MANISTIQUE, Mich. (AP) — Murder charges have been dismissed against one defendant in the deaths of three people whose bodies were found in a burned-out car in the Upper Peninsula.
The Daily Press of Escanaba reported Friday that other charges against 46-year-old Kenneth Brunke also were dismissed in 93rd District Court in Manistique.
Brunke did plead guilty to two new charges -- obstruction of justice and lying to a peace officer -- and will be sentenced December 10th.
A preliminary examination is scheduled Monday for 47-year-old Gary Cordell. Cordell also is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful imprisonment.
The bodies of 31-year-old Carrie Nelson, 25-year-old Heather Aldrich and 42-year-old Jody Hutchinson were found April 17th in Doyle Township, 70 miles southeast of Marquette.