11192017 - Retired Officer Kent Neigebauer murdered his wife Marcia by strangling her with her breathing tube. Neigebauer told detectives that he was “crazy,” and that he couldn't believe that he killed his wife.
11192017 - Kent Neigebauer arrested/confessed to murdering his wife
11212017 - Neigebauer arraigned on open murder charge. He was held without bail, pending the preliminary examination.
11282017 - Preliminary exam set for December 05, 2017
11282017 - Probable cause conference
01162018 - Neigebauer bound over to circuit court on one count of open murder
03222018 - Neigebauer ordered to be evaulated to determine whether he was competent to stand trial
05312018 - Court ruled that Neibebauer was not competent to stand trial for the murder at this time. Neigebauer ordered to receive mental health care and evaluation. Next competency hearing scheduled for November 29, 2018.
11292018 - Neigebauer competency hearing. Neigebauer still was waiting for treatment from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry.
03072019 - Neigebauer competency hearing. Neigebauer still was waiting for treatment from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. The judge directly called the center during the hearing - Neigebauer was to be admitted to Center within next 2-3 weeks.
06212019 - Neigebauer declared fit to stand trial for murder
09262019 - Neigebauer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his wife Marcia.
10242019 - Neigebauer setenced to 12-18 years for the murder of his wife, Marcia Neigebauer
MLive
November 19, 2017
https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/annarbor/obituary.aspx?n=marcia-kay-neigebauer&pid=187321153
She graduated with honors from Western Michigan University before going into a career in banking.
Upon retiring, she followed her life long dream of becoming an innkeeper at the Delano Inn in Allegan.
She spent years volunteering as a girl scout leader and as a youth leader at Zion Lutheran Church and First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. She also was an active member in many local commerce groups in Ann Arbor, Saline, and Allegan.
She enjoyed sewing, crafts, travelling, and spending time with her daughters. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, son-in-law, brother, and many nieces and nephews.
A private ceremony for the immediate family will be held shortly. A celebration of life, open to her extended family, friends, and the community, will be held in the Spring of 2018. Details will be provided at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to ALS research. Marcia had an intense passion for life and for her loved ones. She followed every dream with vigor, gave to everyone she could, and loved and supported her daughters unconditionally.
Former Allegan innkeeper killed: Husband told 911 he had strangled her
Allegan News
November 20, 2017
http://www.allegannews.com/allegan-news-news/former-allegan-innkeeper-killed-husband-told-911-he-had-strangled-her
Neigebauer, who recently left Allegan, was found dead Sunday, Nov. 19, at her home in Pittsfield Township.
According to the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety, officers received a 911 call about 10:52 a.m. from a man saying he had just killed his wife by strangling her at their home on Plum Hollow Drive.
Police went to the scene and arrested the man—whom they did not officially name because he has yet to be arraigned—without incident.
Neigebauer moved to Allegan in 2013, when she purchased the DeLano Mansion Inn and became innkeeper there.
She grew up in Saginaw, earned her teaching degree at Western Michigan University and used her math minor to work in banking and banking management for most of her life.
She has three grown children.
In Allegan, she served on the city’s Historic District Commission and ran for city council in 2015.
Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce director Tim Perrigo said the news of her death was tragic.
He said he was always struck by how dedicated Neigebauer was to her business.
“She had a very positive impact here,” Perrigo said. “She really embraced Allegan; she just loved it.
“She ran the Delano like a business and increased the number of nights stayed, increased the number of repeat customers. And she was always promoting the area.”
Unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse.
The Delano’s Facebook page Sept. 21 said, “After much thought as to a manager to run the Inn when the owner moves closer to U of M Hospital, the Inn will close until a buyer comes along and reopens.
“Thursday, September 28 is our last day to be open. We are so sorry to leave but with the owner having ALS, we need to move.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; it causes the death of neurons which control voluntary muscles.
Amanda Adams, a photographer and owner of YardBird Studio in Allegan, worked for Marcia on and off for four years, providing wedding photography and cleaning. She said it was a sad turn of events when she found out Neigebauer was moving.
“It was very sad for the community to lose such a prominent figure, who was so active in our community,” Adams said.
She said Neigebauer was always very supportive of her as she worked to set up her photography studio, letting her use the Victorian-era decorated rooms for photo shoots.
“I’ll always remember her accepting and giving nature,” Adams said. “She was always very supportive of people.
“My time working there, she and her husband became like family to me.”
The news of Neigebauer’s death was terrible, she said.
“I was honestly shocked,” Adams said. “It’s hard to put into words, you know.
“She had such large impact on the community around here. She was helping to keep up the city’s historic preservation of old houses.
“The Delano Inn was such a beautiful place. She kept it up so well.
“There will always be a fond place in my heart for Marcia.”
Former Ann Arbor officer calls 911 to report he strangled wife to death
FOX 2 News - Detroit
November 20, 2017
(WJBK) - Ann Arbor police confirmed Monday a man suspected of fatally strangling his wife and calling 911 to report it over the weekend is a former officer with the department.
The 66-year-old man was arrested after calling Pittsfield Charter Township Department of Public Safety around 11 a.m. Sunday to report he had strangled his wife to death. Pittsfield is near the city of Ann Arbor.
Police found 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer dead at her home in the 5800 block of Plum Hollow Drive and the husband at the scene, where he was taken into custody.
He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.
Officials say he retired from the department in good standing in 2004.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the Pittsfield Charter Township Department of Public Safety at (734) 822-4911.
To remain anonymous, call the Pittsfield Charter Township Department of Public Safety's tip line at (734) 822-4958.
Retired Ann Arbor police officer suspected of fatally strangling wife in Pittsfield Township
63-year-old Pittsfield Township woman killed, police say
Click On Detroit
November 20, 2017
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A retired Ann Arbor police officer is suspected of killing his wife by strangulation in a Pittsfield Township home, officials said.
The Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety received a call at 10:52 a.m. Sunday from a man who said he had killed his wife by strangulation inside their home, officials said.
Police said the 66-year-old man stayed at the scene and was taken into custody.
The victim was identified as Marcia Neigebauer, a 63-year-old woman from Pittsfield Township.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to call the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety at 734-822-4911.
Police ID 63-year-old woman reported fatally strangled by husband
Nov 20, 2017
MLive
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer charged with murder appears in court
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - Police have identified a woman reported to have been fatally strangled by her husband during the weekend.
Marcia Neigebauer, 63, was found dead on Sunday, Nov. 19 in her home in the 5800 block of Plum Hollow Drive in the Arbor Knoll apartment complex from Pittsfield Township, according to a release from the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety. Pittsfield borders the city of Ann Arbor.
Police say Neigebauer's 66-year-old husband called police about 10:50 a.m. to report that he had strangled his wife to death.
Police confirmed Neigebauer was dead and took her husband into custody Sunday morning.
The husband, whose name has not yet been released, is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday, Pittsfield Township police Lt. Sean McCormick said.
Further information was not immediately available.
Those with information on the incident are asked to call Pittsfield Township police at 734-822-4911 or call the anonymous tip line at 734-822-4958.
Retired Ann Arbor police officer charged with murdering wife by strangulation
Kent Neigebauer charged with strangling wife
Click On Detroit
November 21, 2017
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A retired Ann Arbor police officer is in custody Tuesday night, charged with strangling his wife.
Prosecutors said Kent Neigebauer, 66, killed his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, 63, Sunday night at their home in Pittsfield Township.
The Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety received a call at 10:52 a.m. Sunday from a man who said he had killed his wife by strangulation inside their home, officials said.
The court proceedings Tuesday were handled by way of video feeds, with the grieving family of Marcia Neigebauer and Kent Neigebauer watching on monitors.
The former Ann Arbor officer is charged with murdering his wife last weekend at the Arbor Knoll Apartments in Pittsfield Township.
The judge said it's the policy of her court that a murder defendant will be held without bail, pending the preliminary examination.
As members of the family left court, they said they didn't want to comment on the case.
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer faces murder charge in wife's strangulation
MLive
Nov 21, 2017
Retired Ann Arbor cop charged with murder
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - A retired Ann Arbor police officer was arraigned Tuesday, Nov. 21 on one count of open murder in the death of his 63-year-old wife.
Kent Neigebauer, 66, is accused of fatally strangling his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their Pittsfield Township apartment on Sunday, Nov. 19.
Kent Neigebauer's Ann Arbor-based attorney, Dan Geherin, waived formal reading of the charges, so no additional details were revealed at the arraignment.
Police also did not release any additional information.
Neigebauer appeared during the hearing on a video screen in the lobby of the Washtenaw County Service Center, which houses the 14A-1 District Court, asking his attorney to tell his daughter to call him.
Several friends and family members of the Neigebauers watched the arraignment on the video screen. They did not wish not comment.
Geherin also did not want to comment, though he did confirm Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Marcia Neigebauer was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state's west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The DeLano Mansion Inn's Facebook page posted on Sept. 21 that the owner was closing the inn to move closer to the University of Michigan Hospital.
"We are so sorry to leave but with the owner having ALS, we need to move," the public post said.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed that Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
Around 10:50 a.m., Sunday Nov. 19, police say Neigebauer called 911 to report that he had strangled his wife. Marcia Neigebauer was found dead when police arrived at their apartment in the Arbor Knoll complex in the 5800 block of Plum Hollow Drive of Pittsfield Township.
Pittsfield Township borders the city of Ann Arbor.
Neigebauer was denied bond and remains at the Washtenaw County Jail. A probable cause conference was set for Nov. 28 and a preliminary examination for Dec. 5.
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer accused of strangling wife to death
A former police officer is accused of killing his wife in Pittsfield Township
FOX 2 News - Detroit
November 21, 2017
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) - A former police officer is accused of killing his wife in Pittsfield Township.
According to their Facebook pages, Kent Niegebauer and his wife, Marcia, had moved there to focus on her health. Marcia had ALS.
Neighbors at Arbor Knoll Apartments say they didn't hear anything Sunday morning and were shocked to hear that Marcia, 63, had been allegedly murdered at the hands of her own husband.
"When I heard that a husband strangled his wife, I was pretty perplexed. I don't know how someone could do that to another person," said Katie Crow.
The news was more disturbing when they learned Kent, 66, was a former police officer with the Ann Arbor Police Department. He retired in 2004.
Police say Neigebauer was the one who dialed 911, confessing to the crime. He waited until police arrived and was taken into custody.
Gary Oxender is also a retired Ann Arbor police officer who now lives in Florida. He spoke to us by phone.
"Nice guy; great guy. It's a shock total complete, utter shock," Oxender said.
He was often partnered with Neigebauer, whom he describes as a good solid detective. Oxender never expected this.
"I can't believe it, I was like damn, you know," he said. "I have no idea why."
The Neigebauers had only lived on Plum Hollow for three months. What happened inside their apartment - and what caused this career cop to snap - is still unclear.
We're told the prosecutor is expected to review the case in the morning. Neigebauer is expected to be charged Tuesday afternoon.
Ex-Ann Arbor officer charged with open murder, accused of fatally strangling wife
FOX 2 News - Detroit
November 21, 2017
(WJBK) - A 66-year-old man who called police to report he had strangled his wife was arraigned Tuesday on open murder charges.
Police say former Ann Arbor police officer Ken Neigebauer was arrested for the strangulation of his 63-year-old wife Marcia Neigebauer on Nov. 19 in their Pittsfield Charter Township apartment.
"Could I have my attorney - could you get a hold of my daughter and have her get ahold of me?" Kent said during the proceeding.
Former Ann Arbor officer calls 911 to report he strangled wife to death
The judge entered a not guilty plea on the charge that could put him in prison for life. His bond was denied.
Neigebauer retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department in 2004. He has no criminal record, and lived with his wife who reportedly had ALS.
"Damn, there's another side. I don't know. I have no idea why," said Gary Oxender, friend and a former Ann Arbor police officer.
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer accused of strangling wife to death
The law for an open murder charge the prosecutor does not have to show motivation, but the prosecutor will have to show that a crime was committed and that he committed the crime. That will take place in December.
Ex-Allegan County innkeeper killed in Ann Arbor area
Wood TV News
November 22, 2017
ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) — A former innkeeper from Allegan County is dead after allegedly being strangled by her husband in the Ann Arbor area.
NBC affiliate WDIV reports 66-year-old Kent Neigebauer called 911 Sunday night and very calmly told a dispatcher he had just killed his wife, 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer.
It happened inside their home at Arbor Knoll Apartments in Pittsfield Township, according to officers.
Marcia Neigebauer previously served as innkeeper for DeLano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast.
A September post on the business’ Facebook page stated it would be temporarily closing as its owner moved closer to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease. WDIV says Marcia Neigebauer was diagnosed with the disease.
Kent Neigebauer was a retired officer from the Ann Arbor area, according to WDIV. He was stoic as he appeared in court Tuesday via a jail video feed.
Relatives of the couple could be seen wiping away tears during the hearing, but declined to comment about the case.
The former Allegan City mayor, Mike Morton lives across the street from the Bed and Breakfast where Marcia Neigebauer and her husband Kent worked and lived.
“I believe she had a very positive impact in overall for the city of Allegan,” said Morton. “I was very sad and appalled. I’ve had dinner with Marsha and Kent, I thought they were very lovely people. It was very sad to see something like this happen.”
A judge denied Kent Neigebauer bond. He’s expected back in court Dec. 5.
Wednesday afternoon, Tim Perrigo, the executive director of the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce, made the following statement on Marcia Neigebauer’s passing:
“I think I can speak for the entire Allegan community in saying that we are saddened by the news of Marcia’s passing and that our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She wholeheartedly embraced us as neighbors and friends, was a passionate and tireless advocate for City of Allegan, and a valued member of our business community.”
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer charged with murder appears in court
MLive
November 28, 2019
Ex-Ann Arbor police officer charged with murder appears in court
Kent Neigebauer, 66, had his case adjourned when he appeared in 14A-1 District Court Tuesday, Nov. 28. Neigebauer is charged with open murder in the death of his wife.
Former officer faces murder charge
Ann Arbor News
November 28, 2017
A retired Ann Arbor police officer was arraigned Tuesday on one count of open murder in the death of his 63-year-old wife.
Kent Neigebauer, 66, is accused of fatally strangling his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their Pittsfield Township apartment Nov. 19.
Kent Neigebauer’s Ann Arbor-based attorney, Dan Geherin, waived formal reading of the charges, so no additional details were revealed at the arraignment.
Police also did not release any additional information.
Neigebauer appeared during the hearing on a video screen in the lobby of the Washtenaw County Service Center, which houses the 14A-1 District Court, asking his attorney to tell his daughter to call him.
Several friends and family members of the Neigebauers watched the arraignment on the video screen. They did not wish to comment.
Geherin also did not want to comment, though he did confirm Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Marcia Neigebauer was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state’s west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The DeLano Mansion Inn’s Facebook page posted Sept. 21 that the owner was closing the inn to move closer to the University of Michigan Hospital.
“We are so sorry to leave but with the owner having ALS, we need to move,” the public post said.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed that Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
About 10:50 a.m. Nov. 19, police say Neigebauer called 911 to report that he had strangled his wife. Marcia Neigebauer was found dead when police arrived at their apartment in the Arbor Knoll complex in the 5800 block of Plum Hollow Drive of Pittsfield Township.
Pittsfield Township borders the city of Ann Arbor.
Neigebauer was denied bond and remains at the Washtenaw County Jail. A probable cause conference was set for today and a preliminary examination for Dec. 5.
Ex-cop accused of strangling wife with breathing tube, claims he was insane
Ann Arbor News
November 30, 2017
A 66-year-old retired Ann Arbor police officer allegedly strangled his wife with a breathing tube and told detectives that he was “crazy,” according to court documents obtained by MLive.
Kent Neigebauer was in disbelief when police arrived at the couple’s apartment, Officer Brian Kabat, of the Pittsfield Township Public Safety Department, told a judge while swearing to the arrest warrant Nov. 21.
“He said that he couldn’t believe that he killed her,” Kabat said.
Neigebauer called 911 at 10:52 a.m. Nov. 19 saying he had just strangled and killed his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township, according to officials.
“He said, I killed her, I strangled her, she has ALS, and ... that he thinks he was insane,” Kabat testified.
He told dispatch he would be waiting outside the apartment for police to arrive, according to Kabat.
“During the arrest, and while escorting the defendant to the patrol car, he indicated he just went crazy, he stated he needed a lawyer,” Kabat said. “He kept repeating, ‘What have I done?’”
Neigebauer also asked officers whether his wife had survived, according to the testimony.
Detectives found Marcia Neigebauer dead in the living room area of the apartment, according to the court records.
“She had around her neck ... a breathing tube, or a breathing cord, and a scarf,” Kabat testified. “There was indication that she had been strangled as a result of how ... that breathing tube was wrapped around her throat.”
There also was evidence she tried to resist: an earring removed from her ear and blood on the floor, according to the records.
Police have not publicly released any of these details about the case. Pittsfield Township Director of Public Safety Matt Harshberger on Wednesday said he couldn’t comment any further on the case because it’s an open investigation.
Neigebauer appeared in 14A-1 District Court on Tuesday for a probable cause conference, which was adjourned so his attorney, Ann Arbor-based Joe Simon, could review the evidence.
A preliminary examination was set for Jan. 16.
Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosi, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She also was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state’s west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
Neigebauer remains in jail without bond.
Court record reveals details of Neibebauer crime scene
Allegan News
December 15, 2017
While the snow collects on the “for sale” sign in front of the Delano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast, many questions remain regarding its fate and the killing of its owner.
According to Ann Arbor-area law enforcement, the Delano’s owner, innkeeper Marcia Neigebauer, was found killed Sunday, Nov. 19, at her home in Pittsfield Township.
Police arrested 66-year-old Kent William Neigebauer that morning after he admitted to strangling his 63-year-old wife.
According to Washtenaw County Trial Court records, he called 911.
At a hearing Nov. 21 for an authorization of a warrant, Pittsfield Township Police Department Officer Brian Kabat testified, “...the defendant indicated (to the dispatcher) that he had just strangled and killed his wife, and that he would be waiting outside for the police to arrive.”
Kabat said a detective had reviewed the 911 audio. Kabat said the dispatcher in the recording had asked for clarification, and Kent Neigebauer had “said, I killed her, I strangled her, she has ALS, and... that he thinks he was insane.”
At scene of the killing, the couple’s living room at their apartment, Marcia Neigebauer had been found with a breathing tube and a scarf around her neck. Evidence there and a later forensic examination of her body indicated that she had been strangled
“There was also evidence that she tried to resist,” Kabat said. “One of the earrings was removed from her ear. There was blood found on the floor. There was also blood found around a plastic bag that had a tear in it,” though he admitted it was not yet clear how or if that was involved in the killing.
Kent Neigebauer had requested a lawyer upon his arrest, Kabat said, but also had asked whether his wife had survived.
“During the arrest, and while escorting the defendant to the patrol car, he indicated that he just went crazy,” Kabat said. “While being placed in the patrol car, he made other additional statements while being transported and taken to an interview room at the police department. Statements that were made were that he went crazy, and that he kept repeating what have I done... Again, that was repeated multiple times. And he said that he couldn’t believe that he killed her.”
A preliminary examination for Kent Neigebauer is set for Jan. 16 in Ann Arbor.
The mansion
The fate of the Delano Mansion, an Allegan landmark at 302 Cutler St. and one of the better-known historical homes in the city, is currently dim.
The inn’s website states, “After careful thought, the Innkeeper does not believe a manager would provide the outstanding breakfasts and service that the Innkeeper has been providing for guests over the last four years. Therefore, as the Innkeeper has ALS and is moving to be closer to U of M Hospital for better treatments, the Inns will close Sept. 30.
“I thank all our guests who have stayed with us during my Innkeeper days. I will miss all of you. Hopefully a buyer will come along soon and reopen the Inns very soon.”
The business expanded earlier this year to include a newly renovated neighboring historical home, the Allen House.
The business appears to have had some recent difficulty. According to county tax records, 2016 taxes in excess of $9,000 had not been paid.
Federal court records do not indicate the Neigebauers have filed for bankruptcy, but the broker selling the properties for the Neigebauers—and now the lender—said they were currently in foreclosure.
Bob Fuehr of The Inn Broker Inc. said he had been engaged early in the year to help find a property manager. When that didn’t work out, he pursued selling the inn. Unfortunately, he said it usually takes approximately three years to sell a bed and breakfast.
“And it’s more difficult to sell when they’re closed,” Fuehr said. “It’s very tragic, and those are two nice buildings, which makes it so sad.”
He said he brokered the deal that sold the Delano to the Neigebauers three years ago. He said the foreclosure process began in May.
It takes so long to sell them, Fuehr said because buyers are often new to the business and are not only buying a place to work but also one in which to live. Sellers often can be particular as well in terms of wanting the business to be passed to the right hands.
“I like to say it’s a little like an adoption agency,” he said, due to all the “matchmaking” that goes into the process.
He said the Delano and Allen houses can be purchased separately or together for use as a bed and breakfast—what they’re best suited to—or as simply a residence.
“Somebody’s going to get a deal,” Fuehr said. “The houses are physically both in pretty good condition. I’ve done a couple showings, but nothing concrete came of them.”
Ex-officer accused of strangling wife with breathing tube to stand trial
MLive
Jan 16, 2018
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP - A retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of fatally strangling his ALS-suffering wife with a breathing tube will face trial in circuit court.
Kent Neigebauer, 66, appeared visibly upset in a 14A-1 District Courtroom on Tuesday, Jan. 16, putting his head down on the lectern at one point during the short hearing before Judge Kirk Tabbey.
Neigebauer waived his preliminary examination at the hearing, prompting Judge Kirk Tabbey to bind him over to circuit court on one count of open murder.
Police say Neigebauer confessed that he strangled and killed his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township when he called 911 around 10:52 a.m. on Nov. 19.
Neigebauer was in disbelief when officers arrived at the couple's apartment, according to court records. He asked several times if his wife was dead, according to court records.
Detectives found Marcia Neigebauer unresponsive in the living room area of the apartment with a breathing tube and a scarf around her neck, the records indicate. Police believe she was strangled with the breathing tube, according to the records.
Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state's west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed that Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
He had a pretrial hearing in circuit court set for Jan. 25.
Neigebauer remains in jail with no bond.
Ex-officer accused of strangling wife to stand trial
Ann Arbor News
January 21, 2018
A retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of strangling his ALS-suffering wife with a breathing tube will face trial in circuit court.
Kent Neigebauer, 66, appeared visibly upset in a 14A-1 District Courtroom on Tuesday, putting his head down on the lectern at one point during the short hearing before Judge Kirk Tabbey.
Neigebauer waived his preliminary examination at the hearing, prompting Judge Kirk Tabbey to bind him over to circuit court on one count of open murder.
Police say Neigebauer confessed he strangled his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township when he called 911 at 10:52 a.m. Nov. 19.
Neigebauer was in disbelief when officers arrived at the couple’s apartment, according to court records. He asked several times if his wife was dead, according to court records.
Detectives found Marcia Neigebauer unresponsive in the living room area of the apartment with a breathing tube and a scarf around her neck, the records indicate. Police believe she was strangled with the breathing tube, according to the records.
Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state’s west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed that Kent Neigebauer retired from the police force in 2004.
He had a pretrial hearing in circuit court set for Jan. 25.
Neigebauer remains in jail with no bond.
Retired officer accused of killing wife to have competency exam
Ann Arbor News
March 22, 2018
A retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of fatally strangling his ALS-suffering wife with a breathing tube will undergo a competency evaluation.
Judge Darlene O’Brien on Thursday ordered Kent Neigebauer to be evaluated by the Center for Forensic Psychiatry to determine criminal responsibility and whether he is competent to stand trial.
Neigebauer, 66, told police he “went insane” and killed his wife, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the time, according to court documents.
Neigebauer appeared Thursday in the Washtenaw County Trial Court in a wheelchair for the second time. His Ann Arbor-based attorney Dan Geherin has said Neigebauer suffers from a bad back.
Geherin told O’Brien there was going to be a motion for attorney substitution, but the matter wasn’t elaborated on during the hearing.
O’Brien adjourned the case until May 17, but said that date may be moved up depending on how quickly the forensic center can get the report finished.
Neigebauer was bound over to circuit court on one count of murder Jan. 16.
Police say Neigebauer confessed he strangled and killed his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township when he called 911 at 10:52 a.m. Nov. 19.
Neigebauer was in disbelief when officers arrived at the couple’s apartment, according to court records. He asked several times if his wife was dead, according to the records.
Detectives found Marcia Neigebauer unresponsive in the living room area of the apartment with a breathing tube and a scarf around her neck, the records indicate. Police believe she was strangled with the breathing tube, according to the records.
She was the former owner of the DeLano Mansion Inn in Allegan on the state’s west side, according to the Allegan County News.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
Neigebauer remains in jail with no bond.
The status of Washtenaw County’s 2017 homicide cases
Ann Arbor News
April 15, 2018
The 10th homicide victim of the year was the wife of a former Ann Arbor police officer. The suspect is her husband.
Police say Kent Neigebauer, 66, called Pittsfield Township police about 10:50 a.m. Nov. 19 to report strangling his wife, 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer, with a breathing tube in their home in the 5800 block of Plum Hollow Drive in the Arbor Knoll apartment complex.
Marcia Neigebauer suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and her husband told detectives that he went “crazy,” according to court documents obtained by MLive.
Kent Neigebauer was ordered to undergo a competency examination at a March 15 court appearance and is expected to return to court May 17.
Police have released few details regarding the last two homicide victims of the year.
Husband of murdered former Delano Inn owner not competent yet for trial
Allegan News
June 06, 2018
The man who admitted killing former Allegan bed-and-breakfast owner Marcia Neigebauer in November will receive mental health care and evaluation, according to Washtenaw County court records.
Trial Court Judge Darlene A. O’Brien ruled Thursday, May 31, that Neigebauer’s husband Kent William Neigebauer was not competent to stand trial for the murder at this time.
According to court officials, O’Brien said there was a substantial likelihood Kent Neigebauer could be found competent at a later date. He has been ordered to undergo treatment at the state-run Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline.
The court will review records of his treatment at another competency hearing scheduled for Nov. 29.
Court records from December showed Kent Neigebauer called 911 and told dispatchers he had killed his wife Nov. 19 at their home in Pittsfield Township. They moved back to the Ann Arbor area after closing and attempting to sell the Delano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast in Allegan, which Marcia Neigebauer, 63, had owned and run since moving to Allegan in 2013.
Her health suffered in 2017 due to ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. By the end of September, the business announced it was closing in a Facebook post that noted Marcia Neigebauer “has ALS and is moving to be closer to U of M Hospital for better treatments...”
Court records showed police found her in the living room of her apartment, apparently strangled with a breathing tube and scarf, alongside signs of a struggle.
Pittsfield Township Police Department Officer Brian Kabat testified, “During the arrest, and while escorting the defendant to the patrol car, he indicated that he just went crazy... While being placed in the patrol car, he made other additional statements while being transported and taken to an interview room at the police department. Statements that were made were that he went crazy, and that he kept repeating what have I done... Again, that was repeated multiple times. And he said that he couldn’t believe that he killed her.”
The Delano Inn, at 302 Cutler St. and one of the better-known historical homes in the city, has been temporarily taken off the market, according to the real estate broker’s website, “Awaiting Lender Transition.” Foreclosure proceedings had begun on the Delano in May 2017.
Retired police officer found incompetent for trial
Ann Arbor News
June 7, 2018
A retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of killing his ALS-suffering wife by strangling her with a breathing tube has been found not competent for trial.
The Center for Forensic Psychiatry determined Kent Neigebauer is unfit to stand trial in the death of his wife, leading to a court order being issued May 31, placing him in the care of the center, Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Steve Hiller said.
Neigebauer is scheduled for competency review to determine his treatment status Nov. 29 in front of Washtenaw County Trial Judge Darlene O’Brien. He could eventually face a jury if he is later found competent for trial.
Police say Neigebauer, 66, confessed that he strangled and killed his wife, Marcia Neigebauer, at their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township. He called 911 around 10:52 a.m. Nov. 19.
Neigebauer told police he “went insane” and killed his wife, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the time, according to court documents.
Neigebauer was in disbelief when officers arrived at the couple’s apartment, according to court records. He asked several times if his wife was dead, according to the court records.
Detectives found Marcia Neigebauer unresponsive in the living room area of the apartment with a breathing tube and a scarf around her neck, the records indicate. Police believe she was strangled with the breathing tube, according to the court records.
Neigebauer was arrested and charged with one count of open murder, which allows a jury to determine the degree of the crime if convicted.
The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed that Kent Neigebauer retired from the force in 2004.
Retired cop accused in wife's killing still awaits mental health treatment
Grand Rapids Press
December 3, 2018
ANN ARBOR, MI - A frustrated judge says she'll issue an order to speed up the admission of a former police officer for mental health treatment ahead of a possible trial in the death of his wife.
Kent Neigebauer, 67, was found incompetent in May to stand trial in the death of 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer.
He remained in jail and still hadn't been admitted to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry as of a court appearance Thursday, Nov. 29.
That's despite pleas from Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Darlene O'Brien, who explained during the hearing that she'd sent a letter in September to the facility demanding that no other case be given priority over his.
"And this is the result, frustrating as it is," she said, holding a response letter in the air.
The facility responded that due to high volume, Neigebauer's admission was delayed, she said.
Now, O'Brien said she will sign an order that Neigebauer be prioritized, at the prompting of Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Nimish Ganatra.
A representative from the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the center, could not immediately be reached for comment on the case.
Speedy trial? Not if you're mentally ill in Michigan
Retired police officer accused of killing wife found incompetent for trial
The wait time for mentally ill defendants to be admitted to a state psychiatric hospital was the subject of a 2017 MLive investigation, as well as two bills introduced into Michigan House of Representatives last year.
The bills, though attached to a larger package attempting to address treatment for prisoners, were directed at the initial competency examination for defendants, not treatment. They were passed in the House in February, but have remained in the Senate Judiciary Committee since March.
The state has 15 months or a third of the maximum prison sentence for the crime charged, whichever is less, to rehabilitate a defendant found incompetent to stand trial.
Though Neigebauer was found incompetent for trial, his criminal responsibility hasn't been ruled out. He may eventually face a jury trial if his competency is deemed restored within the 15-month time frame.
Police say Neigebauer, who retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department in 2004, called 911 on the morning of Nov. 19, 2017 to report killing his wife in their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township.
He told police that he "went insane" and strangled Marcia Neigebauer, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to court documents. A breathing tube and scarf were found around her neck.
Neigebauer now is scheduled for a competency review on March 7, 2019.
Ex-cop accused in wife’s death still awaiting mental health treatment after 10 months
MLive
March 07, 2019
ANN ARBOR, MI - Kent Neigebauer may finally get into the Center for Forensic Psychiatry after a phone call from the judge in his homicide case.
The 67-year-old retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of killing his wife has been in the Washtenaw County Jail awaiting mental health treatment for nearly 10 months.
Neigebauer in May 2018 was found incompetent to stand trial for the 2017 death of his wife, 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer.
In November, after months without treatment, a frustrated Washtenaw County Trial Judge Darlene O’Brien said she planned to issue an order to prioritize his admittance.
But as of Thursday, March 7, that hadn't made a difference.
Kent Neigebauer appeared in a wheelchair Thursday, March 7 for a competency hearing at the trial court, but had the hearing delayed after O’Brien revealed he still hadn’t received treatment.
The judge said she called the center recently to address the delay.
"(They said) Mr. Neigebauer is No. 3 on their list to be admitted and should be admitted within the next two to three weeks," she said.
The center pointed to high volume for the delay, O’Brien said at the November hearing.
The wait time for mentally ill defendants to be admitted into a state psychiatric hospital has been an ongoing issue in Michigan, and was the subject of a 2017 MLive investigation.
Two bills introduced in the state legislature that same year sought to address the long waits. They were directed at initial competency examinations, not treatment. The legislation stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee in March 2018.
Though Kent Neigebauer was found incompetent for trial, his criminal responsibility hasn’t been ruled out. He may still face trial if his competency is deemed restored within the required time frame.
The state has 15 months or a third of the maximum prison sentence for the crime charged, whichever is less, to rehabilitate a defendant found incompetent to stand trial. For Neigebauer, facing life in prison, the state has 15 months.
Police say Neigebauer, who retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department in 2004, called 911 on the morning of Nov. 19, 2017 to report killing his wife in their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township.
He told police that he “went insane” and strangled Marcia Neigebauer, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, according to court documents. A breathing tube and scarf were found around her neck.
Kent Neigebauer now is scheduled for a competency review May 16. He remains held without bond.
Ex-cop accused in wife’s death still awaiting mental health treatment
Ann Arbor News
March 14, 2019
Kent Neigebauer may finally get into the Center for Forensic Psychiatry after a phone call from the judge in his homicide case.
The 67-year-old retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of killing his wife has been in the Washtenaw County Jail awaiting mental health treatment for almost 10 months.
Neigebauer in May was found incompetent to stand trial for the 2017 death of his wife, 63-year-old Marcia Neigebauer.
In November, after months without treatment, a frustrated Washtenaw County Trial Judge Darlene O’Brien said she planned to issue an order to prioritize his admittance.
But as of Thursday, that hadn’t made a difference.
Kent Neigebauer appeared in a wheelchair March 7 for a competency hearing at the trial court, but had the hearing delayed after O’Brien revealed he still hadn’t received treatment.
The judge said she called the center recently to address the delay.
“(They said) Mr. Neigebauer is No. 3 on their list to be admitted and should be admitted within the next two to three weeks,” she said.
The center pointed to high volume for the delay, O’Brien said at the November hearing.
The wait time for mentally ill defendants to be admitted into a state psychiatric hospital has been an ongoing issue in Michigan, and was the subject of a 2017 MLive investigation.
Two bills introduced in the state legislature that same year sought to address the long waits. They were directed at initial competency examinations, not treatment. The legislation stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee in March 2018.
Though Kent Neigebauer was found incompetent for trial, his criminal responsibility hasn’t been ruled out. He still may face trial if his competency is deemed restored within the required time frame.
The state has 15 months or a third of the maximum prison sentence for the crime charged, whichever is less, to rehabilitate a defendant found incompetent to stand trial. For Neigebauer, facing life in prison, the state has 15 months.
Police say Neigebauer, who retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department in 2004, called 911 on the morning of Nov. 19, 2017, to report killing his wife in their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township.
He told police that he “went insane” and strangled Marcia Neigebauer, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, according to court documents. A breathing tube and scarf were found around her neck.
Kent Neigebauer now is scheduled for a competency review May 16. He remains held without bond.
Innkeeper's husband awaits ruling to face trial for Marcia Neigebauer
Allegan News
March 21, 2019
The man who admitted killing former Allegan bed-and-breakfast owner Marcia Neigebauer in November 2017 continues to await evaluation according to Washtenaw County court records.
Last May, Kent William Neigebauer was found not competent to stand trial for the murder.
According to court officials, Trial Court Judge Darlene A. O’Brien said there was a substantial likelihood Kent Neigebauer could be found competent at a later date. She ordered him to undergo treatment at the state-run Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline.
He was scheduled in court last November to review records of his treatment. That, however, was rescheduled for March, as he had not yet been seen by the forensic center.
Court officials confirmed earlier this month that the hearing had again been rescheduled, this time to May 16, noting they expected a bed at the forensic center to be opening up for him this month.
Court records from December 2017 showed Kent Neigebauer called 911 and told dispatchers he had killed his wife Nov. 19, 2017, at their home in Pittsfield Township. They moved back to the Ann Arbor area after closing and attempting to sell the Delano Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast in Allegan, which Marcia Neigebauer, 63, had owned and run since moving to Allegan in 2013.
Her health suffered in 2017 due to ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. By the end of September, the business announced it was closing in a Facebook post that noted Marcia Neigebauer “has ALS and is moving to be closer to U of M Hospital for better treatments...”
Court records showed police found her in the living room of her apartment, apparently strangled with a breathing tube and scarf, alongside signs of a struggle.
Pittsfield Township Police Department Officer Brian Kabat testified, “During the arrest, and while escorting the defendant to the patrol car, he indicated that he just went crazy... While being placed in the patrol car, he made other additional statements while being transported and taken to an interview room at the police department. Statements that were made were that he went crazy, and that he kept repeating what have I done... Again, that was repeated multiple times. And he said that he couldn’t believe that he killed her.”
The Delano Inn, at 302 Cutler St. and one of the better-known historical homes in the city, was in foreclosure proceedings by May 2017.
Retired Officer Kent Neigebauer - Sentenced
Michigan Department Of Corrections
October 24, 2019
Ex-cop sentenced after pleading guilty to wife’s murder
Ann Arbor News
November 14, 2019
A retired Ann Arbor police officer accused of killing his ill wife three years ago will spend the next decade in prison.
Kent Neigebauer, 68, was sentenced Oct. 24 to 12-18 years in prison for the strangulation of his 63-year-old wife, Marcia.
Neigebauer, who retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department in 2004, called 911 the morning of Nov. 19, 2017, to report killing his wife in their apartment in the 5000 block of Plum Hollow Drive in Pittsfield Township, records show.
He told police he “went insane” and strangled Marcia Neigebauer, who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, according to court documents. A breathing tube and scarf were found around her neck.
He waited for police outside their home, saying, “What have I done,” as police arrested him, records show.
His case was delayed so he could undergo a mental evaluation at the state-run Center for Forensic Psychiatry where, in May 2018, doctors found him incompetent to stand trial.
After spending more than 10 months awaiting mental health treatment, Neigebauer was seen by doctors and, on June 21, was declared fit to stand trial, records show.
He was ordered to remain at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry and to continue taking medication until his trial. He instead pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Sept. 26.
Neigebauer was credited for 704 days served. He will be eligible for parole the day before the anniversary of his wife’s death in 2029.
