that went on for years, officials said. The opioid epidemic is still very much a problem in Metro Detroit, with people addicted to and dying from pain pills, heroin and fentanyl. Oxycodone, Percocet and hydrocodone are powerful pain pills that were pedaled on the streets for cash. “These people are greedy and they don’t care about the average citizen,” said Steve Dolunt, the former assistant Detroit police chief. “Average people, some people, have pain,” Dolunt said.

DETROIT – A man who was seen on video being punched multiple times in the head by two Detroit police officers said he was asking them why they took down his friend. Darius Bell, 25, told the Local 4 Defenders he demanded officers tell him why they rolled up and took down Kenneth Pierson. Bell said officers used a Taser on him, and he was worried they were going to leave him with serious injuries. In the video, Bell tries to show officers a card of his family member who works for the Detroit Police Department. Detroit police officers said they were on patrol and could see a gun in Pierson’s waistband.

DETROIT – Police in Michigan are working with federal officials to take violent offenders off the street and confiscate illegal guns. Police officers and federal officials are finding illegal guns on many more people. “We don’t want them there if they are illegal,” Schneider said. Nobody would.”As part of Operation Legend, federal officials plan to target violence in America’s most violent cities. Schneider said the reality is that since the expansion of the operation was announced over the summer, local police are working with feds to arrest violent offenders.

Officials in Michigan are reminding residents it’s a crime to threaten or intimidate people over their right to vote, even ahead of what’s expected to be a very contentious election. “You know what we have is a very contentious election coming up,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said. “It is a federal crime to interfere with somebody’s right to vote.”Schneider spoke with the Local 4 Defenders just 36 days before the presidential election. “When people are angry, they take to Facebook.”He said officials are looking for those cases so they can bring people to justice. Arguing over politics is an American tradition and protected by the First Amendment, but threatening people to keep them from voting is a crime, Schneider said.

DEARBORN, Mich. – There have been a staggering number of illegal guns found in Dearborn this year as police report an increase in shootings and murder rate. Dearborn police: 26-year-old killed in shooting on Holly StreetThere have already been more homicides in Dearborn this year than in all of 2019, police Chief Ronald Haddad told the Local 4 Defenders. Haddad said there were only four murders in Dearborn last year, and there have already been five in 2020. “Six last year, 12 this year.”“How concerned are you?” Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley asked. When police officers conduct traffic stops and respond to road rage incidents, they’re finding guns, Haddad said.

Police finding staggering number of illegal guns in Dearborn as murder rate risesPublished: September 25, 2020, 6:08 pmThere have been a staggering number of illegal guns found in Dearborn this year as police report an increase in shootings and murder rate.

DETROIT – A man said he tried to help a Highland woman, who is accused of dumping her baby in a trash can. The man, who was not being identified, said he found the woman, 23-year-old Jennifer Woodard, in a crisis, walking near Brightmoor. “She was deciding to give it up for adoption,” the man claimed. The man claimed someone was with her at that time. Prosecutor’s Office accused Woodard of putting her baby in a trash can.

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A woman was shot 11 times Wednesday in Highland Park, marking the fourth homicide in the city in about six weeks. Highland Park Det. It was dark at the time of the shooting, so nobody saw the person who killed Green, according to officials. There was one homicide in Highland Park in all of 2020 until the last six weeks. “We need the people to help us,” Highland Park police Chief Kevin Coney said.

DETROIT – A Highland, Michigan woman has been charged with assault and abandonment of her newborn infant after the child was mysteriously dropped off at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit last week. Police identified the parents of the newborn child on Sunday. The newborn baby was reportedly cold to the touch and lost a large amount of blood due to the umbilical cord not being clamped off, officials said. The baby reportedly required a blood transfusion at the hospital. The man who dropped off the baby was reportedly questioned by police and released pending further investigation.

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Police are still looking for a gunman wanted in the deadly shooting of a 39-year-old man outside of a Highland Park Coney Island restaurant that occurred in August. “Me and my family have a $10,000 reward,” said the victim’s mother, Deanna Hill. Highland Park police weren’t able to comment on the investigation. It’s unclear why the gunman was with Hill when they got to Highland Park that night in August. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Highland Park Police Department at 313-852-7338.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Local 4 followed scientists into the sewers at Michigan State University as they searched for early warning signs of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in wastewater. What started as an intriguing laboratory finding about analyzing wastewater to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 has not turned into something more. Experts are hoping the testing might bring early warning and indicate the scale of an outbreak in a given community. Can we detect infections early?” Rose said. Rose said the state is looking to set up 13 labs across Michigan to do similar testing.

A photographer who climbed 151 feet to the very top of the highly guarded Ambassador Bridge posted photos from on top of the bridge’s sign, raising major questions about security. The photographer said you’ll never know his name, but he’s posted images from the very top of the Brooklyn Bridge, high above New York City and on top of the Crescent City Connection Bridge in New Orleans. He posted photos from 151 feet in the air above Detroit, at the very top of the highly guarded, supposedly secure Ambassador Bridge. Customers and Border Patrol officials secure the major international crossing, but the bridge is privately owned by the International Bridge Company, which is responsible for security. I think bridge security is actually very good.”Click here to view more of his photos.

Michiganders who lost loved ones in nursing homes during COVID-19 pandemic demand answersPublished: September 8, 2020, 5:48 pmMichigan residents who lost loved ones in nursing homes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic say the system failed them, and they’re demanding answers.

RIVER ROUGE, Mich. – A security camera captured video of a River Rouge gas station shooting that left a man dead earlier this week. The video shows three people getting out of a silver Chrysler 300, walking over to another and firing shots around 6 p.m. Monday at the gas station on Visger Road between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Street. His family identified him as Alex Minor, of River Rouge. The owner of the gas station, Emad Saleh, said the gunmen then sped up the street to get to Minor’s girlfriend, who was in another car with children inside. You can hear from Minor’s cousin and Saleh in the video posted above.

A security camera captured video of a River Rouge gas station shooting that left a man dead earlier this week. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Michigan residents who lost loved ones in nursing homes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic say the system failed them, and theyre demanding answers. Nearly two weeks ago, the Department of Justice requested the state of Michigan hand over information about how it handled COVID-19 cases in nursing homes. According to the Department of Justice, Michigans orders might have resulted in thousands of deaths elderly people in nursing homes. But Michigan families are growing angrier as they struggle to get the answers theyre looking for. Families are also frustrated that the nursing homes have immunity from lawsuits related to COVID-19, she said.

Theyre frustrated that the owners of the Edenville Dam are ignoring deadlines, so they issued them an emergency order. The Edenville Dam failed May 19, leaving 11,000 people evacuated and 2,500 structures damaged by the 500-year flood. With Tuesdays emergency order, Boyce Hydro is forced to alter the Edenville Dam to ensure public safety and have that project done by the end of the year. State officials believe that is the best option to address dam safety concerns right now. They will take a look at Michigans Dam Safety Program and an independent investigation is looking at the factors that led to the dam failure.

Cyber security experts are concerned about attacks on Michigan schools ramping up early in the school year, especially with many students learning remotely. Last year, more than 500 schools across the country were hit by ransomware, cyber security experts said. To make matters worse, the attacks usually picked up in the first few weeks of school when students, parents and teachers had their guard down. Security experts told the Local 4 Defenders that ransomware attacks are on the rise, targeting schools and colleges across the nation. All of them need to be on the lookout for cyber attacks.

DEARBORN, Mich. Police officers cant work from home, and they have to come in close contact with other people. Local 4 got an inside look at how the Dearborn Police Department is handling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dearborn police officers and firefighters needed a coronavirus testing machine, and fast. The important part is we were only one of the public safety teams that includes police and fire to get our hands on a rapid testing machine, Dearborn police Chief Ronald Haddad said. Those officials were quickly isolated and treated, officials said.

You are going to have them probably alone with your kids for several hours, former FBI agent Ned Timmons said. Weve got to see who these people are.With many Michigan schools announcing virtual learning in the fall, some families with financial resources are considering hiring tutors to help their children. They hired a longtime private tutor and former teacher who was out on bond after allegedly soliciting a student for sex. His advice is to do a comprehensive, nationwide background check. A nationwide background check like the ones Timmons referenced can cost between $100-$150 and take two or three days to complete.

DETROIT New details are being released in the case of suspected Detroit serial killer Deangelo Martin. According to court documents, Martin allegedly left a serial killer signature in each case. In many cases he left a victims sock and took the time to position each body in a particular way. His former girlfriend also took the stand on Thursday and said that he had sexually assaulted her in the past. READ: Suspect in Detroit serial killer case charged in sexual assault of second woman

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. There have been billboards pleading for clues, marches in her honor -- now there is a $25,000 reward for clues in the murder of Egypt Covington. Egypt Covington, 27, was shot and killed inside her Van Buren Township home on June 23, 2017 and her murder remains unsolved. READ: Family of Egypt Covington call for MSP to take over investigation from Van Buren policeWhen Egypt Covingtons body was found, her hands were bound with Christmas lights and she had been shot in the head. Michigan State Police are now assisting Van Buren police and Crime Stoppers, giving the case a boost. They are the only ones right now that is fully anonymous, that has $25,000 reward and nobody will know, Brink said.

DETROIT A mother is grieving the loss of her 23-year-old son more than 14 years after he was murdered in Detroit -- and police are still trying to solve the case. (They) told me they tried, but they couldnt save him, Linda Berry said. A sketch of the shooter suspected of killing Gavin Early on June 25, 2006. Meanwhile, Linda Berry says she constantly wonders how Gavins life would have turned out if this never happened. Now, Linda Berry says it is her dream to find out who murdered her son that night 14 years ago.

PORT HURON, Mich. A Michigan man is accused of turning $1 bills into $100 bills. Benigno Santana, 47, was just released from prison in March for controlled substance violation and operating an illegal lab. The complaint against him alleges that he was bleaching $1 bills and reprinting them to be $100. What tipped off federal authorities was that when they examined the counterfeit $100 bills, the $1 on the upper right corner of the genuine dollar bill was still visible. He is expected to be arraigned on a secret service criminal complaint at a later date.

DETROIT A Detroit mother is filing a lawsuit against a Detroit police sergeant and the city. She said she called police for help with a domestic incident. The sergeant involved in the lawsuit has been identified as Ronald Gibson. The womans attorneys said Gibson told her she had a warrant and he had to arrest her and take her away from her children. The lawsuit alleges that Gibson told the mother that he could make the warrant go away if she performed sex acts on him.

DETROIT Palmer Park along Woodward Avenue in Detroit underwent extensive renovations just last year. The changes brought in lots of new people to the park, but they also brought trash. READ: Detroiters contribute to transformation of Palmer ParkThe playscape isnt even a year old yet. The group, Friends of Palmer Park said theyve been telling the city that they need more police officers at the park at night. They said the playground has become a party zone and at 10 p.m. the park closing time isnt being enforced.

GARDEN CITY, Mich. – A Garden City man was charged after posting an ad seeking sex with dogs that triggered an undercover investigation and led to the discovery of an injured rabbit, according to authorities. Elise Ramsey, an investigator with the Michigan Humane Society, said she’ll go anywhere to stop animal cruelty. A recent case in Garden City was incredibly disturbing, she said. Ramsey answered the ad and began an undercover text exchange with the poster, exposing sickening and exhausting evidence, she said. The big picture is going to be much better.”Charges in the case were approved last Friday against Jacob Peltz, 27, of Garden City.

Garden City man charged after post seeking sex with dogs triggers undercover investigationPublished: July 21, 2020, 6:40 pmA Garden City man was charged after posting an ad seeking sex with dogs that triggered an undercover investigation and led to the discovery of an injured rabbit, according to authorities.

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. A Waterford Township woman who said she killed her husband because of years of abuse has been granted parole. Tina Talbot was convicted of murdering her husband in 2018, but she claimed it came after years of abuse. Officials said she shot and killed her husband, Milosz Szczepanowicz, because he abused her and her son with special needs. On Sept. 14, 2018, she told a judge that she shot Szczepanowicz while fearing for the lives of her son and herself. (WDIV)Supporters have been calling on the state to free Talbot, while Szczepanowiczs family has petitioned for her to stay locked up.

LINCOLN PARK, Mich. Police are searching a Lincoln Park home in the the case of a Metro Detroit mom who disappeared without a trace on Mothers Day. My granddaughter needs her mother, Bedfords mother, Kathy Parker, said. We need our daughter.Parker said she remembers Bedfords last call on Mothers Day. Her last known address was on Hanover Street in Lincoln Park. They are conducting a search warrant at a home in Lincoln ParkShe started hanging out with the wrong people in the wrong places, Parker said.

DETROIT Detroit is cracking down on businesses along the riverfront, handing out hundreds of violations and nearly $200,000 in fines earlier this year to companies operating out of compliance. Checking records, city officials said 134 of the riverfront properties cited are still in violation of the city code. Revere Dock updateHere is an update from a Revere Dock spokesperson on where the situation stands:A. Tonja Stapleton, on behalf of Revere Dock, asked Dave Bell, BSEED Director what permit BSEED wanted Revere Dock to apply for pursuant to the order. Mr. Bell indicated to her that no City of Detroit permit is required for the work.

DETROIT – Police around Metro Detroit said they have been flooded with calls from residents reporting others aren’t following Michigan Gov. When people aren’t seeing others wearing masks in public spaces, some are calling 911. “Nobody is social distancing and nobody’s wearing masks,” one caller said about a public park. “There are 100 people in the complex.”In Livingston County, police are getting several 911 calls from people reporting others violating the mask rules or being in businesses where nobody was wearing masks on Monday. “I could keep a staff of 10 (on the mask calls),” Murphy said.

The strict new rules are aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but there are concerns that some businesses and residents wont obey. Haidar Koussan, the owner of Greenland Market in Dearborn said at first, customers didnt believe there was a dangerous virus going around. They would argue about wearing a mask, Koussan said. Though its far from perfect, the process of wearing masks and having businesses enforce the rule has to start at the front door. Some dont watch the news and some didnt know about masks, but participation was 100% on Monday, the owner said.

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. A Ypsilanti Township trustee and her husband are on edge after someone shot a bullet into their car, which was parked right next to their house. Yypsilanti Township Trustee Monica Ross-Williams wants to know if the shooting was random, racially motivated or a message. Ross-Williams is running for township clerk. She and her husband said tensions in the township are running high. READ: Ypsilanti mayor apologizes for racist comment about Black residentWatch the video above for the full report

TAYLOR, Mich. Its been nearly seven years since Chelsea Small was murdered in Taylor, and the lead investigator in her case said not a moment goes by when he isnt thinking about finding the killer. A man with a silenced gun walked in and shot Small twice, killing her, officials said. Josh Schneider, the lead detective in the case, told the Local 4 Defenders that not a moment goes by in his life when he isnt thinking about finding Smalls killer. All of the evidence in the case was gathered the day Small was shot. If robbery was the motive, investigators question why Small was shot first when she had access to much more money.

DETROIT A house belonging to a mother and her daughter on Detroits west side came collapsed over the weekend, and they said their landlord wouldnt answer their calls. READ: Detroit familys home collapses as landlord refuses to answer callsEva Hunter, 77, and her daughter, Nikki, were renting a home on West Philadelphia Street on Detroits west side. Over the weekend, the house came crashing down. They condemned the house, Hunter said. With everything going on, Detroit police and building inspectors are looking for the landlord.

DETROIT A house belonging to a mother and her daughter on Detroits west side came collapsed over the weekend, and they said their landlord wouldnt answer their calls. Eva Hunter, 77, and her daughter, Nikki, were renting a home on West Philadelphia Street on Detroits west side. Over the weekend, the house came crashing down. UPDATE -- June 29, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 63,497, Death toll now at 5,915We dont have any help, Nikki said. Despite a crumbling facade outside and ceiling and structural damage inside, Hunter said their landlord would not answer their calls.

DETROIT Nursing homes have been hit hardest by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Michigan and around the country. Whitmer admits flaws in controversial COVID-19 nursing home policyThe biggest failure in the U.S. has been not helping people in nursing homes, said Arthur Caplan, the head of the Medical Ethics Division at New York University. MORE: Michigan lawmakers demand Whitmer stop placing COVID-19 patients in nursing homesIn Massachusetts, my own mom died, he said. It was pretty sad.He said nursing homes just arent designed in a way to provide adequate safety during an outbreak. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all nursing home staff and residents to be tested for the coronavirus.

Key witness says he saw Priscilla Slater during shooting before she died in Harper Woods cellPublished: June 16, 2020, 6:32 pmA key witness in the case of Priscilla Slater’s death described her involvement in a shooting incident before the 38-year-old was found dead in a Harper Woods holding cell.

MIDLAND, Mich. As many as 60 residents have joined a class-action lawsuit against the owners of the dams that failed and caused catastrophic flooding in mid-Michigan. READ: Investigating who is responsible for Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsTheres a lot of finger pointing as residents join a class-action lawsuit against the dam owners and the state. We moved up here because we wanted to be by the lake (where) we grew up as kids, Tom said. Lantzys law firm is representing more than 60 families in the class-action lawsuit against dam owner Boyce Hydro. The lawsuit looks to hold Boyce Hydro negligent and liable for damages, including medical expenses, property damage and property value.

DETROIT Local 4 spoke exclusively to a Detroit homeowner who is suing firefighters for taking a viral photo in front of his burning home on New Years Eve. When Detroit firefighters took a photo in front of Deonte Higginbothams burning house, it went viral. Higginbothams attorney, Steve Haney, told Local 4 that talks with the department and city officials have gone nowhere. On Tuesday, Higginbotham and Haney filed a negligence lawsuit against the city, the Detroit Fire Department and all the firefighters in the photo. Its a really horrible look for the city of Detroit, Haney said.

HARPER WOODS, Mich. A key witness in the case of Priscilla Slaters death described her involvement in a shooting incident before the 38-year-old was found dead in a Harper Woods holding cell. The man told the Local 4 Defenders he saw why Harper Woods police had contact with Slater at the Parkcrest Motel last week. He started shooting -- Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom,' the witness said. The witness told Local 4 both were arrested without incident. But 11 and a half hours later, Slater was found unresponsive in a holding cell at the Harper Woods Department of Public Safety.

The idea behind Project Green Light is to use cameras linked to police to keep the community safe. 2 was to end Project Green Light. Now there are Project Green Light cameras all over the city. Beydoun said hes seen an increase in business because of Project Green Light. It will be up to them if Project Green Light continues or is shut down, Beydoun said.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. A Northville family whose cottage was destroyed when dam failures caused catastrophic flooding in mid-Michigan said they thought they would retire in the next few years, but thats no longer the case. Julie Ann Van Ameyde said her family is still reeling from the floods and feels forgotten by the government. This was going to be our retirement home, Van Ameyde said. Van Ameyde lives in Northville, but she and her husband had a retirement home in Beaverton. An act of God, Van Ameyde said.

It turns out six dams in the area are considered “high hazard potential." A high hazard dam might cause serious damage to homes, buildings, highways and lives, according to experts. The Pontiac Lake Dam is also considered a high hazard potential -- upsetting news to those who live and fish on the lake. According to EGLE, there are 85 high hazard potential dams in the state. The Defenders asked for copies of the inspection reports and lists of violations for the six high hazard potential dams in Southeast Michigan, but we are still waiting for that paperwork.

DETROIT Authorities in Metro Detroit are skeptical of the Minneapolis City Council plan to disband the citys police department. Certainly they have probably the right to opt out of having a police department, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said. Right now, theres a call from protesters to defund the Detroit Police Department. People in the city of Detroit want their police department, Detroit police Chief James Craig said. What is the plan?Craig said he feels there will be reform or restructuring of police departments in Minneapolis and across the country.

DETROIT Local 4 has learned why Detroit officials decided not to enforce the curfew Wednesday night when protesters continued to march through the streets past 8 p.m.Mayor Mike Duggan said he let Detroit police Chief James Craig make the call on whether to enforce the curfew. READ: Protesters declare victory after Detroit police let them march without enforcing curfewOn Friday and Saturday, when the sun went down, peaceful protesters went home while violent protesters tried to take over the streets. We agree with protesters, Duggan said. On Thursday night, Craig put himself alongside protesters, and the mayor left it up to him to make the controversial call to disregard the curfew. Protesters have gathered for Thursday night, and the curfew is still on.

DETROIT Detroits police chief and community leaders criticized out-of-town protesters who are coming to the city and seem intent on creating a confrontation. Whitmer during COVID-19 pandemicRay Winans, a Detroit mentor and community leader, said he doesnt condone protesters destroying the city. Its not right, and its outright disrespectful.On Tuesday night, protesters marched up Gratiot Avenue and got into a confrontation with Detroit police officers when they refused to disperse. The rest were from Detroit suburbs, except for six from Maryland, Washington, D.C., California and New York City. Do you care about the city of Detroit? Craig asked.

DETROIT Young Detroiters have been garnering a lot of praise for their handling of some tense situations during the protests. One of the standouts has been a 22 year-old woman named Gabrielle Wilson. RELATED: Detroit authorities, community leaders working together to keep protests peacefulWilson has stood out for her strong message against police brutality and her ability to keep things calm. Wilson continues to work her shifts as a security guard and on no sleep, she continues to protest. Wilson has also stood out to Detroit film maker Stephen McGee.

DETROIT The outrage over George Floyds killing in Minneapolis has spilled over into violence around the country, but in Detroit, authorities and community leaders are working together to keep protests peaceful. From Detroit City Hall to the neighborhoods, people are making sure violence and vandalism is contained during protests. That success has a lot to do with the relationships police build with community leaders such as Maurice Hardwick, better known as Pastor Mo. Detroiters such as artists Trick Trick, Tray Little and Gabrielle Wilson all defended the city. You can hear from Bettison and Pastor Mo in Shawn Leys full video posted above.

DETROIT Detroit police officers are working closely with the FBI to identify and track outsiders who are coming to the city and trying to turn protests into chaos. These individuals have an agenda, Detroit police Chief James Craig said. Craig said he believes theyre in the city to tear down the bridges police have spent years building with the Detroit community. We know that, and we are poised to address it.Police have arrested people coming into the city from Washington, D.C., Nashville and Ohio. The majority of the arrests at Downtown Detroit protests have been people from the Metro Detroit suburbs, including Ferndale, Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and Orion Township.