Trooper Butterfield

GUILTY.

February 25, 2014
GUILTY.

By Rob Alway and Lisa Enos, MCP LUDINGTON — A jury has found Eric John Knysz guilty of murdering Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield on Sept. 9, 2013 in Free Soil Township. The 20-year-old Irons resident sat emotionless — as he has throughout his seven day trial — while the verdict was read. The jury deliberated for just over…

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Closing arguments

February 25, 2014
Closing arguments

LUDINGTON — “Every defendant is entitled to his day in court,” said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola at the onset of his closing arguments to the jury in the 51st Circuit Court case of the People vs. Eric Knysz, 20, of Irons, accused of first degree murder of peace officer, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield who was pronounced dead…

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Jury deliberates

February 25, 2014
Jury deliberates

LUDINGTON — The jury went into deliberation at 3:38 p.m. to decide the fate of Eric John Knysz, the man accused of killing Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield on Sept. 9, 2013 in Free Soil Township. Closing arguments by the prosecution and defense ended around 2 p.m. and 51st Circuit Court Judge Richard Cooper gave instructions to the jury.…

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Prosecution and defense rest their cases

February 25, 2014
Prosecution and defense rest their cases

LUDINGTON — The prosecution and defense have both rested their cases in the 51st Circuit Court trial of the People of the State of Michigan versus Eric John Knysz. Knysz, 20, of Irons, chose not to testify and he was the only witness listed as a defense witness. Court has been adjourned until 1:30 p.m. At that time Mason County…

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The timeline of the crime

February 25, 2014
The timeline of the crime

This is a map and timeline of the events that took place on and around Sept. 9, 2013, the night Trooper Paul Butterfield was killed. #TrooperMurderTrial. 

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