Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook [Traverse City Record-Eagle]
Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook
Joni Holbrook
Joni Holbrook was in Benzie District Court Monday for a preliminary hearing in the August 10, 2009 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook. [JAN-MICHAEL STUMP / Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump]
Sergeant Melvin Holbrook was found dead in his home on August 10, 2009. His wife, Joni Holbrook admitted to police that she had shot Melvin.
Joni Holbrook's mugshot, following her arrest for the murder of her husband, MSP Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Joni Holbrook at her arraignment in the shooting death of her husband. MSP Sergeant Melvin Holbrook. Joni Holbrook was charged with open murder.
Joni Holbrook was in Benzie District Court Monday for a preliminary hearing in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook. Jan-Michael Stump / Record-Eagle.
State Police Troopers in Traverse City Mourn Loss of Sgt. Holbrook
9 and 10 News
8/10/2009
The news of Sergeant Melvin "Paul" Holbrook's death hit hard at the Michigan State Police Post in Traverse City where Holbrook worked for much of his 23-year career.
Holbrook was a shift supervisor and a fraud investigator at the Traverse City post. He joined the Michigan State Police in April of 1986.
9&10's Kalee Iacoangeli and photojournalist Jordan Nagel spoke with the post commander about how the Troopers will remember Sergeant Holbrook.
10:46 am: Police sergeant killed in Benzie
Traverse City Record
August 10, 2009
BEULAH — A Michigan State Police sergeant was killed in Benzie County.
Melvin Paul Holbrook, 53, was found dead early Monday on Derby Lane in Homestead Township. State police were processing the scene this morning, according to a release from the Benzie County Sheriff's Department.
The release said deputies were called to Derby Lane shortly after 1 a.m. Monday on a report of an assault. A 53-year-old male was found dead at the scene, and police arrested a suspect.
Lt. Bill Elliott of the Traverse City post confirmed the victim was Holbrook, but wouldn't provide details. Benzie sheriff's officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment.
Holbrook was a 23-year state police veteran, Elliott said. He worked at the Traverse City post.
Update: Police Arrest Woman for Benzie County Murder
FOX 33
8/10/2009
Police are at the scene of a murder in Benzie County.
Officers tell Northern Michigan's News Leader they arrested Joni Holbrook for shooting her husband, Michigan State Police Sergeant Melvin P. Holbrook in his sleep.
The murder happened at a home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township just after 1:00 am.
We have a crew at the courthouse, and will bring you continuing coverage tonight on Fox 32 News at Seven and Ten.
Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook was found dead Monday morning in Homestead Township
ConnectMidMichigan
August 10, 2009
BENZIE COUNTY -- A sergeant with the Michigan State Police was found dead in Benzie County early Monday.
Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook's body was found in Homestead Township.
According to a press release, shortly after 1 a.m., police were called to the scene for a report of an assault on Derby Lane, where a 53-year-old male was found dead.
It was later confirmed that Holbrook was the victim.
It has also been confirmed that his wife has been arrested as a suspect and charged with open murder.
Holbrook was a 23-year State Police veteran at the Traverse City Post.
Few details are available at this time, but check back often to UpNorthLive.com and your TV7&4 Newscasts for the very latest.
12:25 pm: Wife charged in death of policeman
Traverse City Record
August 10, 2009
BEULAH — The wife of a State Police sergeant is jailed on an open murder charge after authorities found him dead at his home early Monday.
Joni K. Holbrook, 47, was arraigned on the charge Monday morning in front of Judge Brent Danielson, who ordered her held without bond. Her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook, 53, was found dead early Monday at their home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township.
Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty said the woman called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. Monday and told police she'd shot her husband. Upon their arrival, officers found Holbrook dead lying in his bed, the prosecutor said.
Holbrook was a 23-year state police veteran, State Police Lt. Bill Elliott said. He worked at the Traverse City post.
12:30 pm Update: Police Arrest Woman for Benzie County Murder
9 & 10 News
8/10/2009
Police are at the scene of a murder in Benzie County.
Officers tell Northern Michigan's News Leader they arrested Joni Holbrook for shooting her husband, Michigan State Police Sergeant Melvin P. Holbrook in his sleep.
The murder happened at a home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township just after 1:00 am.
We have a crew at the courthouse, and will bring you continuing coverage tonight on 9 and 10 News at 5:00 and 6:00.
Michigan State Police officer's wife charged with his murder
Detroit News
August 10, 2009
Beulah -- The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
MSP officer found dead, wife charged with murder
FOX28- South Bend, IN
August 10, 2009 1:54 PM ET
BEULAH, Mich. (AP) - The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty says she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott says Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Jim Amberg, an attorney for Joni Holbrook, declined to comment on the case.
Information from: Traverse City Record-Eagle, http://www.record-eagle.com/
MSP sergeant shot to death by wife Calls 911, says she shot him
WOOD TV8
August 10, 2009
BEULAH, Mich. (AP) - The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty says she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott says Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Jim Amberg, an attorney for Joni Holbrook, declined to comment on the case.
Traverse City State Police officer found dead, wife charged with murder
MLive
Monday August 10, 2009
BEULAH -- The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty says she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott says Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Jim Amberg, an attorney for Joni Holbrook, declined to comment on the case.
MSP officer found dead, wife charged with murder
9 and 10 News
Posted: 8/10/2009
Tonight police are still unsure what happened in a Benzie County home that left a Michigan State Police sergeant dead.
Benzie County deputies say they found Sergeant Melvin Holbrook dead in his bedroom early this morning.
Holbrook was a desk sergeant with the Michigan State Police in Traverse City.
Wife Charged With Killing MSP Officer
Melvin Holbrook Found Dead Early Monday
WNEM News
August 10, 2009
BEULAH, Mich. -- The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty said she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott said Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Jim Amberg, an attorney for Joni Holbrook, declined to comment on the case.
Police say Holbrook's wife, Joni Holbrook, called 911 shortly after 1:00am today.
They arrested her upon arrival at couple's home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township.
Today a judge charged Joni Holbrook with open murder.
The county prosecutor says she admitted on a 911 recording that she shot her husband while he slept.
Police say Joni's 24 year old son was home at the time but did not witness the shooting.
They say it's too early to tell what happened that could've triggered the murder.
Police are waiting on autopsy results to confirm the cause of death, and forensic experts are processing evidence taken from the scene. 9 and 10's Erika Waddell and photojournalist Stephanie Adkins have the story.
MSP sergeant found dead in home
UP North Live News
August 10, 2009
Benzie County deputies received a call a little after 1 a.m. Monday from the police sergeant's wife. She told them that she shot her husband, Melvin Holbrook who is a sergeant with the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post.
HOMESTEAD TOWNSHIP -- Benzie County deputies were alerted to a home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township just after 1 a.m. Monday. Homeowner, Joni Holbrook told central dispatchers that she shot her husband, Melvin Holbrook, a sergeant at the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post.
"What did she say to 911 dispatch?" asks 7 and 4 News.
"They were advised there had been an assault, not in those specific words but needed to get deputies there and three deputies responded immediately," says Benzie County Sheriff, Rory Heckman.
Deputies say when they arrived they found that Sergeant Holbrook had been shot dead in his bed. His wife again admitted to shooting her husband.
"She was calm and advised what had occurred...We don't know at this time what lead up to the incident. That is still being investigated by deputies," says Sheriff Heckman.
Joni Holbrook was then arrested and taken into custody. She was arraigned later Monday morning on an open charge of murder without bond.
"She's been charged with a crime. The next thing, she'll have an attorney appointed to her or retained and the next thing will be a prelim to determine the obvious questions of whether there was probable cause to believe she committed this crime," says Sheriff Heckman.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Heckman says they're not releasing any information on a possible motive for the crime.
"We've recovered some evidence. The crime lab from Graying state police post came down and evidence was collected and it will be examined by forensic scientists," says Sheriff Heckman.
Sergeant Holbrook's body was taken to Spectrum Healthcare in Grand Rapids for an autopsy. Pending those results, Sheriff Heckman says they will be able to determine the exact cause of death.
Trooper Shot, Wife Arraigned For Open Murder
Interlochen Public Radio
August 10, 2009
A Michigan State Police Sergeant from Benzie County is dead. His wife has been arraigned on a charge of open murder.
53-year-old Melvin Holbrook was known by his middle name, Paul.
Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman says deputies found the state trooper dead when they arrived at the Homestead Township home shortly after one o'clock this morning. He had been shot.
Heckman says this is the first time the Benzie County Sheriff's Department has ever been called to the house.
He says deputies responded after the state trooper's wife, Joni Holbrook, called 911, and allegedly told dispatch she had shot her husband.
She was arraigned later in the morning, and jailed, without bond.
MSP Officer Found dead, Wife Charged
WSGW- AM radio
August 10, 2009
The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
Fourty-seven-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City. Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty says she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott says Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Mich. woman accused in husband's death cites abuse
WSBT, South Bend, IN
Aug 10, 2009
BEULAH, Mich. (AP) —The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant has been charged in his death.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports 47-year-old Joni Holbrook was arraigned Monday in Benzie County District Court on an open-murder charge.
Her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook, was found dead early Monday at their home in Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty says she called 911 shortly after 1 a.m. and said she'd shot her husband.
Michigan State Police Lt. Bill Elliott says Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Jim Amberg, an attorney for Joni Holbrook, declined to comment on the case.
State Police sergeant killed by wife Wife told police, dispatchers she'd shot husband
WOODTV-8
11 Aug 2009
NEAR TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (WOOD) - A Michigan State Police Sergeant is dead after being shot and killed by his wife.
Joni Holbrook - the wife of Sergeant Melvin Holbrook - was the one who called 911, and told dispatchers she had just shot her husband.
When Benzie County deputies arrived at the Holbrook home near Traverse City just after 1 a.m. Monday morning, they found Sergeant Melvin Holbrook dead in his bed.
Police say that during initial questioning, Joni Holbrook again admitted to killing her husband.
"She was calm and advised what had occurred," Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman said. "We don't know at this time what lead up to the incident. That is still being investigated by deputies."
Joni Holbrook was arrested and taken into custody. She was arraigned later Monday morning on a charge of open murder, and is being held without bond.
Right now, the sheriff is not releasing any details on a possible motive.
Troopers at the Traverse City post say Holbrook was an energetic leader that was actively involved in the community.
Woman accused in husband's death cites abuse
Detroit Free Press
AUGUST 11, 2009
An attorney for a northern Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her husband says the Michigan State Police sergeant "abused and tortured" her for years leading up to his death.
Jesse Williams, defense attorney for 47-year-old Joni Holbrook, said today that Holbrook was "physically, mentally and sexually" abused by her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Williams didn't say if Joni Holbrook admitted killing her husband.
Joni Holbrook is charged with open murder in her husband's death. He was found dead Monday at their home in Benzie County's Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Mich. woman accused in husband's death cites abuse
Hometown Life
Posted 8/11/2009 6:45 PM ET
BEULAH, Mich. (AP) — An attorney for a northern Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her husband says the Michigan State Police sergeant "abused and tortured" her for years leading up to his death.
Jesse Williams, defense attorney for 47-year-old Joni Holbrook, said Tuesday that Holbrook was "physically, mentally and sexually" abused by her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Williams didn't say if Joni Holbrook admitted killing her husband.
Joni Holbrook is charged with open murder in her husband's death. He was found dead Monday at their home in Benzie County's Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Police: Wife Murdered State Police Sergeant
AUGUST 11, 2009
BEULAH, Mich. (Map, News) - An attorney for a northern Michigan woman accused of fatally shooting her husband says the Michigan State Police sergeant "abused and tortured" her for years leading up to his death.
Jesse Williams, defense attorney for 47-year-old Joni Holbrook, said Tuesday that Holbrook was "physically, mentally and sexually" abused by her husband, 53-year-old Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Williams didn't say if Joni Holbrook admitted killing her husband.
Joni Holbrook is charged with open murder in her husband's death.
He was found dead Monday at their home in Benzie County's Homestead Township, about 20 miles west-southwest of Traverse City.
Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year police veteran assigned to the Traverse City post.
Report: Questions remain after wife allegedly said she killed Traverse City State Police sergeant
mLive.com
Tuesday August 11, 2009
Few details are emerging a day after the alleged confession by a Benzie County woman, that she killed her husband, a Michigan State Police sergeant.
A report in today's Traverse City Record-Eagle states that Joni K. Holbrook, 47, was formally charged Monday on an open murder count and is being held without bail. Her husband, Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, was found dead in his home, reportedly after Joni Holbrook called 911 after 1 a.m. Monday.
The Benzie County sheriff said it was too soon to comment on details of the case, the newspaper reported.
The Record-Eagle also quoted a former neighbor of the couple who said she had seen signs of domestic disturbances. The newspaper identified Joni K. Holbrook's lawyer as Jesse L. Williams, of Traverse City, who said there would an appropriate time later to comment.
The Record-Eagle checked court records for backgrounds on the couple, noting that Melvin Holbrook's state police career saw him serve at several posts, including Manistee and Ionia.
Questions build in trooper's death No motive known; neighbors allege abuse
Traverse City Record Eagle
Published: August 11, 2009
BEULAH -- Questions abound in the death of a Michigan State Police sergeant whose wife told authorities she shot him in their Benzie County residence.
Benzie Sheriff's deputies found Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, dead in his home on Derby Lane shortly after 1 a.m. Monday. Holbrook, 53, served since 2002 as a desk sergeant at the state police post in Traverse City.
Police arrested his wife of ten years, Joni K. Holbrook, 47. She was arraigned Monday morning on an open count of murder in front of Benzie District Judge Brent Danielson and is being held without bail.
Joni Holbrook called Benzie County 911 at about 1:10 a.m. and said she shot her husband, Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty said. Daugherty said during her arraignment that Holbrook allegedly admitted to shooting her husband as he slept.
Deputies went to the residence and were met by Joni Holbrook. They found Melvin Holbrook dead from apparent gunshot wounds in a bedroom.
Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman said it would be "premature" to provide details of Joni Holbrook's statements to police. He also wouldn't identify the firearm involved.
It's not clear what happened in the hours before the shooting, Heckman said.
"We don't know at this time what led up to the incident; that is still being investigated by deputies," he said.
Holbrook's defense attorney is Jesse L. Williams, of Traverse City.
"She has certainly endured an enormous amount of hardships that no one should have to endure and when the time is right and appropriate we will comment on those hardships," Williams said.
Neighbors of the Holbrooks said the couple had a stormy relationship and that they witnessed signs of physical abuse. Brooke Baker, a daughter of neighbor Barbara Johnson who lived for about three years on Derby Road near the Holbrooks, said Joni Holbrook appeared at Johnson's home last fall and said her husband had just beaten her.
"I asked, 'Why don't you call the cops?'" Baker said. "(Joni) said 'He is the police.'"
Johnson, who moved from the neighborhood July 10, said the alleged abuse wasn't hard to detect.
"She came to my house twice to borrow the phone so someone would help her," Johnson said. "I gave her advice; she should leave him."
"I have watched him push her out in the snow with no coat and then fling her clothes out, and heard arguments in the middle of the night so loud we would get up and listen," Johnson said. "We know that was an officer there, and we were kind of shocked at the behavior that was going on."
Baker said she and her mother never called police to report the alleged abuse, and she's not sure if Joni Holbrook ever did.
Capt. Tim Rod, commander of the state police's 7th District headquarters, refused to say if the state police ever had disciplinary issues with Holbrook.
"That wouldn't be something I could comment on," he said.
The sheriff's department hadn't fielded complaints at the Holbrook residence before, Heckman said.
"Benzie County deputies haven't responded there on any type of call for service or disturbances or domestics or any of that in the past," he said.
Joni Holbrook, whose maiden name is Ankerson, worked for 86th District Court as a clerk from March 1991 through the end of 1999. She was twice divorced before she married the state trooper in November, 1998, according to court and county records.
The couple separated in November 2007. She moved out of the house and he filed for divorce in Benzie County Circuit Court two months later on Jan. 11, 2008. Within two weeks the couple agreed to reconcile, court records show, and the divorce case eventually was dismissed.
Members of Joni Holbrook's extended family were struggling with the news Monday and didn't want to talk about it.
"She's a great person, we all love her dearly, and this is really a hard time," said her cousin, Terri Zenner.
Joni Holbrook's adult son was in the residence at the time of the shooting and provided a statement to police, but Heckman wouldn't give details.
Holbrook hired on with the state police in 1986. He spent time at posts in Manistee and Ionia before being transferred to Traverse City in 1997. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999 while at Richmond and transferred back to Traverse City in 2002.
Holbrook's superiors said he was a diligent and cheerful worker.
"He made sure equipment worked, vehicles were cleaned and oil was changed in the proper sequence," Rod said.
"He was always willing to help other people," said Lt. Bill Elliott, his boss at the Traverse City post. "Always kind of bubbly, always in good spirits."
Holbrook volunteered for the Benzie Central School track team for the past four years and worked closely with the shot-put and discus throwing athletes, school officials said. His daughter will be a senior there this year.
"(Holbrook) was willing to be a part of it ... he was always willing to work with and talk with everybody," said Benzie Central athletic director Karen Leinaar.
Suspect's friends troubled by murder charge
Joni Holbrook 'very loving and kind,' they say
Traverse City Record Eagle
Published: August 12, 2009
TRAVERSE CITY -- Joni K. Holbrook's friends experienced "shock and horror" when they learned she was charged in the shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook.
Holbrook, 47, told authorities she shot and killed her husband as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County's home at about 1 a.m. Monday. She was arraigned on an open count of murder later that morning.
"It's totally out of character, totally out of character," said Tina Lehn, who worked with Holbrook for about eight years at 86th District Court in Traverse City. "She would never hurt anybody for any reason, at any time."
Laurie Stricker, 46, has known Joni Holbrook since both were about 10 years old. She said word of the arrest was deeply troubling for those who know the suspect.
"I have been just inundated with phone calls from the community, the legal community and people I went to school with," Stricker said. "(They're) just really heartbroken over this. She would do anything for me, or anyone. She's just very loving and kind."
Holbrook's preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for Aug. 24. She remains in jail without bond.
Benzie Sheriff's deputies found Melvin Holbrook's body in a bedroom not long after Joni Holbrook called 911 and allegedly said she shot him, authorities said.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. He previously spent time at posts in Coldwater, Ionia, Richmond and Manistee. Other family members could not be located for comment.
Authorities said they still aren't sure what happened in the hours before the alleged shooting, and they aren't releasing details about Joni Holbrook's statements to police or the weapon involved. Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman said his department will spend the week conducting interviews and continuing to investigate the shooting.
The department will interview neighbors who alleged Melvin Holbrook was physically abusive toward his wife, Heckman said.
Stricker, Lehn and other friends of the woman knew of problems in the relationship, and she at times asked them to help her find a new place to stay. She didn't tell friends of any physical abuse, they said.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty said allegations of abuse likely wouldn't affect the outcome of the case.
"Would it make any difference? I don't think it would," he said. "We think we have a solid case, and it will get more solid as we go down the line. We thought we certainly had probable cause when we authorized the (warrant)."
Jesse L. Williams, Joni Holbrook's attorney, said his client's "story deserves to be told."
"She has been physically, mentally and sexually abused, and tortured for the better part of her married life of 10 years," he said. "Her history of mental, physical and sexual abuse from her husband has diminished her to an absolute shell of a person."
Related Stories:
- Questions build in trooper's death
- Wife charged in death of policeman
- Police sergeant killed in Benzie
Melvin Paul Holbrook
Ludington Daily News
August 13, 2009
Melvin Paul Holbrook III, 53, of Beulah, died Monday, August 10 at his home. Paul was born on Feb. 7, 1956 in Ionia, the first child of Melvin and Maureen (Doram) Holbrook Jr., and graduated from Greenville High School with the class of 1974. Paul furthered his studies at Albion College, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1978.
He worked in Grand Rapids as an accountant for seven years before joining the Michigan State Police, graduating from recruit school on April 6, 1986. He served at the Coldwater, Ionia, Manistee, and Traverse City posts, the latter for the past 10 years. Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and playing several sports, and volunteered for the Benzie Central High School track team. He was a member of Northpointe Community Church in Traverse City, and was actively involved with the church worship team.
He was preceded in death by his father in 2008. Paul will be remembered by his mother, Maureen Holbrook of Miami, Okla.; his children, Paul Holbrook IV of Nashville, Tenn., Sabrina Wallington of Toledo, Ohio and Alana Holbrook of Beulah; his grandson, Cameron Reuther; his brothers and sister, Matthew (Sheri) Holbrook of Milwaukee, Wis., Maurice (Maria) Holbrook of Ludington, Mark (Christine) Holbrook of Springfield, Mo. and Meleen (John) Froman of Miami, Okla.; his aunt, Kathleen Holbrook of Petoskey; his uncle, Ron (Dorothy) Doram of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services with State Police Honor Guard will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the auditorium of Benzie Central High School, with his pastor the Rev. Ted Mulder, and Capt. Steve Eccles, MSP Chaplain officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Friday from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Benzie Central High School.
Those who wish may make contributions to the Benzie Central High School Track team in Paul’s memory. Please visit www.stephensfuneralhome.net to sign his guestbook, or to leave a memory of Paul for his family. Arrangements are being cared for by the Wyman Funeral and Cremation Services - Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville.
Melvin Paul Holbrook III
Stephens Funeral Home
Tuesday, February 07, 1956 - Monday, August 10, 2009
Visitations
Friday, August 14, 2009
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Benzie Central High School
9300 Homestead Road, Benzonia, MI 49616
Services
Saturday, August 15, 2009
10:30 AM
Benzie Central High School
9300 Homestead Road, Benzonia, MI 49616
If you asked Melvin Paul Holbrook III who he was, he would have responded “A Michigan State Trooper.” His dedication to his job was of the highest priority to him and he was driven to excellence in his career. Paul was much more than a trooper; he was a son, brother, and father who possessed a diverse palette of interests through which he brought light and life to all those within his reach. Paul was a man of faith who used his gift of music to minister to his church family and bring peace to his soul.
The 1950s were an unprecedented period of time in American history as it was during this decade that racial segregation was declared unconstitutional in public schools by the Supreme Court, the vaccine for polio was discovered, and the world was introduced to the sounds of rock ‘n roll. It was also during this time that Melvin and Maureen (Doran) Holbrook, Jr., of Ionia, Michigan, were pleased to announce the birth of their first child, their son Melvin Paul, on February 7, 1956. Melvin, who was usually known as Paul, was later joined by four younger siblings: Matthew, Maurice “Maurie,” Mark, and Meleen. From an early age he fostered close relationships with his siblings that would follow him throughout his entire lifetime. Paul’s father supported his family through his work for Jackson Vibrator, a manufacturer of railway equipment that is now known as Harsco Track. His mother was a homemaker who cared for her children and kept their busy family schedule intact.
There were a few interests that Paul developed during his formative years that were an integral part of his life as an adult. He loved sports and was a talented and intense opponent during his high school years at Greenville High School. Paul was an All-State fullback in football, played basketball, and was an All-State quarter miler and sprinter on the track team. Paul also had a passion for cars and rebuilt a Barracuda into a street rod. He was passionate about this car as evidenced by his immersion of both time and money. His car was fast, it was loud, it was cool, and most importantly, it was all his! His brothers can still recall the car’s specs – “440cc V8 with a massive carburetor and a tricked-out rear end!”
After graduating from high school in 1974, Paul continued his education at Albion College where he played football for two years. It was also during his time as a student at Albion that he married his high school sweetheart. The young couple soon welcomed two children, Paul IV and Sabrina. Paul graduated from Albion with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting in 1978, and began working as an accountant for a tool & die company in Grand Rapids, where he worked for seven years. Paul discovered that this is not where his heart truly was, and he braced himself for a career change. He applied for acceptance into the prestigious Michigan State Police School and he worked hard to gain admittance. He proudly graduated from recruit school on April 6, 1986.
Paul’s career path then led him to work for the Michigan State Police from a few different posts throughout Michigan including Coldwater, Ionia, Manistee, and for the past ten years, from Traverse City. It was after he became a trooper that Paul remarried and welcomed daughter Alana into his heart.
There were so many things that made Paul unique. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, and he continued to play a variety of sports including softball. To Paul, physical conditioning was more than just a job requirement, it was a lifestyle. He fostered a spirit of generosity, volunteering his time for the Benzie Central High School track team where he worked with shot put and discus throwers. He had attended Resurrection Life Church in Traverse City, and had recently gotten involved in a Bible study at Northpointe Community Church where he also served as a member of the worship team, playing his guitar. It was his faith that helped sustain him when he grieved the death of his father just one year ago. Paul loved music and gained much peace and fulfillment through music over the years. He was a very structured and disciplined individual who always saw things in black and white. Paul was a bit of a perfectionist and thrived on order and structure in his life.
Melvin Paul Holbrook III was a hard working man who was a community servant through and through. He was dedicated to whatever he put his mind to and could always seem to accomplish whatever goal he set forth for himself. Paul was athletic and musically inclined as well, and with his sacrificial nature combined with the love for the people in the communities he served, he impacted lives far too numerous to count.
Paul will be remembered by his mother Maureen Holbrook of Miami, Oklahoma, his children Paul Holbrook IV of Nashville, Tennessee, Sabrina Wallington of Toledo, Ohio, and Alana Holbrook of Beulah; his grandson Cameron Reuther; his brothers and sister Matthew (Sheri) Holbrook of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Maurice (Maria) Holbrook of Ludington, Mark (Christine) Holbrook of Springfield, Missouri, and Meleen (John) Froman of Miami, Oklahoma; his Aunt Kathleen Holbrook of Petoskey; his Uncle Ron (Dorothy) Doran of Dallas, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services with State Police Honor Guard will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 15 at the auditorium of Benzie Central High School, with his pastor Rev. Ted Mulder, and Capt. Steve Eccles, MSP Chaplain officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City.
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9222 Homestead Road Benzonia, MI 49616
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to be delivered Friday afternoon by 3:00 PM
Holbrook services are this weekend
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD
August 14, 2009 07:30 am
BEULAH -- Funeral services for Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook are scheduled for this weekend.
Services with the state police honor guard are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium at Benzie Central High School. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City.
Visitation will be held at the school today from 5 to 8 p.m.
Holbrook, who worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post, was shot and killed inside his home in Benzie County's Homestead Township at about 1 a.m. Monday. His wife, Joni K. Holbrook, is charged with an open count of murder and remains in jail without bond.
Former local MSP sergeant shot, killed
The Daily Reporter, Coldwater Michigan
Fri Aug 14, 2009
Beulah, Mich. - The wife of a Michigan State Police sergeant — once assigned to the Coldwater Post — is being held on open murder charges in Benzie County.
Joni K. Holbrook, 47, admitted she shot and killed Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, as he slept at their home around 1 a.m. Monday.
Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman told the Traverse City Record Eagle it would be “premature” to provide details of Joni’s statements to police. He also wouldn’t identify the firearm involved.
The couple had been married for 10 years but had separated a number of times. Neighbors told the Traverse City paper there had been instances of abuse.
Holbrook was assigned to the Coldwater Post for six years before he transferred in the early 1990’s.
Sgt. Holbrook remembered at funeral
Trooper's wife is charged with his murder
Traverse City Record-Eagle
Record-Eagle
Published: August 15, 2009 08:00 pm
BENZONIA -- Several letters arrived at the Michigan State Police Traverse City post after the death of Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook, but one especially touched his friends and family.
Holbrook worked as desk sergeant at the post and constantly dealt with the public, either by telephone or in person. Sometimes people would complain, and other times they needed help.
Holbrook's friend and pastor, the Rev. Ted Mulder, read a letter to a crowd of people gathered in Benzie Central High School for Holbrook's funeral service Saturday morning. The letter was from a man who often called the post and spoke with Holbrook.
"I was sorry to hear about Sgt. Holbrook ... I always felt like he actually cared about my rather no-problem problems," Mulder read from the letter. "He was always very kind and sympathetic to me, and I'll really miss him."
Police believe Holbrook's wife of ten years, Joni K. Holbrook, shot him inside the couple's Benzie County residence at about 1 a.m. Aug 10. She is charged with an open count of murder and is jailed without bond.
Mulder and others who gathered for Holbrook's funeral service said he constantly went out of his way and took extra time to help others. He was heavily involved in his church, as well as with Benzie Central's bowling and track teams.
"The truth is, he was dependable," said his younger brother, Maurice Holbrook. "When people had a problem, and they needed help, they knew they could ask him, and he always stepped up. That's just the way it was."
Holbrook, 53, joined the state police in 1986 and served in Ionia, Richmond, Manistee and Coldwater. He worked at the Traverse City post from 1997 to 1999 and then from 2002 until his death.
Holbrook, a native of Ionia, graduated from Greenville High School, where he was an all-state fullback on the football team, played basketball and ran track. He earned an accounting degree from Albion College, and worked as an accountant at a tool and die shop before enrolling in state police recruit school. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved music, playing guitar for his church.
Dozens of police officers from several law enforcement agencies attended his funeral, including state police director Col. Peter C. Munoz. Burial was scheduled at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City immediately following the service.
Among the officers and former officers at the funeral was Scott Rothermel, who trained under Holbrook about 10 years ago. Rothermel said Holbrook always spent extra time to help young troopers and was highly regarded at the post.
"He had street smarts as well as book smarts, which combined to make him a very fine trooper," Rothermel said.
Retired Trooper Brett Nichols, who also trained under Holbrook, agreed.
"He'd do anything for you," he said.
Police are still investigating the events that led up to the alleged shooting. They haven't released details about the weapon or Joni Holbrook's statements to police. Maurice Holbrook said during the service that the Holbrook family grieves for her along with Melvin.
"We truly, truly are hurting for her and her family as well," he said.
MSP Trooper laid to rest
Wife is charged with open murder
Up North Live
August 15, 2009
BENZIE -- A community gathers Saturday to say goodbye to one of their own. Michigan State Police Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook was laid to rest Saturday.
"He always came to work with a smile on his face and a willingness and his strength was he wanted to help people," said Captain Tim Rod of the Michigan State Police. "That was his goal everyday is to do what he could for others."
Benzie County Sheriff deputies found the body of Sgt. Holbrook at his home on Derby Lane in Homestead Township near Honor early Monday morning. Holbrook's wife, Joni, is charged with open murder after police say she admitted to shooting him.
Inside Benzie Central High School Saturday, Sgt. Holbrook's younger brother shared with family and friends his fondest childhood memories and his brother's love for athletics and his job.
The pastor of the church that Holbrook attended also spoke of Sgt. Holbrook's strong faith and dedication to the church.
Holbrook's career with the Michigan State Police took him to several posts throughout the state, but it's at the Traverse City post where he would make a home for the past ten years. His colleagues described him as a trooper's trooper, a man dedicated to his job.
"He stayed close to the road and he knew what they were doing and what they were dealing with, with the citizens and complaints and he was sensitive to that," Rod said. "He made sure the troopers had everything they needed to do their job."
Sgt. Holbrook leaves behind three children and one grandson.
"He loved his family, he loved his daughter, he was very active with the community, this school where we stand on this property," Rod said.
Captain Tim Rod says Sgt. Holbrook will be greatly missed by everyone at the state police post.
"Whether you're talking to him in person, or over the phone, he wanted to help you. That's what we'll miss the most...he was there for us," Rod said.
A private burial followed at the Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City. For those who wish to do so, contributions are being accepted to the Benzie Central High School track team in Sgt. Holbrook's memory.
State police join Holbrook investigation
Traverse City Record
August 17, 2009 10:00 pm
BEULAH -- Michigan State Police have joined an investigation into the slaying of a local state police sergeant, and the suspect's attorney questioned whether that step is a conflict of interest.
Joni K. Holbrook, 47, is charged with an open count of murder in the shooting death of her husband of 10 years, Melvin "Paul" Holbrook, 53, a sergeant assigned to the state police Traverse City post. Her attorney, Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, called the state police's role a conflict.
Two people who lived near the Holbrooks last week told the Record-Eagle that Joni Holbrook told them her husband physically abused her in 2008. Williams said the shooting may be a case of self defense.
"There is an inherent flaw with the Michigan State Police investigating this case because of the circumstances that surround it," Williams said.
Holbrook was shot early Aug. 10 in his home on Derby Lane in Benzie County's Homestead Township. Williams alleged Melvin Holbrook "tortured" and physically and sexually abused his wife, though Joni Holbrook showed no apparent signs of physical abuse at her arraignment.
Inspector Russell Smith, of the state police Seventh District headquarters, declined to comment on his agency's involvement. He referred all questions to Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty, who won election to that office last fall.
A business and real estate attorney, Daugherty is directing investigators from the Benzie County Sheriff's Department and state police.
He rejected Williams' conflict allegations.
"The decedent, Mr. Holbrook, hasn't been charged, his wife has been charged," Daugherty said.
Daugherty declined to answer questions about case developments.
A preliminary hearing to determine if enough evidence exists to bind Joni Holbrook over for trial is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. in 85th District Court.
Daugherty previously said Joni Holbrook called Benzie County 911 at about 1:10 a.m. and said she shot her husband. She allegedly made a similar statement to police later that morning, but Daugherty declined to release the statements.
Also present in the house at the time of the shooting was Chad C. Dilts, 24, Joni Holbrook's son from a previous marriage. Police have not said what Dilts may have witnessed at the time of the shooting.
Daugherty has not commented on a possible motive.
Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman said last week deputies would interview neighbors amid the abuse allegations. On Monday, Heckman said he didn't know if those interviews took place and declined to answer any other questions. Heckman said Daugherty told him not to discuss the investigation.
"I have to do what the chief law enforcement officer of the county tells me to do," Heckman said.
Wife allegedly used police weapon
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE
Published: August 21, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/breakingnews/local_story_233110609.html
BEULAH — A Benzie County woman accused of fatally shooting her husband — a Michigan State Police sergeant — referred to him as a "controlling bastard" in a call to a 911 dispatcher, but said the two weren't fighting or arguing when the shots were fired.
"I just killed him," suspect Joni Holbrook allegedly told Benzie County 911 dispatcher Nicole Smith shortly after 1 a.m. on Aug. 10, according to an affidavit filed with the district court by Benzie sheriff's deputy Mark Ketz.
Holbrook allegedly shot state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, with his department-issued .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun as he slept in the couple's 10877 Derby Lane residence near Beulah.
Melvin Holbrook was assigned to the state police Traverse City post.
Benzie deputies allegedly arrived at the shooting scene to find Joni Holbrook standing on the front porch with her hands in the air. Holbrook's service weapon was recovered from a kitchen counter, Ketz's affidavit said.
Joni Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder and is being held in the Benzie County Jail. Her attorney and neighbors contend she had been the victim of domestic abuse, but Joni Holbrook bore no obvious signs of physical trauma upon her arraignment.
A preliminary examination is pending to determine whether enough evidence exists to bind over the case to circuit court for trial.
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE
Published: August 21, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/breakingnews/local_story_233110609.html
BEULAH — A Benzie County woman accused of fatally shooting her husband — a Michigan State Police sergeant — referred to him as a "controlling bastard" in a call to a 911 dispatcher, but said the two weren't fighting or arguing when the shots were fired.
"I just killed him," suspect Joni Holbrook allegedly told Benzie County 911 dispatcher Nicole Smith shortly after 1 a.m. on Aug. 10, according to an affidavit filed with the district court by Benzie sheriff's deputy Mark Ketz.
Holbrook allegedly shot state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, with his department-issued .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun as he slept in the couple's 10877 Derby Lane residence near Beulah.
Melvin Holbrook was assigned to the state police Traverse City post.
Benzie deputies allegedly arrived at the shooting scene to find Joni Holbrook standing on the front porch with her hands in the air. Holbrook's service weapon was recovered from a kitchen counter, Ketz's affidavit said.
Joni Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder and is being held in the Benzie County Jail. Her attorney and neighbors contend she had been the victim of domestic abuse, but Joni Holbrook bore no obvious signs of physical trauma upon her arraignment.
A preliminary examination is pending to determine whether enough evidence exists to bind over the case to circuit court for trial.
Affidavit details night of shooting
Published: August 21, 2009 10:40 pm
BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_233224015.html
BEULAH -- A Benzie County woman accused of fatally shooting her husband -- a Michigan State Police sergeant -- referred to him as a "controlling bastard" in a call to a 911 dispatcher, but said the two weren't fighting or arguing when the shots were fired.
"I just killed him," suspect Joni Holbrook allegedly told Benzie County 911 dispatcher Nicole Smith shortly after 1 a.m. on Aug. 10, according to an affidavit filed with the district court by Benzie sheriff's deputy Mark Ketz.
Holbrook allegedly shot state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, with his department-issued .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun as he slept in the couple's 10877 Derby Lane residence near Beulah.
Melvin Holbrook was assigned to the state police Traverse City post, where he worked as a desk sergeant.
Benzie deputies allegedly arrived at the shooting scene to find Joni Holbrook standing on the front porch with her hands in the air. Holbrook's service weapon was recovered from a kitchen counter, Ketz's affidavit said.
Joni Holbrook told deputies at the scene she shot her husband as he slept, according to the affidavit. Ketz went into the master bedroom and found Melvin Holbrook dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Joni Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder and is being held in the Benzie County Jail. Her attorney and neighbors contend she had been the victim of domestic abuse, but Joni Holbrook bore no obvious signs of physical trauma upon her arraignment.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty didn't return a call for comment. Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams, doesn't believe the 911 recording "even insinuates premeditation," he said.
"We are not surprised or concerned about the statements made in the 911 recording," he said.
A preliminary examination is pending to determine whether enough evidence exists to bind over the case to circuit court for trial.
Published: August 21, 2009 10:40 pm
BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_233224015.html
BEULAH -- A Benzie County woman accused of fatally shooting her husband -- a Michigan State Police sergeant -- referred to him as a "controlling bastard" in a call to a 911 dispatcher, but said the two weren't fighting or arguing when the shots were fired.
"I just killed him," suspect Joni Holbrook allegedly told Benzie County 911 dispatcher Nicole Smith shortly after 1 a.m. on Aug. 10, according to an affidavit filed with the district court by Benzie sheriff's deputy Mark Ketz.
Holbrook allegedly shot state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53, with his department-issued .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun as he slept in the couple's 10877 Derby Lane residence near Beulah.
Melvin Holbrook was assigned to the state police Traverse City post, where he worked as a desk sergeant.
Benzie deputies allegedly arrived at the shooting scene to find Joni Holbrook standing on the front porch with her hands in the air. Holbrook's service weapon was recovered from a kitchen counter, Ketz's affidavit said.
Joni Holbrook told deputies at the scene she shot her husband as he slept, according to the affidavit. Ketz went into the master bedroom and found Melvin Holbrook dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Joni Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder and is being held in the Benzie County Jail. Her attorney and neighbors contend she had been the victim of domestic abuse, but Joni Holbrook bore no obvious signs of physical trauma upon her arraignment.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty didn't return a call for comment. Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams, doesn't believe the 911 recording "even insinuates premeditation," he said.
"We are not surprised or concerned about the statements made in the 911 recording," he said.
A preliminary examination is pending to determine whether enough evidence exists to bind over the case to circuit court for trial.
Joni Holbrook is accused in husband's death
Traverse City Record Eagle
Published: August 26, 2009
BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_238071625.html
BEULAH -- The Benzie County prosecutor wants a judge to prevent murder suspect Joni Holbrook's attorney from making public comments about the case.
District Judge Nancy Kida on Thursday is expected to hear Prosecutor John B. Daugherty's motion to prevent parties in the case from making public statements outside of court. The motion is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot Melvin Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home.
Daugherty's motion contends the case continues to attract "intense interest" from the media. Statements made by Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams, are "endangering the fair trial right of the People by his statements to print and television media."
"The People are concerned that the extensive ... public comment will disrupt the processes by which a fair trial may be preserved," the motion reads.
Williams held a press conference Aug. 18. He called Joni Holbrook the victim of abuse, but didn't provide details or discuss her defense.
Williams plans to fight the motion at Thursday's hearing. Police and Daugherty also spoke with reporters about the case, he said.
"I find it peculiar that they would make statements about the case before they even did any type of investigation ... they got their little jabs in and now they don't want anybody else to know what's going on," he said.
The motion wouldn't prevent Williams from speaking with reporters, Daugherty said, but it would restrict him from providing further facts about the case. Daugherty contends the motion is crucial to Holbrook's right to a fair trial.
"If there's so much publicity on the matter, it makes it more difficult to select a jury that is impartial and hasn't been tainted by various statements along the way," he told a Record-Eagle reporter.
Holbrook's preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send a case to trial, is set for Sept. 28.
Related Items:
- Affidavit details night of shooting
- Editorial: MSP shouldn't be involved
- Poll: Should MSP investigate Holbrook death?
- Lawyer: Joni Holbrook 'victim and survivor'
- State police join Holbrook investigation
- Sgt. Holbrook remembered at funeral
- Suspect's friends troubled by murder charge
- Questions build in trooper's death
- Wife charged in death of policeman
- Police sergeant killed in Benzie
No Gag Order In Benzie Murder Case
Interlochen Public Radio
Interlochen Public Radio
08/27/2009
http://ipr.interlochen.org/print/3960
A judge in Benzie County has refused to gag the defense in a high profile murder case. The prosecutor says publicity of the case will make it hard for Joni Holbrook to get a fair trial. She's accused of murdering her husband, Melvin Holbrook, a state police officer.
The prosecutor, John Daugherty, wanted Holbrook's attorney to be restricted in his comments to the press. Jesse Williams is arguing Holbrook was abused by her husband. He held a press conference earlier this month.
The judge told the prosecutor to file an attorney grievance if he thinks Williams acted improperly.
http://ipr.interlochen.org/print/3960
A judge in Benzie County has refused to gag the defense in a high profile murder case. The prosecutor says publicity of the case will make it hard for Joni Holbrook to get a fair trial. She's accused of murdering her husband, Melvin Holbrook, a state police officer.
The prosecutor, John Daugherty, wanted Holbrook's attorney to be restricted in his comments to the press. Jesse Williams is arguing Holbrook was abused by her husband. He held a press conference earlier this month.
The judge told the prosecutor to file an attorney grievance if he thinks Williams acted improperly.
Judge denies gag order in Holbrook case
Traverse City Record
August 28, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_240071206.html
BEULAH -- Attorneys for murder suspect Joni K. Holbrook can continue to speak publicly about the case, a judge ruled.
Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida on Thursday denied Prosecutor John B. Daugherty's motion to stop Holbrook's attorneys from speaking to the media about the case, rejecting Daugherty's allegations that they were "endangering the fair trial right of the People."
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home.
Holbrook's defense team -- Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, Jim Amberg, of Oakland County, and Dean Robb, of Suttons Bay -- fought the motion in a short hearing before Kida ruled.
Traverse City Record
August 28, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_240071206.html
BEULAH -- Attorneys for murder suspect Joni K. Holbrook can continue to speak publicly about the case, a judge ruled.
Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida on Thursday denied Prosecutor John B. Daugherty's motion to stop Holbrook's attorneys from speaking to the media about the case, rejecting Daugherty's allegations that they were "endangering the fair trial right of the People."
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home.
Holbrook's defense team -- Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, Jim Amberg, of Oakland County, and Dean Robb, of Suttons Bay -- fought the motion in a short hearing before Kida ruled.
Defense attorney Jim Amberg, left, argues against a gag order sought by prosecutors in the case of Joni Holbrook, accused of her husbands death. To the right of Holbrook are defense attorneys Jesse Williams and Dean Robb. Eric VanDussen/Special to the Record-Eagle.
Amberg argued a gag order would hamper Joni Holbrook's "fundamental right" of free speech.
"She has a right to free speech, and not only does she have a right to free speech, but Mr. Williams does, as well as myself," he told Kida.
Williams called Joni Holbrook a victim of physical, mental and sexual abuse at an Aug. 18 press conference in Traverse City, though he wouldn't provide details when pressed by reporters.
"The statements that were made by Mr. Williams were not specific, factual statements, they were general statements," Amberg said, adding that police and Daugherty have repeatedly spoken with reporters about the case.
"To accuse Mr. Williams' statements of (being improper) when the people have put out all sorts of statements right after this happened without doing any type of investigation, I find that akin to the pot calling the kettle black," Amberg said.
Daugherty was "disappointed" by Kida's ruling.
"I don't necessarily agree with it, but we'll carry forth," he said.
Joni Holbrook called 911 at around 1 a.m. Aug. 10 and said she shot her husband, authorities said. Police responded to the couple's Benzie County residence soon after and found Melvin Holbrook dead in a bedroom from apparent gunshot wounds.
Melvin Holbrook, a 23-year veteran of the state police, served as desk sergeant at the Traverse City post since 2002.
Joni Holbrook continues to be held at the Benzie County Jail without bond. Williams asked that a bond be set because Holbrook is suffering from strokes and needs medical attention, but Kida turned down the request.
A preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for Sept. 28.
Related Items:
- - Prosecutor seeks gag order
- - Affidavit details night of shooting
- - Editorial: MSP shouldn't be involved
- - Poll: Should MSP investigate Holbrook death?
- - Lawyer: Joni Holbrook 'victim and survivor'
- - State police join Holbrook investigation
- - Sgt. Holbrook remembered at funeral
- - Suspect's friends troubled by murder charge
- - Questions build in trooper's death
- - Wife charged in death of policeman
- - Police sergeant killed in Benzie
Traverse City Record-Eagle
September 11, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_254073128.html
BEULAH -- Accused killer Joni Holbrook's son awoke to his mother "yelling at the top of her lungs" that she shot her husband, police reports state.
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, of the Traverse City post.
Investigators believe she shot him at about 1 a.m. as he slept in the couple's residence on Derby Lane near Benzonia.
Joni Holbrook's son, Chad C. Dilts, 24, told police he was asleep in an upstairs bedroom when he awoke to his mother calling his name and yelling, "I shot him, I killed him, he's dead," according to police reports obtained under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
Dilts headed downstairs and saw his mother in the kitchen. Holbrook's service weapon, a Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun, sat on a kitchen counter next to the sink.
Dilts peered into Melvin Holbrook's downstairs bedroom and saw him face down on the bed.
Joni Holbrook called 911 to report the incident and allegedly told dispatcher Nicole Smith she shot Holbrook. Smith asked to speak with Dilts after Holbrook said he was in the residence.
Smith briefly spoke with Dilts while his mother sat on a couch, according to a transcript of the 911 call. Smith told Dilts to get in his truck, drive down to nearby Zimmerman Road and wait in the vehicle until police officers could arrive on scene.
Dilts left and was met by a Benzie County sheriff's deputy near the home. Smith, back on the phone with Holbrook, told Holbrook to exit the house and have her hands in the air when officers arrived.
Smith, who has worked as a Benzie dispatcher for a combined eight years, received a letter of commendation for the "appropriate and efficient," manner in which she handled the call, Benzie Undersheriff Bill Sholten said.
Investigators interviewed Holbrook at the Benzie County Sheriff's Department. A sergeant asked her if she needed any marks or injuries documented, and she allegedly replied "he is too smart to leave any marks."
Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams, previously said Holbrook was subject to "physical, mental and sexual abuse" from her husband during their marriage. She told Smith she wasn't fighting or arguing with her husband at the time of the shooting.
Dilts could not be reached for comment.
Police remove computer from Holbrook home
Traverse City Record-Eagle
September 11, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_254073133.html
BEULAH -- Investigators removed a computer from Joni Holbrook's home to search for "forethought of doing harm" to her husband, according to search warrant documents.
Police also removed three .40 caliber cartridge cases from the bedroom where they found Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, 53, dead from gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon, a Sig
Sauer .40 caliber handgun, as he slept.
The pistol had nine remaining bullets in its magazine and one in the chamber, reports indicate. It was recovered from the kitchen counter of the home on Derby Lane near Benzonia.
Investigators found Melvin Holbrook face down on his bed with both arms folded under his chest.
Bullets were removed from his shoulder, chest and the base of his skull during an autopsy at a Grand Rapids hospital.
Holbrook, a 23-year state police veteran, worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. He previously served at posts in Richmond, Ionia, Manistee and Coldwater.
Joni Holbrook, who married Melvin in 1998, remains in custody without bond on an open count of murder. A preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for Sept. 28.
Melvin Holbrook filed for divorce in 2008, though the couple agreed to reconcile and the proceedings were dismissed, records show. A "close family friend" told police Melvin agreed to take Joni back provided she get a job and "get straightened out with her doctors/medications," according to police reports.
Joni Holbrook worked for 86th District Court as a clerk from 1991 until 1999. She suffers from debilitating migraines and had trouble working since leaving the court, her friends said.
The computer is set to be examined by Grand Traverse sheriff's Det. Todd Heller, the region's computer forensic examination specialist.
New details of Holbrook shooting emerge
Traverse City Record Eagle
September 12, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_255205540.html
BEULAH -- Accused killer Joni Holbrook's son awoke to his mother "yelling at the top of her lungs" that she shot her husband, police reports state.
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, of the Traverse City post. Investigators believe she shot him at about 1 a.m. as he slept in the couple's residence on Derby Lane near Benzonia.
Joni Holbrook's son, Chad C. Dilts, 24, told police he was asleep in an upstairs bedroom when he awoke to his mother calling his name and yelling, "I shot him, I killed him, he's dead," according to police reports obtained under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
Dilts headed downstairs and saw his mother in the kitchen. Holbrook's service weapon, a Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun, sat on a kitchen counter next to the sink. Dilts peered into Melvin Holbrook's downstairs bedroom and saw him face down on the bed.
Joni Holbrook called 911 to report the incident and allegedly told dispatcher Nicole Smith she shot Holbrook. Smith asked to speak with Dilts after Holbrook said he was in the residence.
Smith briefly spoke with Dilts while his mother sat on a couch, according to a transcript of the 911 call. Smith told Dilts to get in his truck, drive down to nearby Zimmerman Road and wait in the vehicle until police officers could arrive on scene.
Holbrook prosecutor accused of withholding
Traverse City Record-Eagle
September 15, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_258071031.html
TRAVERSE CITY -- Attorneys for murder suspect Joni Holbrook accused the Benzie County prosecutor of withholding investigative information that could benefit their client.
Holbrook, 47, is jailed without bond on an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook, of the Traverse City post. Investigators believe she shot him at around 1 a.m. as he slept in the couple's residence on Derby Lane near Benzonia.
Defense attorney Jesse Williams said Holbrook endured years of "physical, mental and sexual abuse" from her husband during their marriage, and on Monday charged that county Prosecutor John Daugherty has withheld facts and evidence substantiating the alleged abuse.
Williams also said Daugherty is "leaking" information to the media to help his case while withholding details that are beneficial to Joni Holbrook.
"This isn't professional and the way it's being handled is making a mockery of the criminal justice system," Williams said.
Daugherty previously sought a gag order to prevent Joni Holbrook's attorneys from speaking to the media about the case, which was denied by a judge in Benzie County. Daugherty then released detailed information about the investigation in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
Daugherty declined to speak to the Record-Eagle on Monday.
Williams said Daugherty has yet to provide him that same information, despite asking for it more than a month ago.
"I've received more information from the media than I have from the prosecutor," Williams said. "He's not following the rules of justice and it's not fair to my client."
Attorney Dean Robb, of Suttons Bay, who is assisting with Joni Holbrook's defense, said the defense team is also concerned about the state police's continued involvement in the investigation.
Williams said state police have interviewed three people that he knows of regarding the abuse allegations, but he hasn't received the results of those interviews.
Williams anticipates he'll have to file a court motion requiring Daugherty to provide him the complete results of the investigation. But for now his top priority is to get Holbrook freed on bond and prepare for a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 28.
"We have a lot of unanswered questions and this (hearing) will give us an opportunity to get some of these people on the stand ... and get some answers," Williams said.
Peace is pledged in Holbrook murder case
Attorneys say spate of finger-pointing has passed
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_261073729.html
BEULAH -- Attorneys on both sides of the Joni Holbrook murder case pledge peace after a spate of finger-pointing and heated rhetoric.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty on Wednesday issued a press release that criticized Holbrook defense attorney Jesse L. Williams. His brief statement said Williams had "his facts wrong" when he publicly accused Daugherty this week of withholding crucial investigatory documents from Holbrook's defense team.
Everything Daugherty's office receives is "promptly provided" to the defense for discovery purposes, the statement said.
But Williams said he discovered Wednesday that a staffer in Daugherty's office who was instructed to copy and provide documents to him wasn't doing it. Daugherty didn't deny the allegation.
"That could have been it," Daugherty said Thursday. "She's on vacation this week, I haven't had a chance to talk with her about it. If there was a shortfall, I apologize ... we're not trying to sandbag them or anything."
Holbrook, 47, is held on an open count of murder in the shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot him with his service weapon as he slept in the couple's Benzie County residence Aug. 10.
Williams said he doesn't believe the oversight was deliberate, though he was upset by Daugherty's statement to area media.
"If it was inaccurate, I apologize," Daugherty said.
Despite the tit-for-tat this week, both Williams and Daugherty said they expect the case to continue without problems.
"I think Jesse Williams and I get along pretty well, and we have in the past," Daugherty said. "I expect that to continue."
Williams said he believes he now has most of the documents he needs, though he's still concerned about state police involvement in the case. He previously said the agency's investigative role represents a conflict of interest. "I don't know how many state troopers there are on this case and who they're interviewing ... I'm sort of in the dark on what they're doing," Williams said.
Holbrook's preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for Sept. 28.
New Details On Murder Investigation
There is new information into the shooting death of a Michigan State Police Sergeant
Up North Live
September 25, 2009
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=355050
BENZIE CO. -- The incident report obtained by 7 & 4 news reveals Michigan Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook's ex-wife shot at him twice in 1987.
No one was hurt in the 1987 shooting and according to the report the sergeant did not want to press charges. The couple divorced in 1992 and Holbrook remarried in 1999.
In August Sergeant Holbrook was shot and killed at his Benzie County home.
Joni Holbrook has admitted to shooting and killing her husband, and she is currently being held in the Benzie County Jail on an Open Murder Charge.
Joni Holbrook's attorney Jesse Williams says this is not a coincidence. He says he's concerned why charges weren't filed when the first shooting took place and concerned with the lack of an investigation. Williams says had it been investigated properly his client, Joni Holbrook, would not be in the situation that she is in today.
The prosecuting attorney declined to comment.
Joni Holbrook is due back in court on Monday.
Holbrook probe reveals 1987 shooting
Police sergeant's then-wife allegedly shot at him twice
Traverse City Record
September 25, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_268073549.html
TRAVERSE CITY -- In July 1987, the then-wife of Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook turned his service weapon on him and fired two shots, an incident that preceded by two decades Holbrook's shooting death, allegedly by another wife.
Details of the 1987 shooting in Branch County emerged from police interviews and document searches during a probe of Joni Holbrook, who's accused of shooting Melvin Holbrook to death as he slept early Aug. 10. Melvin Holbrook was assigned to the Traverse City post at the time of his death.
His wife is being held in the Benzie County Jail on an open count of murder. Police believe she shot him with his service weapon in the couple's home in Benzie's Homestead Township.
Holbrook's preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Melvin Holbrook was not injured in the 1987 incident, and his then-wife, Starr Ann Holbrook, was not charged with a crime. Police investigating Holbrook's death contacted several former staffers at the state police post in Coldwater, where Holbrook, 53, served after graduating from police recruit school in 1986.
Retired troopers told of a July 23, 1987, incident in which Starr Ann Holbrook shot at him with a state police-issued gun as he arrived home from work. The couple was separated at the time, reports indicate, and Starr was at his Coldwater residence.
Melvin Holbrook arrived home shortly before 11 p.m., according to a supplement he filed with the original 1987 police report. As he was in the driveway emerging from his car, he saw his wife step outside with his service revolver.
She shot and hit the driveway seconds after he got back in his car and backed up, according to the report.
"The bullet from the handgun would have hit either the vehicle or me if I had not started backing from the driveway," Holbrook wrote.
She fired a second time as he drove away and headed back to the post to report the incident. He didn't request criminal charges, according to the report, and Branch County records don't show any charges.
Starr Holbrook recently acknowledged to a Benzie County Sheriff's investigator that she was involved in the incident, reports obtained by the Record-Eagle show.
Reports do not indicate a clear motive for the shooting, though Melvin Holbrook wrote that he recently had informed Starr he intended to divorce her.
A retired trooper told investigators "it was clear from statements made by (Melvin) Holbrook that his wife had become upset upon finding out" he had been dating another state police trooper.
Woman who reportedly shot former Coldwater MSP trooper faces preliminary exam today
The Daily Reporter
Sep 27, 2009
http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/x576524985/Woman-who-reportedly-shot-former-Coldwater-MSP-trooper-faces-preliminary-exam-today
Traverse City - Defense attorneys for Joni Holbrook, the wife of former Coldwater Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, who is charged with his Aug. 10 murder, want further information about circumstances of a 1987 Branch County shooting.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported Saturday a retired former fellow trooper told investigators then wife Starr Ann Holbrook shot at him with a MSP-issued gun on July 23, 1987 at their Coldwater area home. She missed.
Last month, current wife Joni, called police to tell then she killed Melvin in their Benzie County home while he slept in just after 1 a.m. Aug. 10.
Benzie County Woman Goes To Court Today in Murder Case
9 & 10 NEWS
9/28/2009
http://www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=173412
New details are starting to emerge in the murder case against a woman accused of killing her Police Sergeant husband.
Joni Holbrook was back in court today for the first day of her preliminary examination. The prelim is to decide if there's enough evidence to take the case to trial.
The prosecution says Joni shot and killed her husband, Sgt. Melvin Holbrook, while he was sleeping in their Benzie County home. Sgt. Holbrook was a Desk Sergeant with the Michigan State Police post in Traverse City.
Today, a forensic pathologist testified. He says he isn't certain Holbrook was actually sleeping during the shooting. A deputy also testified during cross examination. He said he found evidence that shows Sgt. Holbrook was controlling, manipulative, and abusive among other things.
The preliminary exam continues on October 12th.
Testimony: Holbrook may have been awake
Forensic pathologist takes stand in murder case
Traverse City Record
Published: September 29, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_272072122.html
BEULAH -- It's possible Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook was awake when shot, a forensic pathologist testified.
Grand Rapids-based forensic pathologist Stephen Cohle was one of two witnesses to testify Monday in Joni Holbrook's preliminary examination. Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Melvin Holbrook.
A preliminary examination is held to determine if there is enough evidence to send a case to trial. It is scheduled to resume Oct. 12 in front of Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida.
Investigators believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his state police-issued pistol in a bedroom of the couple's Benzie County residence. She allegedly told police she shot him as he slept, and examiners removed three bullets during an autopsy.
Cohle, who conducted the autopsy, provided details about the gunshot wounds. One bullet entered the back of Holbrook's head and lodged at the base of his skull, and another went through his jaw and into his shoulder.
Holbrook had what appeared to be entry and exit wounds near his right elbow and another on the right side of his chest, and Cohle believes one bullet struck him near his elbow and continued through his arm into his chest.
Under cross-examination from Holbrook defense attorney Jim Amberg, Cohle said it's possible Holbrook was holding his right arm up in a "defensive posture" when that shot was fired.
But it's also possible Holbrook slept on his side with his arm exposed, Cohle said, and there's no way of knowing if he was asleep. Cohle said at least two of the shots likely were fired within four feet of Holbrook, based on gunpowder residue and soot.
Benzie Sheriff's Department deputy Mark Ketz, who responded to the scene, also testified. Ketz said he found an empty pistol holster inside a car in the home's attached garage during a search of the residence.
Ketz found Holbrook's Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun on a kitchen counter.
Ketz also interviewed Holbrook's first wife, Starr Mangold. Ketz said she described Melvin Holbrook as a "controlling" and "manipulative" person who had an interest in "strange" sexual behaviors, including bondage.
Joni Holbrook's attorneys previously said she was subject to "physical, mental and sexual abuse" from her husband during their marriage, though she told a 911 dispatcher she wasn't fighting or arguing with her husband at the time of the shooting.
Holbrook released as she awaits trial
She is charged with open count of murder in death of husband
Traverse City Record-Eagle
October 13, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_286072507.html
BEULAH -- Accused murderer Joni Holbrook will be released from jail and allowed to live with her parents as she awaits trial in the shooting death of her husband, a Michigan State Police sergeant.
Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida granted Holbrook a $30,000 bond upon completion of her preliminary examination Monday. The family hopes to post bond by the end of the week, defense attorney Jim Amberg said.
Holbrook, 47, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Police believe she shot him as he slept in the couple's Benzie County residence.
Kida ruled there is enough evidence to send the case to trial after the two-day exam wrapped at about 3 p.m. It began Sept. 28, but was postponed until court scheduling allowed for a full day of testimony.
Defense attorney Jesse L. Williams said Holbrook had a heart blockage detected during an EKG last week and may soon need a stent. The Benzie County Jail isn't equipped to deal with her medical condition, Williams said.
Kida ordered Holbrook to wear an electronic tether equipped with GPS tracking. She's allowed to leave her parents' Grand Traverse County home only for medical appointments or court proceedings, Kida said.
Kida said she granted bond because Holbrook doesn't appear to be a danger to the public and doesn't have a criminal record.
A date for Holbrook's circuit court arraignment hadn't been set Monday.
Much of Monday's testimony came from Benzie County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Troy Lamerson, the lead investigator on the case, and Benzie 911 operator Nicole Smith.
Lamerson told Amberg during cross examination that he doesn't consider it a conflict of interest for state police to help with the sheriff's department investigation of the case, even if some state officers knew Melvin Holbrook personally.
Police reports indicate several state police officers were on scene, including Traverse City post commander Lt. Bill Elliott. Holbrook worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City Post.
Lamerson also said he ruled out Joni Holbrook's son as a suspect based largely on an interview another deputy conducted with the son the night of the incident. The son, Chad Dilts, 24, was asleep in the home and awoke to his mother yelling that she shot her husband, police reports indicate.
Investigators didn't take Dilts' fingerprints or test his body or clothes for gunshot residue, Lamerson said.
Prosecutor wants Holbrook jailed now
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE
DECEMBER 04, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/archivesearch/local_story_338073758.html
BEULAH -- Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty wants accused murderer Joni Holbrook back behind bars, but her attorney contends he missed his chance to challenge her release.
Holbrook, 47, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. She spent about two months in jail, but was released after Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida granted her a $300,000 (10 percent) bond on Oct. 12.
Daugherty asked a judge to revoke Holbrook's bond in a motion that's slated for a hearing on Tuesday. He believes evidence against Holbrook is strong enough to keep her locked up while she awaits trial, as she admitted to shooting her husband in a 911 call.
Authorities found Melvin Holbrook dead of multiple gunshot wounds in a bed at his Benzie County residence. Investigators believe Joni Holbrook shot him with his service weapon as he slept.
Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who worked at the Traverse City post.
Joni Holbrook's defense attorney Jesse L. Williams said he's "confused" by the prosecution's motion after Daugherty passed on his chance to challenge the bond at the October hearing.
"He could have objected at the time bond was issued, and he didn't do that," Williams said. "Short of her violating one of the conditions of her bond, I don't feel this motion was brought in good faith; I really don't."
A defense motion called Daugherty's move "frivolous."
"The People did not include any explanation as to why their position on the issue of bond has fundamentally changed and why they chose not to contest the granting of the bond until nearly two months after" it was granted.
Holbrook was bound over to circuit court after her October preliminary examination in front of Kida. Daugherty said he wants to put the bond issue before Circuit Judge James M. Batzer, though Batzer continued the bond set by Kida when he conducted Holbrook's arraignment.
Holbrook's trial is set to begin April 14.
Benzie prosecutor wants murder suspect in jail
Detroit Free Press
Dec. 6, 2009
http://www.freep.com/article/20091206/NEWS07/912060466/Michigan-news-briefs
BEULAH: Benzie prosecutor wants murder suspect in jail
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty wants accused murderer Joni Holbrook in jail.
Holbrook, 47, is charged with murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook. Joni Holbrook spent about two months in jail, but was released after Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida granted her bond on Oct. 12.
Daugherty asked a judge to revoke Holbrook's bond in a motion that's slated for a hearing Tuesday. He said he believes evidence against Holbrook is strong enough to keep her locked up while she awaits trial, as she admitted to shooting her husband in a 911 call.
Authorities found Melvin Holbrook dead of multiple gunshot wounds in a bed at his Benzie County residence. Investigators say they believe Joni Holbrook shot him with his service weapon as he slept.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year State Police veteran who worked at the Traverse City post.
Defense attorney Jesse Williams said Daugherty passed on his chance to challenge the bond at the October hearing.
Judge: Get doctors note or go to jail
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE
December 08, 2009
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_342215111.html
BEULAH -- A judge told accused murderer Joni Holbrook to provide a doctor's note if she wants to remain free on bond.
Holbrook, 47, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. Defense attorneys contend she has serious heart problems, so Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida granted bond and allowed her to live with her parents after her October preliminary examination.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty recently filed a motion to have bond revoked, and Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Tuesday gave Holbrook 21 days to submit a physician's note explaining why she can't be in jail.
"I'd like some kind of statement as to what the effect of being in jail as opposed to her present bond situation might be on her medical condition," he said.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams was "baffled" by Daugherty's motion. She hasn't violated bond conditions, he said, and Daugherty didn't object when bond initially was granted.
Batzer wasn't shocked by Daugherty's motion, he said, especially considering the charge.
"You're baffled, I'm not," he told Williams. "I'm unsurprised."
Police believe Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in the couple's Benzie County residence. She allegedly admitted to shooting him during a 911call.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. Police found his Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun sitting on a kitchen counter when they responded to the 911 call.
In a separate motion, Williams asked Batzer to appoint a special investigator to help with the defense. Williams said he needs to help log evidence and interview numerous witnesses.
Some of the information Williams seeks to obtain pertains to Melvin Holbrook's alleged abusive tendencies, he said. Batzer denied the motion.
"You're going to have to relate that to a legal defense to a charge of murder, and you haven't done that," he told Williams.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled for April.
Accused killer's freedom in question
Judge will soon decide if Holbrook will remain free
Record Eagle
Judge will soon decide if Holbrook will remain free
Record Eagle
January 01, 2010 12:25 am
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_001002810.html
BEULAH -- A Benzie County judge soon will decide whether accused murderer Joni Holbrook should remain free on bond as she awaits trial.
Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. District Judge Nancy Kida granted Joni Holbrook bond several weeks after her arrest, but Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Dec. 8 told her she needed to produce a doctor's note to remain free.
Kida granted bond because Holbrook's attorneys said she had a severe heart condition, but Batzer wanted a doctor's note as proof.
Her attorneys recently produced documents requested by Batzer, Benzie County Prosecutor J.B. Daugherty said. He wouldn't provide details.
A hearing is expected to be scheduled shortly. Batzer is expected to make a decision on Holbrook's bond then.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said her defense team submitted letters from three professionals, including two medical doctors.
"Judge Batzer, in my opinion, has been very reasonable about this, and I'm hopeful he'll let her stay out," Williams said. "It's so important for her defense to have access to her; there's so much work to be done."
Daugherty told Batzer Holbrook should be locked up because of the severity of the charge, though her attorneys questioned why he didn't initially challenge bond when Kida granted it in October.
Authorities believe Holbrook, 48, shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their home on Derby Lane. She allegedly called 911 and told a dispatcher she shot him.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who most recently served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. He previously served at posts in Coldwater, Ionia, Manistee and Richmond.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled for April.
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_001002810.html
BEULAH -- A Benzie County judge soon will decide whether accused murderer Joni Holbrook should remain free on bond as she awaits trial.
Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. District Judge Nancy Kida granted Joni Holbrook bond several weeks after her arrest, but Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Dec. 8 told her she needed to produce a doctor's note to remain free.
Kida granted bond because Holbrook's attorneys said she had a severe heart condition, but Batzer wanted a doctor's note as proof.
Her attorneys recently produced documents requested by Batzer, Benzie County Prosecutor J.B. Daugherty said. He wouldn't provide details.
A hearing is expected to be scheduled shortly. Batzer is expected to make a decision on Holbrook's bond then.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said her defense team submitted letters from three professionals, including two medical doctors.
"Judge Batzer, in my opinion, has been very reasonable about this, and I'm hopeful he'll let her stay out," Williams said. "It's so important for her defense to have access to her; there's so much work to be done."
Daugherty told Batzer Holbrook should be locked up because of the severity of the charge, though her attorneys questioned why he didn't initially challenge bond when Kida granted it in October.
Authorities believe Holbrook, 48, shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their home on Derby Lane. She allegedly called 911 and told a dispatcher she shot him.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who most recently served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. He previously served at posts in Coldwater, Ionia, Manistee and Richmond.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled for April.
Traverse City Record-Eagle
January 02, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_002225023.html
No. 2: Michigan State Police sergeant killed
Benzie County resident Joni Holbrook picked up the phone in August and calmly told a 911 dispatcher she shot and killed her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook.
The months that followed featured squabbling attorneys, unflattering accusations about Melvin Holbrook's behavior and a motion that sprung Joni Holbrook from jail several weeks after she was charged with an open count of murder.
Authorities believe Holbrook, 48, shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept Aug. 10. She didn't give investigators a motive, though her attorneys allege Melvin Holbrook abused her.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Coldwater, Ionia and elsewhere.
Joni Holbrook is free on bond as she awaits trial. Benzie District Judge Nancy Kida granted her bond after her attorneys said she had a serious heart condition, though Benzie Circuit Judge James Batzer ordered her to provide a note from a doctor explaining why she can't be incarcerated.
Her attorneys recently provided such documents, and Batzer is expected to make a ruling on the matter shortly.
The case was bound over to circuit court for trial after a preliminary examination in front of Kida wrapped in October. During the exam, a forensic pathologist said it's possible Melvin Holbrook was awake when he was shot, though there's no way of knowing for sure.
Police records show one of Melvin Holbrook's previous wives shot at him with his weapon during a 1987 incident in Coldwater. Starr Ann Holbrook wasn't charged with a crime after that incident, and Melvin Holbrook didn't request charges.
Accused killer's freedom in question
Traverse City Record-Eagle
January 02, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_002225040.html
BEULAH -- A Benzie County judge soon will decide whether accused murderer Joni Holbrook should remain free on bond as she awaits trial.
Holbrook is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook.
District Judge Nancy Kida granted Joni Holbrook bond several weeks after her arrest, but Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Dec. 8 told her she needed to produce a doctor's note to remain free.
Kida granted bond because Holbrook's attorneys said she had a severe heart condition, but Batzer wanted a doctor's note as proof.
Her attorneys recently produced documents requested by Batzer, Benzie County Prosecutor J.B. Daugherty said. He wouldn't provide details.
A hearing is expected to be scheduled shortly. Batzer is expected to make a decision on Holbrook's bond then.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said her defense team submitted letters from three professionals, including two medical doctors.
"Judge Batzer, in my opinion, has been very reasonable about this, and I'm hopeful he'll let her stay out," Williams said. "It's so important for her defense to have access to her; there's so much work to be done." Daugherty told Batzer Holbrook should be locked up because of the severity of the charge, though her attorneys questioned why he didn't initially challenge bond when Kida granted it in October.
Holbrook to await trial in jail
Traverse City Record – Eagle
January 12, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/breakingnews/local_story_012134104.html
BEULAH - Accused murderer Joni Holbrook is headed back to jail
Holbrook, 48, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. She spent about two months in jail, but was released on bond in October when her attorneys said she had a serious heart condition.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer in a hearing held this morning ordered her back to jail as she awaits trial. Batzer previously ordered Holbrook's attorneys to provide a note from physicians detailing why she couldn't be jailed.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said in today's hearing that Holbrook's heart conditions had been misdiagnosed. He provided notes from two medical doctors and a psychologist that said Holbrook's headaches and other medical conditions could worsen, thanks to stress from incarceration, but Batzer said jail normally is stressful for inmates.
Holbrook's trial is set for April.
Joni Holbrook Back Behind Bars
Traverse City Record – Eagle
January 12, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/breakingnews/local_story_012134104.html
BEULAH - Accused murderer Joni Holbrook is headed back to jail
Holbrook, 48, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. She spent about two months in jail, but was released on bond in October when her attorneys said she had a serious heart condition.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer in a hearing held this morning ordered her back to jail as she awaits trial. Batzer previously ordered Holbrook's attorneys to provide a note from physicians detailing why she couldn't be jailed.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said in today's hearing that Holbrook's heart conditions had been misdiagnosed. He provided notes from two medical doctors and a psychologist that said Holbrook's headaches and other medical conditions could worsen, thanks to stress from incarceration, but Batzer said jail normally is stressful for inmates.
Holbrook's trial is set for April.
Joni Holbrook Back Behind Bars
The Benzie County woman charged with killing her husband, State Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook, is back in jail after her bond is revoked
Up North Live
January 12, 2010
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=400532
BENZIE CO. -- A Benzie County woman charged with killing her husband is back behind bars tonight, after a judge revokes her bond.
Joni Holbrook will be tried for allegedly shooting her husband, State Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook.
Holbrook was given bond initially because the defense alleged she had a medical condition that needed treatment. At a hearing Tuesday the judge ordered her back behind bars to await trial.
The final status hearing on the case is set for April, with a jury trial scheduled for April 14.
Up North Live
January 12, 2010
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=400532
BENZIE CO. -- A Benzie County woman charged with killing her husband is back behind bars tonight, after a judge revokes her bond.
Joni Holbrook will be tried for allegedly shooting her husband, State Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook.
Holbrook was given bond initially because the defense alleged she had a medical condition that needed treatment. At a hearing Tuesday the judge ordered her back behind bars to await trial.
The final status hearing on the case is set for April, with a jury trial scheduled for April 14.
TRAVERSE CITY RECORD- EAGLE
JANUARY 13, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_013073035.html
BEULAH -- Joni Holbrook's family wept and embraced as a bailiff prepared to lead her from a Benzie County courtroom to a jail cell.
Holbrook, 48, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook. She had been free on bond since October, but headed back to jail Tuesday after a brief hearing before Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer.
Holbrook was bound over for trial in October after a preliminary examination.
District Judge Nancy Kida ruled Holbrook must stand trial on the murder charge, but she granted bond after her attorneys said Holbrook had a serious heart condition.
Batzer later ordered Holbrook's attorneys to provide a doctor's note as proof.
Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams gave Batzer notes from two medical doctors and a psychologist that said jail could aggravate Holbrook's medical conditions, but he acknowledged a "misdiagnosis" of her heart condition.
The alleged misdiagnosis is a game-changer, Batzer said.
"The premise of the district court's decision for admitting this defendant to bail was there was a representation of a heart condition which would require a number of medically invasive procedures. It turns out that, lo and behold, that simply is not the case," he said. "So the premise for the district court's decision ... has evaporated upon further medical investigation, apparently."
Williams said Holbrook suffers from stress and is "on the verge of suicide," though Batzer said jail isn't an easy place to be.
"This court is of the opinion that being in jail is stressful to almost everyone who's there," he said.
Williams said the jail isn't equipped to handle Holbrook's needs. Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman disagreed, citing her jail stay before bond was granted.
"She was lodged here for a very lengthy period of time, and we didn't have any issues," he said.
Authorities believe Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept. She didn't give investigators a motive, though her attorneys allege Melvin Holbrook abused her.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Manistee, Coldwater and elsewhere.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled for April.
Motion: Holbrook needs private investigator
Attorney also files motion to retain psychiatric expert
Traverse City Record-Eagle
Attorney also files motion to retain psychiatric expert
Traverse City Record-Eagle
February 24, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_055074645.html
BEULAH -- Joni Holbrook won't get a fair shake in the slaying of her husband unless a judge appoints a private investigator, her attorney said.
Holbrook faces an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook. Authorities believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept.
Melvin Holbrook's former peers in the state police continue to assist in the investigation.
"I think it might be hard to find some non-biased interviews," said Joni Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams. "I think it would be helpful to have an unbiased person doing the interviews."
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer will decide Friday whether to appoint a private investigator at public expense.
Williams filed a separate motion to retain a psychiatric expert to determine whether his client suffers from battered spouse syndrome, which he contends is common among women who are physically and psychologically abused by their mates.
She didn't give investigators a motive, but Williams alleges Melvin Holbrook abused her. That's behind another motion he filed to have a computer technician take another look at Melvin Holbrook's computer, which authorities seized shortly after his death.
Williams contends the computer contains sexually explicit materials that "further illustrate the decedent's desire to hide his secret life of torture, rape, sodomy, extreme mental abuse and physical abuse."
Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty disagrees.
"(The) defendant has not set forth facts supporting her allegations ... " according to motion responses Daugherty filed. He did not return a call for comment.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Manistee, Coldwater and elsewhere.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled to begin in April, but Williams expects that date to be pushed back.
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_055074645.html
BEULAH -- Joni Holbrook won't get a fair shake in the slaying of her husband unless a judge appoints a private investigator, her attorney said.
Holbrook faces an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook. Authorities believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept.
Melvin Holbrook's former peers in the state police continue to assist in the investigation.
"I think it might be hard to find some non-biased interviews," said Joni Holbrook's attorney, Jesse L. Williams. "I think it would be helpful to have an unbiased person doing the interviews."
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer will decide Friday whether to appoint a private investigator at public expense.
Williams filed a separate motion to retain a psychiatric expert to determine whether his client suffers from battered spouse syndrome, which he contends is common among women who are physically and psychologically abused by their mates.
She didn't give investigators a motive, but Williams alleges Melvin Holbrook abused her. That's behind another motion he filed to have a computer technician take another look at Melvin Holbrook's computer, which authorities seized shortly after his death.
Williams contends the computer contains sexually explicit materials that "further illustrate the decedent's desire to hide his secret life of torture, rape, sodomy, extreme mental abuse and physical abuse."
Benzie County Prosecutor John B. Daugherty disagrees.
"(The) defendant has not set forth facts supporting her allegations ... " according to motion responses Daugherty filed. He did not return a call for comment.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Manistee, Coldwater and elsewhere.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled to begin in April, but Williams expects that date to be pushed back.
Investigator for Joni Holbrook approved
Traverse City Record-Eagle
Traverse City Record-Eagle
February 27, 2010
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_058004107.html
BEULAH -- A judge will allow Joni Holbrook's defense attorney to hire a private investigator at public expense.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Friday granted defense attorney Jesse Williams' motion to hire a private investigator to help interview witnesses.
He also granted Williams' motion to hire a psychiatric expert to determine whether his client suffers from battered spouse syndrome, and hire a computer technician to examine Melvin Holbrook's computer, also at public expense.
Batzer granted the motions contingent upon receiving an affidavit that shows Joni Holbrook is indigent.
Holbrook faces an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook. Authorities believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept.
Williams previously told Batzer he wanted the investigator and experts to help him defend Holbrook.
http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_058004107.html
BEULAH -- A judge will allow Joni Holbrook's defense attorney to hire a private investigator at public expense.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer on Friday granted defense attorney Jesse Williams' motion to hire a private investigator to help interview witnesses.
He also granted Williams' motion to hire a psychiatric expert to determine whether his client suffers from battered spouse syndrome, and hire a computer technician to examine Melvin Holbrook's computer, also at public expense.
Batzer granted the motions contingent upon receiving an affidavit that shows Joni Holbrook is indigent.
Holbrook faces an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook. Authorities believe Joni Holbrook shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept.
Williams previously told Batzer he wanted the investigator and experts to help him defend Holbrook.
Holbrook experts to be paid for by the public
Record Patriot
February 27, 2010
Holbrook's employment records sought
Traverse City Record Eagle
Traverse City Record Eagle
June 15, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/local/x371478380/Holbrooks-employment-records-sought
BEULAH — Lawyers for a woman who shot her state police sergeant husband to death want prosecutors to release the victim's state employment records, documents they contend could assist in her defense.
Joni Holbrook, 48, faces an open count of murder in Melvin Holbrook's Aug. 10 death. Authorities contend she shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident.
Joni Holbrook did not give investigators a motive for the slaying, but her attorney said Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
That left her in a state of "learned helplessness," so her actions were justified under self-defense, said her attorney, Jesse L. Williams.
Williams believes Melvin Holbrook's personnel file could contain information to support that stance, and last week he filed an emergency motion to obtain those records. Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty opposes the motion.
Williams contends the personnel records could shed light on an incident in which one of Melvin Holbrook's former wives attempted to shoot him while he was stationed at the state police post in Coldwater.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer is expected to consider Williams' motion today.
"I don't know why the prosecutor would want to withhold this type of information," Williams said.
"I don't think (Daugherty) really is understanding that this person was abused and is a victim, and we're trying to uncover everything that happened here."
Daugherty asked Batzer to deny Williams' request. Daugherty said he doesn't have a copy of Holbrook's personnel file, but doubts it documents anything that could aid his killer.
"It is unlikely that ... personnel records show evidence of torture," Daugherty said in a response to Williams' motion.
He also said it is "equally speculative" for Joni Holbrook to suggest her husband's personnel file contains evidence of a conspiracy by state police to hide evidence of other crimes against her.
"Defendant is on a fishing expedition," Daugherty said. "(Joni Holbrook) must not be treated so differently just because her victim worked for the Michigan State Police. Defendant presents only accusation and speculation."
Melvin Holbrook, 53, spent 23 years with the state police, and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Joni Holbrook remains in the Benzie County Jail as she awaits trial.
http://record-eagle.com/local/x371478380/Holbrooks-employment-records-sought
BEULAH — Lawyers for a woman who shot her state police sergeant husband to death want prosecutors to release the victim's state employment records, documents they contend could assist in her defense.
Joni Holbrook, 48, faces an open count of murder in Melvin Holbrook's Aug. 10 death. Authorities contend she shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident.
Joni Holbrook did not give investigators a motive for the slaying, but her attorney said Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
That left her in a state of "learned helplessness," so her actions were justified under self-defense, said her attorney, Jesse L. Williams.
Williams believes Melvin Holbrook's personnel file could contain information to support that stance, and last week he filed an emergency motion to obtain those records. Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty opposes the motion.
Williams contends the personnel records could shed light on an incident in which one of Melvin Holbrook's former wives attempted to shoot him while he was stationed at the state police post in Coldwater.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer is expected to consider Williams' motion today.
"I don't know why the prosecutor would want to withhold this type of information," Williams said.
"I don't think (Daugherty) really is understanding that this person was abused and is a victim, and we're trying to uncover everything that happened here."
Daugherty asked Batzer to deny Williams' request. Daugherty said he doesn't have a copy of Holbrook's personnel file, but doubts it documents anything that could aid his killer.
"It is unlikely that ... personnel records show evidence of torture," Daugherty said in a response to Williams' motion.
He also said it is "equally speculative" for Joni Holbrook to suggest her husband's personnel file contains evidence of a conspiracy by state police to hide evidence of other crimes against her.
"Defendant is on a fishing expedition," Daugherty said. "(Joni Holbrook) must not be treated so differently just because her victim worked for the Michigan State Police. Defendant presents only accusation and speculation."
Melvin Holbrook, 53, spent 23 years with the state police, and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Joni Holbrook remains in the Benzie County Jail as she awaits trial.
Holbrook's 911 call statements allowed
Traverse City Record Eagle
Traverse City Record Eagle
June 16, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/local/x371478863/Holbrooks-911-call-statements-allowed
BEULAH — Accused murderer Joni Holbrook's statements to a 911 operator shortly after her Michigan State Police husband's gunshot death will be admitted during trial, a judge ruled.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer heard and ruled on several crucial prosecution and defense motions Tuesday. Among other things, Batzer said he'd order state police to disclose certain records and permitted Holbrook's defense to have an expert testify about "battered spouse syndrome."
Joni Holbrook, 48, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53. Authorities believe she shot him with his service weapon as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled to begin July 7.
Defense attorney Jim Amberg moved to suppress a 911 tape in which Holbrook told a dispatcher she shot her husband. The dispatcher also spoke with Holbrook's son about the incident during the call, and Amberg argued the son's statements amount to hearsay.
Hearsay, statements made outside of court, generally aren't permitted in trials.
Batzer said Holbrook's statements would be admitted and told Amberg he'd decide before trial whether to admit the son's statements. He told Amberg to "be prepared" to play only the section of tape in which Joni Holbrook speaks.
The "heart" of Holbrook's defense is that she was sexually, physically and mentally abused by her husband throughout their marriage, Amberg said. He wants to bring in a witness to testify about battered spouse syndrome and other related conditions in an effort to build a self-defense case.
Batzer said he'd allow it, though the expert isn't allowed to testify on whether he or she believes Holbrook was abused.
Jesse Williams, another Holbrook attorney, said he's repeatedly tried to obtain records from state police about Melvin Holbrook's past. Those records will detail incidents in which he was shot at by a former wife and "stalked" a former state police co-worker, Williams contends.
But state police brass allegedly wouldn't provide documents, so Williams wanted Batzer to order them to do so.
Batzer said Williams is "not entitled to go on a fishing expedition" through Holbrook's personnel file to find things that might suit Joni Holbrook's defense, but agreed to sign an order for specific documents sought by Williams.
Williams also said Holbrook's former wife and co-worker are expected to testify during trial.
Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death.
He previously served at posts in Manistee, Coldwater and elsewhere.
http://record-eagle.com/local/x371478863/Holbrooks-911-call-statements-allowed
BEULAH — Accused murderer Joni Holbrook's statements to a 911 operator shortly after her Michigan State Police husband's gunshot death will be admitted during trial, a judge ruled.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer heard and ruled on several crucial prosecution and defense motions Tuesday. Among other things, Batzer said he'd order state police to disclose certain records and permitted Holbrook's defense to have an expert testify about "battered spouse syndrome."
Joni Holbrook, 48, is charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, 53. Authorities believe she shot him with his service weapon as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County home.
Holbrook's trial is scheduled to begin July 7.
Defense attorney Jim Amberg moved to suppress a 911 tape in which Holbrook told a dispatcher she shot her husband. The dispatcher also spoke with Holbrook's son about the incident during the call, and Amberg argued the son's statements amount to hearsay.
Hearsay, statements made outside of court, generally aren't permitted in trials.
Batzer said Holbrook's statements would be admitted and told Amberg he'd decide before trial whether to admit the son's statements. He told Amberg to "be prepared" to play only the section of tape in which Joni Holbrook speaks.
The "heart" of Holbrook's defense is that she was sexually, physically and mentally abused by her husband throughout their marriage, Amberg said. He wants to bring in a witness to testify about battered spouse syndrome and other related conditions in an effort to build a self-defense case.
Batzer said he'd allow it, though the expert isn't allowed to testify on whether he or she believes Holbrook was abused.
Jesse Williams, another Holbrook attorney, said he's repeatedly tried to obtain records from state police about Melvin Holbrook's past. Those records will detail incidents in which he was shot at by a former wife and "stalked" a former state police co-worker, Williams contends.
But state police brass allegedly wouldn't provide documents, so Williams wanted Batzer to order them to do so.
Batzer said Williams is "not entitled to go on a fishing expedition" through Holbrook's personnel file to find things that might suit Joni Holbrook's defense, but agreed to sign an order for specific documents sought by Williams.
Williams also said Holbrook's former wife and co-worker are expected to testify during trial.
Melvin Holbrook was a 23-year state police veteran who served as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death.
He previously served at posts in Manistee, Coldwater and elsewhere.
Holbrook murder trial postponed again
Traverse City Headline Examiner
July 9, 2010
http://www.examiner.com/x-43398-Traverse-City-Headline-Examiner~y2010m7d9-Holbrook-murder-trial-postponed-again
Traverse City Headline Examiner
July 9, 2010
http://www.examiner.com/x-43398-Traverse-City-Headline-Examiner~y2010m7d9-Holbrook-murder-trial-postponed-again
Joni Holbrook and her defense team listen as Judge Batzer issues his rulings on June 15. From left to right: James Amberg, Joni Holbrook, Jesse Williams and Dean Robb. Eric VanDussen.
The forms were sent out late last week to approximately 250 Benzie County residents.
The process hit a roadblock when Prosecutor John Daugherty filed objections to some of the questions that Holbrook’s attorneys had proposed.
Circuit Judge James Batzer agreed to delay the trial when it became apparent that it was logistically impossible for the forms to be returned before jury selection on July 7.
Holbrook’s trial is now set to begin on July 14.
Batzer held another pretrial motion hearing on Tuesday, July 6, after Daugherty filed several last minute motions seeking once again to preclude the defense from calling expert witnesses to testify regarding Battered Woman Syndrome.
Holbrook’s attorneys contend that she suffers from the syndrome and acted in self-defense when she killed her husband, Michigan State Police Sergeant Melvin Paul Holbrook, in August of 2009.
Batzer has already ruled twice that Holbrook’s defense experts can explain the Battered Woman Syndrome to her jury. He also ordered that the expert witness fees will be paid with public funds. Although it’s highly unlikely that Batzer will reverse his previous findings, he had not yet ruled on Daugherty’s most recent motions prior to this week’s publication.
A June 15 hearing regarding Holbrook's Battered Woman Syndrome defense is currently being streamed below - or you can go to: http://www.upnorthmedia.org/watchupnorthtv.asp?SDBFid=2082
Holbrook pleads in husband's slaying
Traverse City Record Eagle
Traverse City Record Eagle
July 13, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/latest/x378273258/Holbrook-pleads-in-husbands-slaying
BEULAH —Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, a state police sergeant.
Holbrook's attorneys reached a last-minute plea deal with Benzie County prosecutors, a decision agreed upon a day before her murder trial was set to begin.
"It came out of left field," said Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman. "We never saw it coming."
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer has yet to schedule a sentencing date, Heckman said.
Benzie County authorities last year charged Holbrook, 48, with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, who was stationed at the Traverse City post.
Authorities contend she shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident.
Joni Holbrook Pleads Guilty In Husbands Death
Up North Live
http://record-eagle.com/latest/x378273258/Holbrook-pleads-in-husbands-slaying
BEULAH —Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, a state police sergeant.
Holbrook's attorneys reached a last-minute plea deal with Benzie County prosecutors, a decision agreed upon a day before her murder trial was set to begin.
"It came out of left field," said Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman. "We never saw it coming."
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer has yet to schedule a sentencing date, Heckman said.
Benzie County authorities last year charged Holbrook, 48, with an open count of murder in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, state police Sgt. Melvin P. Holbrook, who was stationed at the Traverse City post.
Authorities contend she shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident.
Joni Holbrook Pleads Guilty In Husbands Death
Up North Live
July 13, 2010
BENZIE CO. -- A Benzie County woman has Pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of her husband, State Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook.
Joni Holbrook's murder trial was supposed to begin Wednesday in Benzie County.
Joni Holbrook read a statement to the court Tuesday afternoon that on August 10, 2009, she got out of bed, went into the garage and got her husbands service weapon out of his vehicle, walked back into the bedroom and shot Sgt. Holbrook three times.
She said it was dark and did not see where she was pointing the gun on his body.
She said she was about three feet away when she fired the three shots.
In the agreement with the Benzie County Prosecutor the sentencing cap was set at a maximum of 15 years in prison.
But under that agreement the judge said Tuesday the maximum sentence can actually only be two-thirds of the 15 years, so Holbrook is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
No sentencing date has been set at this time.
BENZIE CO. -- A Benzie County woman has Pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of her husband, State Police Sergeant Melvin Holbrook.
Joni Holbrook's murder trial was supposed to begin Wednesday in Benzie County.
Joni Holbrook read a statement to the court Tuesday afternoon that on August 10, 2009, she got out of bed, went into the garage and got her husbands service weapon out of his vehicle, walked back into the bedroom and shot Sgt. Holbrook three times.
She said it was dark and did not see where she was pointing the gun on his body.
She said she was about three feet away when she fired the three shots.
In the agreement with the Benzie County Prosecutor the sentencing cap was set at a maximum of 15 years in prison.
But under that agreement the judge said Tuesday the maximum sentence can actually only be two-thirds of the 15 years, so Holbrook is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
No sentencing date has been set at this time.
Holbrook pleads guilty to killing husband
She committed the act with spouse’s service revolver
The Daily Reporter
Jul 14, 2010
http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/police_and_fire/x380560690/Holbrook-pleads-guilty-to-killing-husband
Beulah, Mich. — The wife of late Michigan State Police (MSP) Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the Aug. 10, 2009 shooting death of her husband in Benzie Circuit Court Tuesday before trial was to begin.
Joni Holbrook told Judge James Batzer she shot her husband while he slept because he mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
The 53-year-old Holbrook served 23 years with the MSP, starting his career in Coldwater in 1986, and also working at posts in Ionia, Manistee, Richmond and Traverse City, where he worked at the time of his death.
The night of the shooting Joni testified she got up sat on her sofa for over 20 minutes then went to his patrol car, where she got his service revolver and returned to the upstairs bedroom and she fired the fatal shot while he was asleep.
Joni Holbrook Pleads Guilty
Interlochen Public Radio
She committed the act with spouse’s service revolver
The Daily Reporter
Jul 14, 2010
http://www.thedailyreporter.com/news/police_and_fire/x380560690/Holbrook-pleads-guilty-to-killing-husband
Beulah, Mich. — The wife of late Michigan State Police (MSP) Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the Aug. 10, 2009 shooting death of her husband in Benzie Circuit Court Tuesday before trial was to begin.
Joni Holbrook told Judge James Batzer she shot her husband while he slept because he mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
The 53-year-old Holbrook served 23 years with the MSP, starting his career in Coldwater in 1986, and also working at posts in Ionia, Manistee, Richmond and Traverse City, where he worked at the time of his death.
The night of the shooting Joni testified she got up sat on her sofa for over 20 minutes then went to his patrol car, where she got his service revolver and returned to the upstairs bedroom and she fired the fatal shot while he was asleep.
Joni Holbrook Pleads Guilty
Interlochen Public Radio
July 14, 2010
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/9002
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty Tuesday to murdering her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Holbrook was a state police officer and his wife confessed to shooting him three times with his own service revolver. He was in bed at their home in Benzie County when he was shot last August.
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, with an agreement that she serve no more than ten years in prison.
"I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time. I plead guilty today and I'm ready to take my punishment, as set by the court," Holbrook read a prepared statement in court.
Judge James Batzer still must decide on a sentence.
Joni Holbrook's trial was set to begin today. Her lawyers had planned to use an unusual defense called, "battered wife syndrome." They were going to argue that Holbrook was regularly raped and even tortured by her husband, and that she had no other way to protect herself from future abuse.
Holbrook enters guilty plea
Joni: 'I ... returned to the house with the gun and shot him in his sleep'
Traverse City Record Eagle
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/9002
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty Tuesday to murdering her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Holbrook was a state police officer and his wife confessed to shooting him three times with his own service revolver. He was in bed at their home in Benzie County when he was shot last August.
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, with an agreement that she serve no more than ten years in prison.
"I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time. I plead guilty today and I'm ready to take my punishment, as set by the court," Holbrook read a prepared statement in court.
Judge James Batzer still must decide on a sentence.
Joni Holbrook's trial was set to begin today. Her lawyers had planned to use an unusual defense called, "battered wife syndrome." They were going to argue that Holbrook was regularly raped and even tortured by her husband, and that she had no other way to protect herself from future abuse.
Holbrook enters guilty plea
Joni: 'I ... returned to the house with the gun and shot him in his sleep'
Traverse City Record Eagle
July 14, 2010
BEULAH — Tina Lehn thinks it's for the best that those tied to a Michigan State Police sergeant's slaying won't endure a long, drawn-out trial.
Lehn has known accused murderer Joni Holbrook since middle school and was relieved to hear she agreed Tuesday to an 11th-hour deal in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Holbrook pleaded guilty to a count of second-degree murder, and that means a trial expected to last three weeks won't be necessary. She told Benzie Circuit Court Judge James Batzer she shot her husband as he slept.
"I got out of bed where he was sleeping, sat on the couch in the living room for about 20 minutes with my head spinning out of control, and I went to the garage where his vehicle was parked; reached into the vehicle where he kept his Michigan State Police service revolver; returned to the house with the gun, and shot him in his sleep," she said.
Her plea likely is a relief to loved ones on both sides, Lehn said.
"I'm just glad the families don't have to go through a big long trial ... It's been a long road for both of them," she said. "Joni's parents, I can't even imagine what they're going through, let alone Paul's family."
Joni Holbrook initially did not give investigators a motive for the slaying, but during her plea said Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, spent 23 years with the state police and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Holbrook's trial was set to begin this morning, but the deal was reached Tuesday afternoon. She'll be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison, Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said.
"To go from a life sentence to a 15-year cap, it's absolutely a win," Williams said, referring to the mandatory life sentence Holbrook would have faced if convicted of first-degree murder. "It's the safe choice for her. We feel that, considering the other outcome, this is a good resolution. She's glad that she's going to be able to have a second chance at life."
The Benzie County Sheriff's Department investigated the case. Sheriff Rory Heckman is pleased with Joni Holbrook's plea, but said the decision was unexpected.
"It came out of left field," Heckman said. "We never saw it coming."
State police Lt. Bill Elliott was Melvin Holbrook's longtime friend and former boss at the Traverse City post. He said a plea often spares family members stress and taxpayers a trial's financial burden.
"If Sheriff Rory Heckman and his people, along with the prosecutor, think that this is the best thing for this particular case, then I would be happy with that," he said.
Scott Rothermel, a former state police trooper who trained under Melvin Holbrook at the Traverse City post, said he's glad Joni Holbrook entered a plea.
"While her plea won't bring Paul back, I'm pleased she accepted responsibility for his murder," he said. "I hope she spends the full 15 years behind bars in prison."
The case captured the region's attention. Lehn and co-worker Tammie McLain, also a longtime friend of Joni Holbrook, remain puzzled by the entire incident.
They can't believe Joni Holbrook was able to commit such an act and wonder what made her do it.
"When I listen to the 911 tape, she sounded like she was ordering a pizza. She was so dispassionate," McLain said. "She had to have snapped."
BEULAH — Tina Lehn thinks it's for the best that those tied to a Michigan State Police sergeant's slaying won't endure a long, drawn-out trial.
Lehn has known accused murderer Joni Holbrook since middle school and was relieved to hear she agreed Tuesday to an 11th-hour deal in the Aug. 10 shooting death of her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Holbrook pleaded guilty to a count of second-degree murder, and that means a trial expected to last three weeks won't be necessary. She told Benzie Circuit Court Judge James Batzer she shot her husband as he slept.
"I got out of bed where he was sleeping, sat on the couch in the living room for about 20 minutes with my head spinning out of control, and I went to the garage where his vehicle was parked; reached into the vehicle where he kept his Michigan State Police service revolver; returned to the house with the gun, and shot him in his sleep," she said.
Her plea likely is a relief to loved ones on both sides, Lehn said.
"I'm just glad the families don't have to go through a big long trial ... It's been a long road for both of them," she said. "Joni's parents, I can't even imagine what they're going through, let alone Paul's family."
Joni Holbrook initially did not give investigators a motive for the slaying, but during her plea said Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, spent 23 years with the state police and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Holbrook's trial was set to begin this morning, but the deal was reached Tuesday afternoon. She'll be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison, Holbrook attorney Jesse L. Williams said.
"To go from a life sentence to a 15-year cap, it's absolutely a win," Williams said, referring to the mandatory life sentence Holbrook would have faced if convicted of first-degree murder. "It's the safe choice for her. We feel that, considering the other outcome, this is a good resolution. She's glad that she's going to be able to have a second chance at life."
The Benzie County Sheriff's Department investigated the case. Sheriff Rory Heckman is pleased with Joni Holbrook's plea, but said the decision was unexpected.
"It came out of left field," Heckman said. "We never saw it coming."
State police Lt. Bill Elliott was Melvin Holbrook's longtime friend and former boss at the Traverse City post. He said a plea often spares family members stress and taxpayers a trial's financial burden.
"If Sheriff Rory Heckman and his people, along with the prosecutor, think that this is the best thing for this particular case, then I would be happy with that," he said.
Scott Rothermel, a former state police trooper who trained under Melvin Holbrook at the Traverse City post, said he's glad Joni Holbrook entered a plea.
"While her plea won't bring Paul back, I'm pleased she accepted responsibility for his murder," he said. "I hope she spends the full 15 years behind bars in prison."
The case captured the region's attention. Lehn and co-worker Tammie McLain, also a longtime friend of Joni Holbrook, remain puzzled by the entire incident.
They can't believe Joni Holbrook was able to commit such an act and wonder what made her do it.
"When I listen to the 911 tape, she sounded like she was ordering a pizza. She was so dispassionate," McLain said. "She had to have snapped."
Joni Holbrook, center, will be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison, according to her lawyer, Jesse L. Williams. Eric VanDussen/Special to the Record-Eagle
EXCERPT FROM HOLBROOK'S STATEMENT
Excerpt from Joni Holbrook's statement Tuesday in Benzie Circuit Court:
"I married Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook with the hopes of a long, loving relationship.
He quickly became very controlling, emotionally abusive, and later in the marriage, very sexually abusive.
He manipulated and abused me excessively for 10 years.
On the night of the incident, Aug. 10, 2009, I was completely worn down, torn down, and I couldn't take anymore.
I snapped from all of the abuse, stress and duress he had put me under for the entire term of the marriage.
I got out of bed where he was sleeping, sat on the couch in the living room for about 20 minutes with my head spinning out of control, and I went to the garage where his vehicle was parked; reached into the vehicle where he kept his Michigan State Police service revolver; returned to the house with the gun, and shot him in his sleep.
I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time.
I plead guilty today, and I'm ready to take my punishment as set by the court."
Plea excerpt courtesy of Eric VanDussen.
Holbrook to remain in jail
She awaits sentencing for killing husband
Traverse City Record Eagle
She awaits sentencing for killing husband
Traverse City Record Eagle
July 15, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/local/x378274214/Holbrook-to-remain-in-jail
BEULAH — Joni Holbrook likely will remain in a Benzie County Jail cell for another month as she awaits sentencing for killing her state police sergeant husband.
Officials will conduct a pre-sentence investigation before Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer decides how many years Joni Holbrook, 48, will spend behind bars. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
"They typically take four-to-six weeks, but if she doesn't have a prior criminal history that we have to go looking for in other states, it could be sooner," Batzer said.
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder after she agreed to a last-minute deal in the Aug. 10, 2009, shooting death of her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
As part of the deal, Joni Holbrook will spend no more than 15 years in prison. The prosecutor's offer shocked Williams, who this week planned to try the case. Trial was set to begin Wednesday.
"I was surprised because we're dealing with a state trooper that was shot," he said. "I think that (prosecutors) realized that we were actually bringing a real defense to the table. All along, I was saying, 'If you give a reasonable plea to manslaughter, we'll consider it.' That's what this is."
Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison, while those convicted of manslaughter spend up to 15 years in prison.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty did not respond to calls for comment.
Joni Holbrook defended her actions as she entered her plea, and told Batzer that Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her.
"I snapped from all of the abuse, stress and duress he had put me under for the entire term of the marriage," she said. "I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time."
Williams said his client will require extensive therapy.
"Obviously, when somebody lives through what she lived through, it's going to take the rest of her life to heal," he said. "She knows that she has a long road to recovery here. Now she can start focusing on recovery."
Michigan Department of Community Health representatives evaluate Joni Holbrook, among other inmates, each week to determine where she's placed in the Benzie County Jail. She remains in a female population cell, and has not exhibited suicidal tendencies since her arrest, Sheriff Rory Heckman said.
http://record-eagle.com/local/x378274214/Holbrook-to-remain-in-jail
BEULAH — Joni Holbrook likely will remain in a Benzie County Jail cell for another month as she awaits sentencing for killing her state police sergeant husband.
Officials will conduct a pre-sentence investigation before Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer decides how many years Joni Holbrook, 48, will spend behind bars. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
"They typically take four-to-six weeks, but if she doesn't have a prior criminal history that we have to go looking for in other states, it could be sooner," Batzer said.
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder after she agreed to a last-minute deal in the Aug. 10, 2009, shooting death of her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
As part of the deal, Joni Holbrook will spend no more than 15 years in prison. The prosecutor's offer shocked Williams, who this week planned to try the case. Trial was set to begin Wednesday.
"I was surprised because we're dealing with a state trooper that was shot," he said. "I think that (prosecutors) realized that we were actually bringing a real defense to the table. All along, I was saying, 'If you give a reasonable plea to manslaughter, we'll consider it.' That's what this is."
Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison, while those convicted of manslaughter spend up to 15 years in prison.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty did not respond to calls for comment.
Joni Holbrook defended her actions as she entered her plea, and told Batzer that Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her.
"I snapped from all of the abuse, stress and duress he had put me under for the entire term of the marriage," she said. "I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time."
Williams said his client will require extensive therapy.
"Obviously, when somebody lives through what she lived through, it's going to take the rest of her life to heal," he said. "She knows that she has a long road to recovery here. Now she can start focusing on recovery."
Michigan Department of Community Health representatives evaluate Joni Holbrook, among other inmates, each week to determine where she's placed in the Benzie County Jail. She remains in a female population cell, and has not exhibited suicidal tendencies since her arrest, Sheriff Rory Heckman said.
Holbrook pleads guilty to second-degree murder
The Examiner
July 23, 2010
http://www.examiner.com/headline-in-traverse-city/holbrook-pleads-guilty-to-second-degree-murder
The Examiner
July 23, 2010
http://www.examiner.com/headline-in-traverse-city/holbrook-pleads-guilty-to-second-degree-murder
Joni Holbrook stands with her defense team as she enters her guilty plea on July 13 Credit: Eric L. VanDussen.
Joni Holbrook entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder and has admitted that she killed her husband. A last-minute plea deal was reached on the day before Holbrook was to stand trail. She was facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted of first-degree murder.
Holbrook made the following statement in open court on July 13:
“I married Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook with the hopes of a long, loving relationship. He quickly became very controlling, emotionally abusive, and later in the marriage, very sexually abusive. He manipulated and abused me excessively for 10 years. On the night of the incident, Aug. 10, 2009, I was completely worn down, torn down, and I couldn't take anymore. I snapped from all of the abuse, stress and duress he had put me under for the entire term of the marriage. I got out of bed where he was sleeping, sat on the couch in the living room for about 20 minutes with my head spinning out of control, and I went to the garage where his vehicle was parked; reached into the vehicle where he kept his Michigan State Police service revolver; returned to the house with the gun, and shot him in his sleep. I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time. I plead guilty today, and I'm ready to take my punishment as set by the court.”
Holbrook also acknowledged that she knew what she was doing when she killed her husband.
Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty approved a 15 year maximum sentencing cap for Holbrook. Circuit Judge James Batzer informed her that “the Court is not bound to follow the sentence recommendation agreed to by the prosecutor and if the Court chooses not to follow it you will be allowed to withdraw your plea.”
Holbrook’s attorney, Jesse Williams said that he doesn’t understand why it took Daugherty so long to offer a reasonable plea to his client. Daugherty filed several motions to preclude expert witness testimony at trail regarding Battered Woman Syndrome, but Batzer rebuffed his arguments each time. “She was a severely abused woman and she’ll receive the therapy she needs while serving her sentence,” said Williams.
A pre-sentencing report must be completed by the Circuit Court’s probation department before Holbrook is sentenced. Her sentencing is currently scheduled for August 10, which is exactly one year from the day that she killed her husband. She will be credited with approximately 10 months that she has already spent in custody.
Joni Holbrook Sentenced Details
Interlochen News
August 10, 2010
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/9349
Joni Holbrook will serve at least six years in jail, and up to 15 years, for shooting her husband while he was sleeping. Holbrook was sentenced today in Benzie County court.
In a compromise deal, Holbrook pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Judge James Batzer said in court that his sentence reflected that deal, which he called, "rational."
But Batzer also said he believed Joni Holbrook had other means to leave her husband.
"This defendant had many opportunities to walk away, to get away, to stay away," he said.
The judge mentioned two marriage separations, and also hospitalizations for her own suicide attempts, when Holbrook could have fled the relationship.
The defense had argued that she was severely abused by her husband and victim, Michigan State Police Officer Melvin Paul Holbrook.
August 10, 2010
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/9349
Joni Holbrook will serve at least six years in jail, and up to 15 years, for shooting her husband while he was sleeping. Holbrook was sentenced today in Benzie County court.
In a compromise deal, Holbrook pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Judge James Batzer said in court that his sentence reflected that deal, which he called, "rational."
But Batzer also said he believed Joni Holbrook had other means to leave her husband.
"This defendant had many opportunities to walk away, to get away, to stay away," he said.
The judge mentioned two marriage separations, and also hospitalizations for her own suicide attempts, when Holbrook could have fled the relationship.
The defense had argued that she was severely abused by her husband and victim, Michigan State Police Officer Melvin Paul Holbrook.
Benzie Co. woman sentenced in husband's killing
Up North Live
Up North Live
08.10.2010
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=494837
BENZIE COUNTY -- A Benzie County woman who admitted to killing her Michigan State Police Sgt. husband will spend at least the next 5 years in prison.
Joni Holbrook was sentenced for the crime Tuesday. She will go to prison for a minimum of six years and a maximum of 15 years for shooting her husband, Melvin Holbrook to death last August. Joni Holbrook will get credit for 276 days she has already served behind bars.
A day before Holbrook's trial was set to begin, she pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Holbrook told the court she got out of bed went into the garage and got her husband's service weapon out of his vehicle. She then walked back into the bedroom and shot her husband three times. Holbrook told the court she was mentally, physically, and sexually abused and tortured by her husband for ten years.
Tuesday's sentencing took more than two hours because of testimony from both sides of the case.
Holbrook sentenced to 6 to 15 years
The Record Eagle
Aug 10, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/archive/x2018348171/Holbrook-sentenced-to-6-to-15-years
BEULAH — A Benzie County judge today sentenced Joni Holbrook to 6 to 15 years in prison for fatally shooting her husband — a state police sergeant — one year ago.
Joni Holbrook agreed to plead to second degree murder last month on the eve of her trial, with the understanding she’d be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison for killing Melvin Paul Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver while he slept in the couple’s Benzie County home.
Melvin Holbrook was a sergeant at the Michigan State Police post in Traverse City.
Joni Holbrook’s attorneys and supporters portrayed her as an abused spouse.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer called the law “an imperfect vehicle” when he sentenced her.
“There’s no answer to the pain of the decedent’s family in any sentence this court imposes,” he said.
Meleen Froman, Melvin Holbrook’s sister, traveled here from Oklahoma for the sentencing.
“I just think it’s a mockery,” she said.
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=494837
BENZIE COUNTY -- A Benzie County woman who admitted to killing her Michigan State Police Sgt. husband will spend at least the next 5 years in prison.
Joni Holbrook was sentenced for the crime Tuesday. She will go to prison for a minimum of six years and a maximum of 15 years for shooting her husband, Melvin Holbrook to death last August. Joni Holbrook will get credit for 276 days she has already served behind bars.
A day before Holbrook's trial was set to begin, she pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Holbrook told the court she got out of bed went into the garage and got her husband's service weapon out of his vehicle. She then walked back into the bedroom and shot her husband three times. Holbrook told the court she was mentally, physically, and sexually abused and tortured by her husband for ten years.
Tuesday's sentencing took more than two hours because of testimony from both sides of the case.
Holbrook sentenced to 6 to 15 years
The Record Eagle
Aug 10, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/archive/x2018348171/Holbrook-sentenced-to-6-to-15-years
BEULAH — A Benzie County judge today sentenced Joni Holbrook to 6 to 15 years in prison for fatally shooting her husband — a state police sergeant — one year ago.
Joni Holbrook agreed to plead to second degree murder last month on the eve of her trial, with the understanding she’d be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison for killing Melvin Paul Holbrook, 53, with his service revolver while he slept in the couple’s Benzie County home.
Melvin Holbrook was a sergeant at the Michigan State Police post in Traverse City.
Joni Holbrook’s attorneys and supporters portrayed her as an abused spouse.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer called the law “an imperfect vehicle” when he sentenced her.
“There’s no answer to the pain of the decedent’s family in any sentence this court imposes,” he said.
Meleen Froman, Melvin Holbrook’s sister, traveled here from Oklahoma for the sentencing.
“I just think it’s a mockery,” she said.
She will serve 6 to 15 years for shooting husband
The Record Eagle
Aug 11, 2010
http://record-eagle.com/local/x1189441656/Joni-Holbrook-sentenced-in-slaying
Joni Holbrook
Family and friends waited hours inside the courtroom Tuesday to find out how long Joni Holbrook, 48, of Beulah, would spend behind bars for killing her husband, state police Sgt. Melvin Paul Holbrook.
And with one brief statement, Benzie Circuit Judge James Batzer relieved that anticipation. Six to 15 years, he said.
Batzer sentenced Holbrook to prison exactly one year after she shot her husband in his bed with his service weapon. Melvin Holbrook was 53.
"I'm just relieved," said Ashley Dilts, Joni Holbrook's daughter, as she embraced family and friends outside the courtroom. "I think it's an appropriate sentence."
State police Lt. Bill Elliott, who knew Melvin Holbrook for about 20 years and worked with him at the Traverse City post, wanted a harsher sentence.
"It's just a very difficult situation," Elliott said. "I don't know what the right answer would have been, but I was surprised to hear how lenient the sentence was."
Joni Holbrook shot her husband multiple times as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident. She pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder after agreeing to a last-minute plea deal the day before her jury trial was set to begin.
Joni Holbrook told Batzer when she entered her plea that she killed her husband because he subjected her to years of mental, physical and sexual abuse.
Batzer later told the Record-Eagle that Holbrook's attorneys had "considerable evidence" she had been sexually battered and abused, and he took that evidence into account for her sentence.
Joni Holbrook apologized to Melvin Holbrook's family at the sentencing.
"I am sorry that my actions have taken someone so special away from you," she said. "I don't look at myself as a killer. I look at myself as a survivor."
Jesse Williams, Joni Holbrook's attorney, called the slaying a matter of self-defense.
"The outcome was better than people expected," Williams said. "I didn't know what to expect. This court and this judge gave her a fair shake down."
Not everyone agreed. Meleen Froman, Melvin Holbrook's sister, drove from Oklahoma to Beulah to attend Tuesday's sentencing, but was not pleased with Batzer's decision.
"I just think it's a mockery," Froman said. "I just think it's sad. I'm a little angry now."
Batzer explained the plea deal to the courtroom audience prior to sentencing and tried to shed light on why a 15-year cap was placed on Joni Holbrook's sentencing.
"The law is an imperfect vehicle, but it's what we have," Batzer said. "I know this sentence is going to be unsatisfactory to parties aligned on both sides. There is nothing that this court can do ... that can make it satisfactory."
Debra Ankerson-Harrand, Joni Holbrook's sister, said she was relieved.
"We're pleased with that," Ankerson-Harrand said of the sentencing. "We all need to move on."
Joni Holbrook received credit for 276 days spent in the Benzie County Jail.
Melvin Holbrook spent 23 years with the state police and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Jonie Holbrook served 7+ years for murdering her husband
Now she wants a second chance
Northern Express
JAN. 13, 2018
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/what-now/
Joni Ankerson Holbrook is back home in northern Michigan after serving half of a 15-year maximum prison term for the murder her husband, Paul Holbrook, a state police sergeant.
The 56-year-old was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder. She served 7 ½ years.
Holbrook received a lighter-than-normal sentence in 2009 because her attorney, Jesse Williams, persuaded a Benzie County judge that years of domestic abuse mitigated the killing. It didn’t excuse it, but she maintained that the violence she believed she couldn’t escape needed to be taken into account. (Paul Holbrook’s family maintained at her sentencing that the abuse never happened.)
Nonetheless, Holbrook was released in April to a Benzonia motel. She’s since moved to Traverse City to live with her mother.
Returning to the world has been a struggle. Holbrook, who spent a career in professional office jobs and worked in district court before she became a felon, now works manual labor in a factory. She would like to find work to help victims of domestic violence, but so far she’s found no opportunities.
Prison was horrible, she said, and she vows never to go back, but she’s found adjusting to life as a convicted murderer released from prison also poses incredible challenges. But she said the whole experience has made her a tougher person.
“I had a friend of mine not long ago tell me, ‘Oh, people don’t change,’” she said. “Well, I want that person to know, they do change. I’ve changed tremendously. I stick up for myself. I don’t apologize. You can ask me any question you want, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
The Northern Express sat down with Holbrook and talked about her experiences in prison and the challenges she’s faced since she got out.
Northern Express: What do you want to say about your time in prison?
Joni Holbrook: Prison is like a subsidiary of hell. It’s awful. It’s horrid. Living with 2,300 women of all ages shapes, sizes, races, education, lack thereof, morals, manners, lack thereof. Very interesting. When I got to prison I weighed 101 pounds. I was so wrecked, so broken.
Express: I recall the mugshot of you that was in the media around the time of your trial, and I saw you MDOC mugshot from just prior to your release on parole. You looked much healthier, much better at the end of your stay in prison.
Holbrook: A lot healthier because, as my dad always said, you better bend over and pull up your bootstraps because you’re in for it. It was nothing I was ever prepared for. I mean, obviously, the point where I got to where I thought killing my husband was the only way for me to get out, that’s how damaged and broken domestic violence made me. And thinking that that was okay now shocks me, but it was the only way I knew then, how to get away. So, when you get to prison, you better decide real quick if you’re going to stick up for yourself, learn how to say no, or just be a victim all over again.
Express: And you learned how to stick up for yourself.
Holbrook: Yes. I certainly did. I’m nobody’s victim. I learned how to say no. I learned how to be a real bitch, actually. And I think at that point I was able to do that because of the decision I made to free myself by taking his life. Yeah.
Express: Did prison do anything to help you prepare for coming out of prison?
Holbrook: Yeah. I mean one thing, there’s nothing like being in a room all alone. When I first got there I was in the Reception and Guidance Center, and I was in a room all by myself for 60 days or longer. And there’s nothing like being in a room alone with nothing but four walls and your thoughts. No noise. No officers screaming over the intercom. You have to ask to go to the bathroom. A lot of alone time. A lot of thinking time. I was able to dig really deep and just take things out and look at ’em and realize a lot about myself.
Express: After six years, you were up for parole, and the first time you went before the board you were denied. Why was that?
Holbrook: I remember sitting in the interview with the parole man, and my sister was there with me, and we talked about the abuse, and my parole decision came back as denied, and I got flopped — that’s continued — for 18 months, based on the fact that the parole board thought that I blamed the victim and his family and showed little or no concern for them and that I would actually be at risk to reoffend, which shocked me. I mean I’ve never been in trouble in my life.
Express: What about the victim in your case? You’ve described yourself as a victim, and said you want to stand up and work on behalf of victims. Is that fair? How do you defend that to Paul Holbrook’s family today, who might say that since you took away their loved one, you don’t deserve that chance?
Holbrook: Well, he was a victim, obviously. He was victim of a horrific, terrible crime. Was I a victim of over 10 years of horrific abuse — mental, physical, sexual, emotional? Absolutely. I mean, and the caveat to that is the fact that he was a police officer. He held all the power, control, authority. And so I let him do all of that to me. I was weak enough to let him groom me and fall into the trap. Am I a victim? Absolutely. And I will never stop saying that. I’m not a victim any more. It will never happen again.
Express: So you were out in April. You found yourself in Benzie County in a motel. What was that first week like?
Holbrook: The first week, actually, I felt really free. I was in a room for the first time by myself. I had my own bathroom. I had my own space. I was able to see my family, my kids, which was awesome. Realizing that I was finally able to make my own decisions, I didn’t have to ask permission to do anything. I didn’t have to check in with anybody. … When I got home finally, that freedom and that realization that I was able to make my own choices was huge and very freeing.
Express: But then you found that once you were able to make your own choices, you didn’t have very many options.
Holbrook: Right. And I understand that. I am a convicted felon. I bet I’ve applied for 50 jobs, ’cause I have 28 years’ experience in the law. I worked at district court for close to 10 years, all through the ’90s. … In the other years, I worked for attorneys — clients, customer-service related, I like to work with people. But say you’re a prospective employer, and you get my resume and you think, ‘Oh, this doesn’t look bad, she might be a good fit for the office.’ So you call the first person that I’ve worked for in the past and their response to you is, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know she was out of prison yet.’ I mean, do you bring that out right away? Do you wait on that? The first thing people do, prospective employers right now, is check your record, and when they see that I’m a felon and then that I have a murder charge, most people don’t look further than that.
Express: So what are you doing right now?
Holbrook: I am working in a factory right now. I work different jobs there. I work 7 to 3:30, I’m working on the line some days. I’m working manual hard labor, clean up. I actually broke one of my ribs a couple weeks ago at work. And I can do that. I am really strong. I can do a job like that. But I’m only making $10 an hour. And I understand people’s reluctance, but I just wish people would talk to me. I wish someone would give me a chance. I believe I am a wealth of information, as far as the experience in the law, being a victim of domestic violence, being in prison … I want to work as an advocate. I want to be the voice for victims.
Express: You mentioned you’ve gone to the Women’s Resource Center, and you’ve tried to work as an advocate there.
Holbrook: Yeah, when I first got out of prison, I worked through my parole agent in Benzie County. I had an employment counselor. And he got me a job at the Women’s Resource Center thrift store, part time, 20 hours per week. I was actually working for them, but it was through the AARP foundation. I couldn’t live on that. … So I was working there, and I wanted so bad for the Women’s Resource Center to hire me, which they had the choice of doing but apparently didn’t have the capability money-wise. I felt a lot of that was political. I really felt like because of who my victim was.
Express: But, do you have any training in social work?
Holbrook: No, I don’t. I have no training in social work, and it was made clear to me — I don’t have a degree, I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree. Which is true.
Express: Is that something that you’d like to do?
Holbrook: Yeah, it’s something I’d like to do. But I believe I have a master’s degree in domestic violence. I believe I probably know more about it than anybody who’s been schooled in it. I respect people that have degrees and learned whatever they’ve learned, but if you’ve never experienced it, you’ve never been through it, I would rather talk to someone like me rather than someone with a degree hanging on the wall, and that’s just how I feel about it. … I’m so strong. I know exactly what I went through. I know exactly what I did, why I did it. My feelings on that now are completely different. Because I’ve had all this time to reflect on it.
Express: How are your feelings different?
Holbrook: I just am shocked that I was ever in that place. Shocked that he was able to get me to where I thought killing him and taking his life was the only way out. But I know for a fact, and I’ve said this from the beginning: I took his life to save my own, because he was going to kill me, and he told me how he was going to kill me, and I believed him.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
Northern Express
JAN. 13, 2018
https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/what-now/
Joni Ankerson Holbrook is back home in northern Michigan after serving half of a 15-year maximum prison term for the murder her husband, Paul Holbrook, a state police sergeant.
The 56-year-old was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder. She served 7 ½ years.
Holbrook received a lighter-than-normal sentence in 2009 because her attorney, Jesse Williams, persuaded a Benzie County judge that years of domestic abuse mitigated the killing. It didn’t excuse it, but she maintained that the violence she believed she couldn’t escape needed to be taken into account. (Paul Holbrook’s family maintained at her sentencing that the abuse never happened.)
Nonetheless, Holbrook was released in April to a Benzonia motel. She’s since moved to Traverse City to live with her mother.
Returning to the world has been a struggle. Holbrook, who spent a career in professional office jobs and worked in district court before she became a felon, now works manual labor in a factory. She would like to find work to help victims of domestic violence, but so far she’s found no opportunities.
Prison was horrible, she said, and she vows never to go back, but she’s found adjusting to life as a convicted murderer released from prison also poses incredible challenges. But she said the whole experience has made her a tougher person.
“I had a friend of mine not long ago tell me, ‘Oh, people don’t change,’” she said. “Well, I want that person to know, they do change. I’ve changed tremendously. I stick up for myself. I don’t apologize. You can ask me any question you want, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
The Northern Express sat down with Holbrook and talked about her experiences in prison and the challenges she’s faced since she got out.
Northern Express: What do you want to say about your time in prison?
Joni Holbrook: Prison is like a subsidiary of hell. It’s awful. It’s horrid. Living with 2,300 women of all ages shapes, sizes, races, education, lack thereof, morals, manners, lack thereof. Very interesting. When I got to prison I weighed 101 pounds. I was so wrecked, so broken.
Express: I recall the mugshot of you that was in the media around the time of your trial, and I saw you MDOC mugshot from just prior to your release on parole. You looked much healthier, much better at the end of your stay in prison.
Holbrook: A lot healthier because, as my dad always said, you better bend over and pull up your bootstraps because you’re in for it. It was nothing I was ever prepared for. I mean, obviously, the point where I got to where I thought killing my husband was the only way for me to get out, that’s how damaged and broken domestic violence made me. And thinking that that was okay now shocks me, but it was the only way I knew then, how to get away. So, when you get to prison, you better decide real quick if you’re going to stick up for yourself, learn how to say no, or just be a victim all over again.
Express: And you learned how to stick up for yourself.
Holbrook: Yes. I certainly did. I’m nobody’s victim. I learned how to say no. I learned how to be a real bitch, actually. And I think at that point I was able to do that because of the decision I made to free myself by taking his life. Yeah.
Express: Did prison do anything to help you prepare for coming out of prison?
Holbrook: Yeah. I mean one thing, there’s nothing like being in a room all alone. When I first got there I was in the Reception and Guidance Center, and I was in a room all by myself for 60 days or longer. And there’s nothing like being in a room alone with nothing but four walls and your thoughts. No noise. No officers screaming over the intercom. You have to ask to go to the bathroom. A lot of alone time. A lot of thinking time. I was able to dig really deep and just take things out and look at ’em and realize a lot about myself.
Express: After six years, you were up for parole, and the first time you went before the board you were denied. Why was that?
Holbrook: I remember sitting in the interview with the parole man, and my sister was there with me, and we talked about the abuse, and my parole decision came back as denied, and I got flopped — that’s continued — for 18 months, based on the fact that the parole board thought that I blamed the victim and his family and showed little or no concern for them and that I would actually be at risk to reoffend, which shocked me. I mean I’ve never been in trouble in my life.
Express: What about the victim in your case? You’ve described yourself as a victim, and said you want to stand up and work on behalf of victims. Is that fair? How do you defend that to Paul Holbrook’s family today, who might say that since you took away their loved one, you don’t deserve that chance?
Holbrook: Well, he was a victim, obviously. He was victim of a horrific, terrible crime. Was I a victim of over 10 years of horrific abuse — mental, physical, sexual, emotional? Absolutely. I mean, and the caveat to that is the fact that he was a police officer. He held all the power, control, authority. And so I let him do all of that to me. I was weak enough to let him groom me and fall into the trap. Am I a victim? Absolutely. And I will never stop saying that. I’m not a victim any more. It will never happen again.
Express: So you were out in April. You found yourself in Benzie County in a motel. What was that first week like?
Holbrook: The first week, actually, I felt really free. I was in a room for the first time by myself. I had my own bathroom. I had my own space. I was able to see my family, my kids, which was awesome. Realizing that I was finally able to make my own decisions, I didn’t have to ask permission to do anything. I didn’t have to check in with anybody. … When I got home finally, that freedom and that realization that I was able to make my own choices was huge and very freeing.
Express: But then you found that once you were able to make your own choices, you didn’t have very many options.
Holbrook: Right. And I understand that. I am a convicted felon. I bet I’ve applied for 50 jobs, ’cause I have 28 years’ experience in the law. I worked at district court for close to 10 years, all through the ’90s. … In the other years, I worked for attorneys — clients, customer-service related, I like to work with people. But say you’re a prospective employer, and you get my resume and you think, ‘Oh, this doesn’t look bad, she might be a good fit for the office.’ So you call the first person that I’ve worked for in the past and their response to you is, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know she was out of prison yet.’ I mean, do you bring that out right away? Do you wait on that? The first thing people do, prospective employers right now, is check your record, and when they see that I’m a felon and then that I have a murder charge, most people don’t look further than that.
Express: So what are you doing right now?
Holbrook: I am working in a factory right now. I work different jobs there. I work 7 to 3:30, I’m working on the line some days. I’m working manual hard labor, clean up. I actually broke one of my ribs a couple weeks ago at work. And I can do that. I am really strong. I can do a job like that. But I’m only making $10 an hour. And I understand people’s reluctance, but I just wish people would talk to me. I wish someone would give me a chance. I believe I am a wealth of information, as far as the experience in the law, being a victim of domestic violence, being in prison … I want to work as an advocate. I want to be the voice for victims.
Express: You mentioned you’ve gone to the Women’s Resource Center, and you’ve tried to work as an advocate there.
Holbrook: Yeah, when I first got out of prison, I worked through my parole agent in Benzie County. I had an employment counselor. And he got me a job at the Women’s Resource Center thrift store, part time, 20 hours per week. I was actually working for them, but it was through the AARP foundation. I couldn’t live on that. … So I was working there, and I wanted so bad for the Women’s Resource Center to hire me, which they had the choice of doing but apparently didn’t have the capability money-wise. I felt a lot of that was political. I really felt like because of who my victim was.
Express: But, do you have any training in social work?
Holbrook: No, I don’t. I have no training in social work, and it was made clear to me — I don’t have a degree, I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree. Which is true.
Express: Is that something that you’d like to do?
Holbrook: Yeah, it’s something I’d like to do. But I believe I have a master’s degree in domestic violence. I believe I probably know more about it than anybody who’s been schooled in it. I respect people that have degrees and learned whatever they’ve learned, but if you’ve never experienced it, you’ve never been through it, I would rather talk to someone like me rather than someone with a degree hanging on the wall, and that’s just how I feel about it. … I’m so strong. I know exactly what I went through. I know exactly what I did, why I did it. My feelings on that now are completely different. Because I’ve had all this time to reflect on it.
Express: How are your feelings different?
Holbrook: I just am shocked that I was ever in that place. Shocked that he was able to get me to where I thought killing him and taking his life was the only way out. But I know for a fact, and I’ve said this from the beginning: I took his life to save my own, because he was going to kill me, and he told me how he was going to kill me, and I believed him.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
