Once released from prison, both men will be lodged in jail in Northeast Michigan while they await trial — currently slated for sometime in October — for the alleged murders of Abby Hill and Brynn Bills.

Brad Srebnik and Josh Wirgau are currently in state prison on weapons charges stemming from the alleged hijacking of a tow truck in 2021.

Alpena County Sheriff Eric Smith said he is unsure right now if both Srebnik and Wirgau will be held in the county jail or if one will be housed somewhere else nearby.

Srebnik will be held with no bond, while Wirgau’s bond was set at $2 million.

Brad Srebnik

According to the Michigan Department of Corrections’ Offender Tracking Information System, Wirgau is slated to be released from the Bellamy Creek Correctional facility on Sept. 26. He is classified as a level four inmate by the Department of Corrections.

Srebnik will be released from the Ionia Correctional Facility on Sept. 29. He is considered a level five inmate, which is considered the highest risk.

The state rates prisoners from one to five and, the lower the rating, the more privileges and freedom of movement inmates have within their facility.

Smith said the jail does give inmates rankings, but, overall, the inmates are treated the same. Speaking generally, he said higher-risk people are often housed with other high-risk inmates or possibly isolated.

Smith would not elaborate on how Wirgau and Srebnik will be housed when they arrive. He said the men will not endanger others in the area.

“We always assume the worst for any prisoner, so the procedure is the same for all of them,” Smith said. “But, if they can be held on charges, they aren’t going anywhere and are no threat to the community.”

Smith said that, once Srebnik and Wirgau are cleared to leave prison, either a deputy or someone from the Department of Corrections will transport them to Northeast Michigan.

Srebnik is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, one count of dismemberment of a dead body and mutilation, and felony firearm. He is being tried as a habitual offender.

Wirgau is charged with first-degree murder, disinterment and mutilation of a dead body, and being an accessory after the fact.

They face up to life in prison.