Trenton

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Public safety officials acknowledged that coyotes are likely responsible for having attacked and killed several pets in recent weeks. Police have responded to resident reports and sightings, and are asking that pet owners take extra caution. City officials, according to a statement, “are taking measures to minimize the threat of a coyote attack,” and that the city’s natural features – including Elizabeth Park – attract wildlife. Both the police department and animal control … [Read more...] about City takes steps to address coyote sightings

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Continued efforts and funding for projects will soon add a “major addition” to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Gateway. A $1 million agreement recently was approved between Wayne County officials and the Downriver Community Conference for the construction of a boat dock and fishing pier at the refuge. County Commissioner Joseph Palamara – who represents Trenton and Gibraltar – said in a statement the project will continue the vision of the site. “This is a … [Read more...] about Dock, pier to join Refuge offerings

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Barring any further delays, a jury trial is set to begin this month in the March strangulation homicide of a 50-year-old Trenton man. Aaron Sydney Marshall, 35, has been charged with felony murder and first-degree premeditated murder in the death of George Hite. Police and prosecutors said the Detroit resident, on March 11, strangled Hite in his Westwood home. The 65-year-old Hite, a longtime little league umpire, lived in the home for about a year with his elderly … [Read more...] about Trial set for man charged in strangulation death

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Although specific numbers won’t be made public until next month, City Administrator Jim Wagner said the expected audit of municipal finances is expected to reveal continued stability. Having endured periods of declining revenue and staff reductions, Wagner said officials are better positioned to prepare for future challenges – notably the recent and anticipated loss of tax revenues from DTE Energy. “Income is flat,” Wagner said of projected tax revenues. “But we’re in the … [Read more...] about City expects stable audit report

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – It’s planned as a fundraiser, but those who help take care of the city’s history hope to do more than raise donations with the upcoming Bowling for Dollars to support restoration of the Trenton Historical Museum. “We’re trying to keep people interested,” said Nada Frost, vice president of the Trenton Historical Society, a non-profit group which serves as caretaker of the Moore-Boelter house – a late 1800s home on St. Joseph Street in which the city’s past is treasured. “We’re … [Read more...] about Bowling party planned to benefit museum

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — A police officer who shot and killed an 18-year-old man in May was determined to have acted in self-defense and for the public's safety. Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy announced Friday that no charges resulted from a three-month investigation. "The officers not only acted in self-defense and defense of others," Worthy said in a statement, “but no shots were fired until after the decedent had seriously injured one of the officers." Police responded to a home in the 2800 … [Read more...] about Trenton officer cleared in shooting

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – Whether voters select a new city council member in November remains to be seen, but the otherwise quiet fall ballot will result in an uncontested change in municipal operations. City Clerk Patricia Gearhart will not seek re-election – she’d announced in June her plans to retire – and Deputy Clerk Debra Devitt is the lone candidate for the position. “It’s a four-year term and I didn’t want to run for something knowing I might not fulfill it,” Gearhart said. “My husband has … [Read more...] about Fall ballot sets stage for change at clerk’s office

By JAMES MITCHELL
 Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – The man charged with the strangulation death of 64-year-old George Hite will face felony murder charges after being bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court. Aaron Marshall, 35, of Detroit was bound over Aug. 3 by 33rd District Court Judge Michael McNally. According to court records Marshall was charged with first-degree, premeditated homicide and felony murder. Both carry potential sentences of life in prison without possibility of parole. Hite was discovered in his … [Read more...] about Suspect bound over for strangulation death

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON – A Detroit man who’d been facing charges of lying to police during a homicide investigation has been charged with the March strangulation death of George Hite. According to court records, Aaron Marshall, 35, was arraigned June 18 before 33rd District Court Judge Jennifer Coleman Hesson on charges of premeditated homicide and felony murder. Both carry a potential sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole. Charges had been expected, Trenton Director of Police … [Read more...] about Man faces murder charges in strangulation death

By JAMES MITCHELL Sunday Times Newspapers TRENTON — State Police are investigating a shooting incident in which a city officer fired at and struck an 18-year-old man Thursday afternoon. The man, reportedly identified as Trenton High School senior Kyle Baker, died Friday morning from his injuries. Director of Police and Fire James Nardone said that about 4:30 p.m. Thursday officers responded to calls of a public disturbance in the 28000 block of Longmeadow. Baker appeared “highly agitated and possibly under the influence of … [Read more...] about Man shot, killed in police confrontation