Black sustains objection made by defense team for Wirgau
Trending
ALPENA -- Judge Ed Black, on Monday in Alpena County's 26th Circuit Court, sustained an objection made by the defense team for Joshua Wirgau -- who faces first-degree murder charges in the alleged killing of Alpena women Brynn Bills and Abby Hill -- against a seven-day order for discovery made by the prosecution.
The objection was raised by Wirgau's defense team, attorneys Dennis Grenkowicz, and Rick Steiger. Brad Srebnik -- who is also charged with first degree murder in the alleged killing of Hill and Bills in 2021 -- also appeared at the objection hearing on Monday via Zoom along with one of his lawyers, Devin Pommerenke.
Wirgau didn't appear via Zoom, but was represented by Grenkowicz who appeared before Black in person.
The objection was sustained by Black under the notion that there was never an official bench order for discovery.
Wirgau was bound over to 26th Circuit Court to face trial in June on two counts of premeditated murder, weapons charges and disinterment and mutilation of a body for his involvement in the alleged killings.
A day prior to that, Srebnik was bound over on two counts of premeditated murder, weapons charges, and disinterment and mutilation of a body.
If convicted, both men face life in prison.
Their trial is set to go from Oct. 18 to Nov. 1.
Last month, Black pushed back by a month the trial for both men to give the defense adequate time to file motions. The trail was originally set for Sept. 11 to 27.
Both Srebnik and Wirgau are currently serving prison time for a previous crime.
Also in court on Monday:
∫ Grant Hoeft was sentenced to 20 months to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of manufacturing/delivery of methamphetamines with credit for 32 days served.
Prior to the sentencing, Hoeft's attorney Daniel Hartman argued before Black that despite Hoeft being found in possession of 71.7 grams of methamphetamines and 12.9 grams of heroin, he should receive only one year in county jail.
Hartman argued that due to Hoeft's progress in dealing with his addictions and his physical disability, which was the result of a serious car crash, he should be given a lighter sentence.
Black denied the request and instead gave Hoeft the 20 months to 20 year sentence.