Brad Srebnik, accused of killing two women in 2021, to possibly testify on his own behalf
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ALPENA -- Brad Srebnik, an Alpena man accused of killing two women in 2021, has until today to decide if he wants to testify on his own behalf and explain the events that led to the deaths of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill.
Srebnik is charged for the deaths of the two women. The charges against him include two counts of premeditated murder, weapons charges, and disinterment and mutilation of a body. He faces life in prison but denies the allegations.
During day eight of the trial on Wednesday, Srebnik's attorney Patrick Cherry informed the judge, while the jury was out of the courtroom, that having the defendant take the witness stand could be in the cards. He said if Srebnik decides to testify, it would be at some point early in the day today.
Alan Curtis, who is 88th District Court Judge, but overseeing the trial in the 26th Circuit Court, said Srebnik has the right to defend himself, but it is a decision he can only make on his own and without encouragement from his counsel.
"That decision belongs to you," Curtis told Srebnik. "Your counsel can give you advice on whether it is a good idea or if they don't think it is a good idea, and anything in between, the pros and the cons. But, that decision ultimately rests with you and not your counsel. I just want to make sure you're aware of that."
So far, Josh Wirgau, who was also charged with a series of felonies before reaching a plea deal with the stat, and Bruce Kinsey, another close friend of Srebnik, have testified. However, each has lied to the police multiple times during questioning. Both received a level of preferential treatment from the state in exchange for their honest testimony during the trial.
Wirgau pleaded guilty to charges from the destruction of Bills' body and other felonies. He faces no less than 15 years in prison and no more than 30 years.
If Srenbik testifies on his own behalf, his testimony may rebut some of the claims made by them.
Also on Wednesday, Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Anthony Utt took the stand and walked the jury through the search for Bills after she turned up missing and what led to the discovery of her body behind Wirgau's house in the late summer of 2021.
Utt shared the challenges of interviewing dozens of witnesses and utilizing the findings from about 70 search warrants that were granted during the investigation.
He explained how Hill and Srebnik were arrested downstate, which was arranged with the MSP fugitive team so Hill could be questioned about Bill's disappearance, and how detectives and MSP specialty units uncovered the evidence the prosecution hopes will put Srebnik behind bars for life.
Utt also talked about the cat-and-mouse game police played with the suspects when they were on the run, and during questioning when many people refused to be forthright about what they knew.
The prosecution put a cap on its case on Wednesday, and the defense had several witnesses on the stand. At least two more witnesses will testify this morning and are also slated to testify. Then, all eyes will be on Srebnik to see if he takes the witness stand or not. If not, the defense could rest its case and the trial would move on to closing statements. After that, the jury will receive its final orders and go into deliberation.