OIDV Project Of Michigan - Officer Involved Domestic Violence Project Of Michigan

Florence dismisses charges against Bal
August 28, 2008
By NIKKI YOUNK, Staff Writer
Iron Mountain Daily News
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/502934/Florence-dismisses-charges-against-Bal.html

FLORENCE, Wis. - Criminal charges against former Iron Mountain police officer Phillip Bal have been temporarily dismissed while officials await an appeal pending in Michigan, said Florence District Attorney Douglas Drexler.

Bal, 35, was originally charged in Florence County with second degree sexual assault-use of force for an alleged April 2005 incident involving an Iron Mountain woman at the C and R bar in Aurora, Wis.

He is currently serving an 11- to 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of first degree criminal sexual conduct and home invasion in Dickinson County Circuit Court in May 2007.

Drexler explained that Bal is appealing the conviction in Dickinson County and the decision will influence whether or not Drexler reinstates the charges in Florence County.

"If the appeal is granted, we will pursue charges in Wisconsin," Drexler stated. "If not, he's already spending time in prison and we don't want that additional cost to the taxpayers."

Since Bal's trial in Florence was scheduled for Sept. 4, Drexler said that he had to take some kind of action while waiting for the appeal decision. He chose to dismiss the charges without prejudice, meaning that the charges can be reinstated at a later date.



Former cop up on another rape charge
Not guilty plea was made
WLUC -TV6, Negaunee
Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008 at 8:16 a.m.
http://www.wluctv6.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=123000

AURORA, WI -- The former Iron Mountain police officer convicted of rape and home invasion is heading to trial on another sexual assault charge.

Thirty-four-year-old Phillip Bal pled not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman at a bar in Aurora, Wisconsin back in 2005. Bal is expected to face a jury trial on September 4 in Florence County Court. He faces a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and no more than 40 years in prison on the second degree criminal sexual conduct charge.

Bal is currently serving 11 to 20 years in prison for his previous convictions.



Bal trial set in Wisconsin
Iron Mountain Daily News
By LISA M. REED,Staff Writer
POSTED: April 16, 2008
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/10437.html?showlayout=0

FLORENCE, Wis. — Former Iron Mountain police officer Phillip Bal will be tried on a criminal sexual contact charge-second degree in Florence County in September.

Bal, 34, is currently serving an 11- to 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of criminal sexual conduct-first degree and home invasion-first degree in Dickinson County Circuit Court in May 2007.

Bal’s Florence jury trial is set for Sept. 4, said Florence County District Attorney Doug Drexler.

The charge in Florence County is based on an alleged April 2005 incident involving an Iron Mountain woman at the C & R in Aurora, Wis.

The CSC-second degree charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Iron Mountain attorney Julie LaCost is representing Bal.



Police officer’s trial delayed
Marquette Mining Journal, MI
August 4, 2007
http://www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=18330

IRON MOUNTAIN — The start of a jury trial for a former Iron Mountain Police officer in Florence County has been delayed.

Phillip Bal, 34, was scheduled to appear in Florence County Circuit Court today on a charge of criminal sexual conduct-second degree.

The charge involves an alleged incident in April 2005 involving an Iron Mountain woman at the C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis.

The criminal sexual conduct-second degree charge carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Florence County Circuit Court Judge Robert Kennedy heard a motion from attorney Frank Stupak of Escanaba on Tuesday to withdraw as counsel for Bal.

Prior to his sentencing in Dickinson County Circuit Court on charges of criminal sexual conduct-first degree and home invasion-first degree, Bal dismissed Stupak as his legal counsel and retained the services of attorney Sanford Schulman of Detroit. Bal was sentenced to 11 to 20 years in prison.

Judge Kennedy delayed granting Stupak’s motion to withdraw until it can be established who will represent Bal in Wisconsin.



Bal blames media, says victim is lying
The Daily News
By PETE FRECCHIO, Staff Writer
Thursday, July 19, 2007
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=6994

IRON MOUNTAIN — In Dickinson County Circuit Court on Wednesday, convicted sex offender Phillip Bal told Judge Richard Celello he was sentencing "an innocent man.”

Celello, saying he had thought long and hard about his decision, sentenced Bal, 34, of Iron Mountain, to 11 to 20 years in prison.At a jury trial in May, Bal, a former Iron Mountain police officer, was found guilty of criminal sexual conduct-first degree and home invasion-first degree.

The charges were related to an assault on an Iron Mountain woman at her home in April 2004.Celello sentenced Bal to 11 to 20 years on each count. The two sentences will run concurrently. Bal was given credit for 55 days served and ordered to register as a sex offender.

"This is one of the most difficult cases I have ever presided over," Celello told Bal. "(The defense) questioned the decision making methods of the jury. I can’t second guess the jury. I am not punishing you because you are a former police officer," Celello told Bal.

Bal told the court that since he was off-duty when the incident occurred, he should not be held to a higher standard because he was a police officer.

"Bal being a police officer should definitely be considered in determining his sentence," said special prosecuting attorney Jennifer Mazzuchi of Marquette. "When a gang member is involved in a crime, people are not shocked. When a police officer is involved in a crime, people are shocked. It is an abuse of his power."

At his first sentencing hearing on June 27, Bal informed the court he wished to dismiss attorney Frank Stupak of Escanaba and retain the services of appellate attorney Sanford Schulman of Detroit. The change in legal counsel delayed Bal’s sentencing three weeks.

Emotions were running high as supporters of both Bal and the victim filled the benches in the third floor courtroom.

In response to a statement Bal made before the court saying the victim was lying, Judge Celello responded, "The victim is telling the truth. She was brutally assaulted by you. I can’t think of anything short of murder that is as bad as what happened here. Alcohol has caused you terrible problems in your life," Celello said.

Several motions brought forward by Schulman concerning a proposed polygraph test, the jury’s method of reaching a guilty verdict and sentencing guidelines in the pre-sentence report were denied by Judge Celello.

In his statement before the court, an emotional Bal said the justice system let him down.

"I stand before you an embarrassed and humiliated man," he said. "My sinful and immoral action is responsible for everything that has happened.

I apologize to my wife for breaking her trust and violating the sanctity of our marriage. Her love has kept me strong. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to her," Bal said.

"I apologize to my (four) kids, my parents, my family and my friends for what has happened the last 15 months and for letting them down," he continued. "I thank everyone for their letters of support. I thank the people of St. Mary and St. Joseph church for welcoming my family there and for the support they will give them when I am gone. I apologize to (the victim) and her family for what I have done. I pray life will return to normal for them."

Bal went on to list a number of injustices he felt had occurred.

"Several stories in the newspaper (about my case) slowly poisoned the selection of my jury and took away any chance I had for a fair trial," he said.

"My family was publicly humiliated. Because I was a police officer, my name and my family’s name was dragged through the mud. I lost my job. The prosecution never asked me for my side of the story," Bal said.

"The court allowed two women who had cases pending against me to testify against me," he said.

"Jurors later said they used that (information) to convict me. I was convicted based on what was said about two cases that never went to trial," he said."

I never asked for special treatment because I was a police officer. I feel I was prosecuted because I was a police officer. I ask the court for mercy and leniency. I have four kids that need a father. I have a wife who needs a husband. God has forgiven me. The victim is lying. You are sentencing an innocent man," Bal said.

Bal will be remanded to the custody to the Michigan Department of Corrections. He will be transported to the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility in Jackson where he will be a part of the general prison population.

Bal’s attorney, Sanford Schulman, said an appeal will be filed.

"(Bal) was convicted on the testimony of two women whose charges against (Bal) were never brought to trial. The jury was hit with three cases at once. The evidence in the (case of the victim) was weak," said Schulman.

A Wisconsin woman who says she was involved in an encounter with Bal in the mid-1990’s attended Wednesday’s sentencing. She approached The Daily News outside the courthouse to offer her thoughts on Bal.

"It’s been 12 years, but justice was finally served," she said. "Bal was lying in court today. I saw firsthand what he is capable of," the woman said. The unnamed woman says she hopes to see the other man that was involved in her encounter with Bal brought to justice. "Eventually, it all catches up with them," she said.

Bal could still face a criminal sexual conduct charge involving an Iron Mountain woman in May 2005 at the C&R Bar in Aurora, Wis.

Florence County District Attorney Douglas Drexler has indicated he will decide shortly how he will proceed.

Bal is facing one count of criminal sexual conduct—second degree, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Monday, August 25, 2008

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentenced - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori Dekleine - Holland PD

01102008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori DeKleine

01102008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - PPO violations & allegations of abuse - Holland PD

07082008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Trial For Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori Dekleine

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentencing Hearing - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori DeKleine

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentenced - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori Dekleine

ORIGINAL CHARGE: OPEN MURDER
MDOC NUMBER: 696620
CURRENT STATUS: PRISONER
LOCATION: SAGINAW CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
SECURITY LEVEL: IV
EARLIEST RELEASE DATE: LIFE
MAXIMUM DISCHARGE DATE: LIFE
OFFENSE: HOMICIDE- MURDER FIRST DEGREE- PREMEDITATED
MCL #: 750.316A
COURT FILE # : 08032191-FC
COUNTY: OTTAWA
CONVICTION TYPE: JURY
MINIMUM SENTENCE: LIFE
MAXIMUM SENTENCE: LIFE
DATE OF OFFENSE: 01/10/2008
DATE OF SENTENCE: 08/25/08

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentencing Hearing - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori DeKleine - Holland PD

01102008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori DeKleine

01102008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - PPO violations & allegations of abuse - Holland PD

07082008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Trial For Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori Dekleine

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentencing Hearing - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori DeKleine

08252008 - Officer Ken DeKleine - Sentenced - Murder Of Ex-Wife Lori Dekleine

Extra security planned for DeKleine sentencing
The Holland Sentinel
Aug 23, 2008
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x2090471065/Extra-security-planned-for-DeKleine-sentencing

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine, right, sits with his attorney Floyed Farmer as he listens to prosecution testimony during day two of his murder trial earlier this year in Grand Haven. DeKleine will be sentenced Monday, Aug. 25, for the murder of his wife, Lori. Dan Irving

Grand Haven, MI — When former Holland Police Department Officer Ken DeKleine steps into the courtroom for sentencing on Monday, Aug. 25, he’ll be flanked by two Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

The additional security is not typical for a sentencing, said Ottawa County Circuit Court Administrator Kevin Bowling.

“Often times for sentencings there might be one or two guards that would bring everybody in,” Bowling said, since multiple defendants are brought in to the courtroom at the same time for sentencings.Those guards act as security for all of the defendants, but DeKleine will have his own.

“There’s going to be a couple uniformed deputies assigned specifically to DeKleine to move him in and then move him out,” he said.

DeKleine will be sentenced Monday in Grand Haven on convictions of first-degree murder and felony murder for the January homicide of his wife, Lori DeKleine.

DeKleine was found guilty on both counts July 11 after less than 90 minutes of deliberation by a jury at Ottawa County Circuit Court in Grand Haven.

Lori DeKleine was found strangled in the basement of her home on Calvin Avenue on Jan. 10.

Bowling said he was not yet sure if Lori DeKleine’s family planned on making a statement at the sentencing.

A request for an interview that was sent to Lori DeKleine’s father this week was not returned.

Ex-police officer sentenced in wife's death
NBC 25, Michigan

August 25, 2008
http://www.weyi.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=180022

(AP) -- GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death
WSJV News, South Bend Indiana
August 25, 2008
http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=8895451

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-5-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death
WLNS TV 6 Lansing MI

August 25, 2008
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=8895451&nav=menu25_2

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-5-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death
MLIVE

August 25, 2008

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-56/1219682946315930.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death
WSBT NEWS
Aug 25, 2008
http://www.wsbt.com/news/regional/27362104.html

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Former Holland police officer sentenced for killing his wife
WZZM NEWS
August 25,2008
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/most_popular_story.aspx?storyid=97550&provider=top

Grand Haven, MI (WZZM) - "I want Ken DeKleine to never see the light of day."

That was what Lori DeKleine's sister told a judge Monday morning at the former Holland police officer's sentencing for his wife's murder.

An Ottawa County Circuit Court judge sentenced DeKleine to life in prison without possibility of parole for the January murder.

Prosecutors say DeKleine was in the home and strangled his wife to death, then staged the scene to look like a suicide. DeKleine later confessed to the murder during a police interview.

DeKleine remained emotionless during his sentencing. The judge asked, "Mr. Dekleine anything you'd like to say?" He responded, "No, your honor.

However, Lori DeKleine's family had plenty to say as they stood a few feet from the son-in-law they once trusted. Gena Meulman is the victim's mother, "I now have peace that Lori is safe and free from a life of abuse and control." She told the court.

Lori's father, Paul Meulman, also spoke, "She has been released from from her world of fear, abuse and violence, into her heavenly home." On July 11, a jury took less than 90 minutes to find DeKleine guilty of killing his wife, Lori, at their home. She was seeking a divorce, and had personal protection orders out against him.

Lori' DeKleine's only sibling, Patty Ticknor choked back the tears as she spoke in court, "The pain and despair I feel are beyond words." Ticknor said she had recently reconciled with her sister, renewing a relationship she said Ken DeKleine had ruined 20 years ago.

"I want Ken DeKleine to never see the light of day again to be placed in the worst possible prison far away from the state of Michigan." And, she hoped the 13 year police officer would be imprisoned - for life - amongst the general prison population.

DeKleine sentenced to life for killing wife
The Holland Sentinel
Aug 25, 2008

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1311851501/DeKleine-sentenced-to-life-for-killing-wife

Patti Ticknor, left, sister of Lori DeKleine, addresses the court during the sentencing of former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine Monday at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Grand Haven. Standing behind Ticknor is her father, Paul Meulman. Ken DeKleine was sentenced to life without parole for the January murder of his wife. (8/25/08). Dan Irving/The Holland Sentinel.

Jena and Paul Meulman, parents of Lori DeKleine, are greeted by family and friends following the sentencing of Ken DeKleine Monday at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Grand Haven. Ken DeKleine was sentenced to life without parole for the January murder of his wife Lori DeKleine at her Holland home. (8/25/08). Dan Irving/The Holland Sentinel

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine, left, convicted in the January murder of his wife Lori DeKleine, is led into the courtroom for sentencing Monday at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Grand Haven. DeKleine was sentenced to life without parole. (8/25/08). Dan Irving/The Holland Sentinel

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine, left, convicted in the January murder of his wife Lori DeKleine, listens to a statement from Lori's sister Patti Ticknor during his sentencing Monday at the Ottawa County Courthouse in Grand Haven. Lori's parents, Paul and Jena Meulman also addressed the court. DeKleine was sentenced to life without parole. (8/25/08). Dan Irving/The Holland Sentinel

Grand Haven, MI — Former Holland police officer Ken DeKleine tried to play God when he murdered his wife.

That’s what Lori DeKleine’s family told the court just before Ken DeKleine was sentenced in Ottawa County Circuit Court in Grand Haven, Monday, Aug. 25, to spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.

By cutting Lori DeKleine’s life short, “Ken took upon himself the role of God,” said Jena Meulman, Lori DeKleine’s mother, in a statement. “I will never be able to trust anyone again the way I trusted Ken.”

Ken DeKleine, 45, was convicted in July on charges of first-degree murder and felony murder. His wife, Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in January in the basement of her Calvin Avenue home with a climbing strap tied around her neck.

Ken DeKleine confessed to the murder one day after her body was found.

He told investigators that after he killed his wife and dragged her body to the basement, he panicked and abandoned his plan to make her death look like a suicide.

Ken DeKleine gave no statement Monday, but smiled and winked at family in the room. As he stood facing his wife’s family in the courtroom, Lori DeKleine’s father Paul Meulman said the abuse Lori endured in her marriage was something she kept private.

“Her stories about Ken’s abuse of her were told to only a small group of people. I was included in that small group of people,” Meulman said.

Meanwhile, Meulman said, “Ken deceived and manipulated many people with his side of the story.”

Meulman voiced disappointment with the police department where Ken DeKleine worked.

“I have wondered why the Holland police were not more effective in protecting Lori,” he said.

Several Holland officers testified during the trial in July that Ken DeKleine seemed obsessed with his troubled marriage. He framed his wife as emotionally unstable to anyone who would listen, many of them said.

At the same time, he was a well-liked officer who excelled at the job, they said.

Lori DeKleine’s sister, Patti Ticknor, told the court Monday that Ken DeKleine’s interference caused rifts between the sisters for years.

“What hurts the most is that in the last 20 years, I did not get to have a relationship (with Lori) where Ken wasn’t pulling the strings,” she said.

Just before the murder, the sisters had reconciled, she said.

“On Christmas Day, I told her I loved her,” Ticknor said.

After giving the sentence, Judge Calvin Bosman said it was a mystery that Ken DeKleine plotted the murder for a year, never considering handling his issues with Lori DeKleine in another way.

“Why, during the course of a year, didn’t something trigger in your mind that there would be a different way to proceed in this matter?” Bosman asked.

After the sentencing, Paul Meulman said that his daughter never tried to damage her husband’s reputation the way he did hers.

“She never played his game,” he said. “She wouldn’t tell anyone about the things going on but she did start telling us.”

Meulman recalled sitting down with Ken DeKleine after Lori DeKleine told him about the abuse in her relationship.

Lori DeKleine first mentioned it to him after Ken DeKleine returned from a 2006 stint as a police officer in Iraq, he said.

“When Lori started opening up to us, we started to talk to him,” Meulman said. “We had quite a long discussion with him about how controlling he was.”

He showed little interest or remorse in that conversation, Meulman said.

“He won’t listen to other people,” he said. “He’s always been that way. As head of the household, he was always right.”

Ex-officer sentenced to life for wife's murder
WWMT TV NEWS
August 25, 2008
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/wife_1352656___article.html/murder_home.html

Holland, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - In January, one of Lori DeKleine's children found her body in the basement of their home.

Initially police thought it was a suicide. Autopsy results proved otherwise.

They arrested her husband, Ken DeKleine the next day. The couple was in the process of getting a divorce.

In July a jury convicted him of murder. Monday, Ken DeKleine was back in court to hear his sentence, and hear from his victim's family.

Three very difficult statements were made by victims addressing Ken DeKleine. The convicted murderer is now going to prison for the rest of his life. There wasn't much mystery as to what would happen Monday. DeKleine got a mandatory sentence of life in prison for killing his wife Lori.

The trial was very one-sided. Little if any defense was presented. There was an enormous amount of physical evidence introduced, including the fact that Ken DeKleine's blood was found on Lori's clothes. Perhaps the most convincing evidence was that DeKleine admitted to the crime numerous times in chats and letters with family members, friends and even detectives.

This was an especially difficult trial because DeKleine served the community as a police officer and also had served in the military. Family members say they still don't understand it.

"The pain and despair I feel are beyond words. I don't understand how someone I once cared about was actually that evil and planned and brutally killed my sister cause he thought his kids would be better off," said Patti Ticknor, Lori's sister.

Despite what was said in court, DeKleine wrote in a letter shortly after the crime that it was quote "best for everybody" that she be dead for the sake of the family's two teenage children.

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine ordered to spend life in prison for killing wife
Muskegon Chronicle
August 25, 2008
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/08/former_holland_police_officer.html

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine appears in Ottawa County Circuit Court for sentencing in the killing of his wife, Lori. Chronicle News Service.

GRAND HAVEN -- Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine was ordered this morning to spend the rest of his life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

A 13-year Holland police officer, DeKleine, 45, was convicted in July of killing Lori DeKleine after a jury deliberated only 75 minutes.

DeKleine said nothing in court, but winked at family members seated in the courtroom.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman questioned why DeKleine did not get help when he was being overcome with the rage that led to the murder.

"With your Christian education, your training as a police officer, your good record as a police officer, why during the course of a year something didn't register in your mind there would be some other course of action to take remains a total mystery," Bosman said.

Ken DeKleine, left, in Ottawa County Circuit Court listens to statements made by family members of Lori DeKleine. The former Holland police officer was sentenced to life in prison without parole for her murder.

His video-taped confessions shows he entered the garage of his former Calvin Avenue home in the middle of the night Jan. 10, waited in attic for several hours, then pushed his way into the house after Lori DeKleine opened the door in the morning.

He admitted to strangling her with a climbing strap, then dragging her body into the basement and trying to stage a suicide. In the confession, he admitted to botching the scheme when he could not lift her body and simply leaving the unattached strap dangling from a rafter.

Court testimony showed DeKleine was in a bitter divorce and custody battle with Lori DeKleine, 43, and was obsessed with her relationship with her therapist. The couple have two teen children, Breanne and Christopher.

Family members of Lori DeKleine, including her mother, Jena Meulman, third from left, and her father, Paul Meulman, second from right, embrace outside Ottawa County District Court after Ken DeKleine was sentenced Monday.

The parents of Lori DeKleine and her sister, Patti Ticknor, made emotional statements before Bosman sentenced DeKleine, They said they cannot fathom why he took her life.

"Thoughts of this event plague my mind frequently. I have spent many sleepless nights trying to understand Ken's selfish act," said Lori DeKleine's father, Paul Meulman.

In court, Ticknor said she once respected and cared for Ken DeKleine, and admired him as a father, "until he thought it best to play God and kill Lori."

DeKleine portrayed his estranged wife as someone mentally unstable who was damaging their children psychologically, but Ottawa County Prosecutor Ron Frantz said the evidence did not show any problems. In fact, she was a good mother and was respected at her church job, he said.

In letters from jail, DeKleine told others he was at peace with his wife's killing and said he was "sleeping better now than I have in two years."

He wrote that the killing seemed like the best option to him.

"I feel so free. I am not worried sick by what (Lori DeKleine) is doing to the kids anymore by her lies, blackmail and extortion."

DeKleine's fellow police officers said they never imagined he would resort to violence, even though many knew about his marital strife. Lori DeKleine had a personal protection order against her husband.

Lori DeKleine's family believes the Holland police department should have done more to recognize that one of their own officers was losing control. They believe DeKleine was protected by the "blue wall," although Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff has always said DeKleine showed no outward signs of trouble.

Her sister's death has motivated Ticknor to become involved with the Michigan Officer-involved Domestic Violence group and try to spread the word about how women can get help in abusive homes.

"Lori would be proud of us for having someone else learn from her situation," Ticknor said. "She would want someone's life to be saved."

Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine ordered to spend life in prison for killing wife
The Grand Rapids Press
August 25, 2008

http://www.mlive.com/grpress/news/index.ssf/2008/08/former_holland_police_officer.html

DeKleine, left, in Ottawa County Circuit Court listens to statements made by family members of Lori DeKleine. The former Holland police officer was sentenced to life in prison without parole for her murder.

Aug 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8894749&nav=0Rce

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) -- A former Holland police officer will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no chance of parole for the murder of his wife.

Ken DeKleine was sentenced Monday morning on first-degree murder charges. He was found guilty of the charge in July.

DeKleine admitted strangling Lori to death January 10 - an admission he made to investigators, family members and friends. Even his own lawyer said he did it.

Ottawa County Prosecutor Ronald Frantz told the jury DeKleine started thinking about committing the murder a year before it happened, after Lori got a personal protection order against him.

The couple was in the process of a divorce. Their 16-year-old son found his mother's body and testified against his father during the trial.

DeKleine turned down the chance to speak before he was sentenced. But Lori DeKleine's family did.

Her mom, dad and sister talked about his ability to manipulate his wife and those around her. Lori's sister, Patti Ticknor, was blunt in her statement.

"I want Ken DeKleine to never see the light of day again.

To be placed in the worst possible prison, far away from the state of Michigan since he has shown no value for human life or emotion."

Her dad put some of the blame on the Holland Police, and claimed they protected DeKleine after Lori complained about his abusive behavior.

Former Officer Sentenced To Life For Killing Wife
NEWS NET 5

August 25, 2008
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/17286568/detail.html

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Ken DeKleine, 45, said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer gets life in wife's death
Lansing State Journal

AUGUST 25, 2008

GRAND RAPIDS - A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland Officer Sentenced In Wife's Death
WXMI NEWS
August 25, 2008
http://fox17.trb.com/news/082508-wxmi-sentencn,0,6915519.story

HOLLAND-AP — A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Holland officer sentenced in wife's death
WOODTV
August 25, 2008
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8895433&nav=menu44_2_2

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.

Ex-Mich. officer gets life in prison for murder
PoliceOne.com, California

August 25, 2008
http://www.policeone.com/legal/articles/1729023-Ex-Mich-officer-gets-life-in-prison-for-murder/

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Former Holland Police Officer Ken DeKleine was ordered this morning to spend the rest of his life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

A 13-year Holland police officer, DeKleine, 45, was convicted in July of killing Lori DeKleine after a jury deliberated only 75 minutes.

DeKleine said nothing in court, but winked at family members seated in the courtroom.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman questioned why DeKleine did not get help when he was being overcome with the rage that led to the murder.

"With your Christian education, your training as a police officer, your good record as a police officer, why during the course of a year something didn't register in your mind there would be some other course of action to take remains a total mystery," Bosman said.

His video-taped confessions shows he entered the garage of his former Calvin Avenue home in the middle of the night Jan. 10, waited in attic for several hours, then pushed his way into the house after Lori DeKleine opened the door in the morning.

He admitted to strangling her with a climbing strap, then dragging her body into the basement and trying to stage a suicide. In the confession, he admitted to botching the scheme when he could not lift her body and simply leaving the unattached strap dangling from a rafter.

Court testimony showed DeKleine was in a bitter divorce and custody battle with Lori DeKleine, 43, and was obsessed with her relationship with her therapist. The couple have two teen children, Breanne and Christopher.

DeKleine portrayed his estranged wife as someone mentally unstable who was damaging their children psychologically, but Ottawa County Prosecutor Ron Frantz said the evidence did not show any problems. In fact, she was a good mother and was respected at her church job, he said.

In letters from jail, DeKleine told others he was at peace with his wife's killing and said he was "sleeping better now than I have in two years."

He wrote that the killing seemed like the best option to him.

"I feel so free. I am not worried sick by what (Lori DeKleine) is doing to the kids anymore by her lies, blackmail and extortion."

DeKleine's fellow police officers said they never imagined he would resort to violence, even though many knew about his marital strife. Lori DeKleine had a personal protection order against her husband.

Changes in Holland PD after DeKleine murder
WWMT- Channel 3

August 25, 2008
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/holland_1352666___article.html/murder_changes.html

HOLLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - In the wake of the conviction and sentencing of former Holland Police officer Ken DeKleine for the murder of his wife, the Holland Police Department has made some changes to better support and protect each other.

"Because law enforcement is one of those careers, where it's stressful to be a cop and deal with what we deal with everyday," said Capt. Jack Dykstra of the Holland Police Department.

Which is why in Holland, a peer support team is available and has been for several years. What's new in the last few months is that family and friends of officers can voice their concerns through an on-line yahoo group.

The city's Human Resources Director also says that all 425 Holland employees get two free counseling sessions a year, and that has been an option for those employees for 20 years.

"The program has really been utilized across the board, by a lot of different people," said Gary Rahn, HR Director for the City of Holland.

Back at the police department, Capt. Dykstra isn't sure if the latest changes to the system could have helped spot what happened with officer Ken DeKleine.

"It could have given someone in the family a voice that they feel they didn't have," said Dykstra.

Which is what the Capt. says they are after, communication, both inside and outside of the Holland Police Department.

Capt. Dykstra said that the department has "challenged all the employees, not only police officers, but all the employees to say; hey, don't be afraid to admit this is stressful and it affects your family."

The Holland Police Department has also increased the frequency of its employee evaluations from once a year to once every four months.

Family blames killer cop, 'blue wall' of protection
The Grand Rapids Press

August 26, 2008

http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-43/12197565307910.xml&coll=6
GRAND HAVEN -- The family of Lori DeKleine says she fell victim to her police officer husband and the "blue wall," the supposed closing of ranks among police to shelter an officer doing wrong.

Nearly eight months after Ken DeKleine murdered his estranged wife, her family has trouble understanding how DeKleine's police officer friends never recognized his hidden rage, or how he escaped being charged with restraining-order violations.

In a Grand Haven courtroom Monday, Lori DeKleine's parents and sister mostly focused their anger on Ken DeKleine, not the police, as a judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole. In fact, Patti Ticknor, Lori DeKleine's sister, shuddered as she looked toward DeKleine and described her hostility.

"I want Ken DeKleine to never see the light of day again. He has shown no value for human life," she said.

Ticknor and her parents, Jena and Paul Meulman, all told how Lori DeKleine's murder shattered their lives. Ken DeKleine, who kept his emotions in check at his July trial and again Monday, said nothing when offered the chance to speak.

Ticknor later said she hoped he would say something, even apologize, but realized her hopes were "a fantasy."

DeKleine, a 13-year Holland police officer before his Jan. 11 arrest, confessed on videotape to strangling his estranged wife. They were going through a divorce and child custody battle and DeKleine, who portrayed Lori DeKleine as mentally unstable, told others he did it for his children.

The Meulmans said Monday they knew Ken DeKleine was abusive and controlling toward their daughter when she confided in them in December 2006 and afterward.

Ken DeKleine began slipping over the edge, they believe, when he returned from a year's stint in Iraq and realized his wife would no longer submit to his control.

But they still cannot fathom the murder.

"I have spent many sleepless nights trying to understand Ken's selfish act," Paul Meulman said. "And I wonder why the Holland Police Department was not more effective in protecting her."

But as he did in January, Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said Monday there is no "blue wall" at the Holland Police Department.

Lori DeKleine's two reports of restraining-order violations -- instances in which Ken DeKleine came near her at her church workplace and a Memorial Day parade -- were documented by police but found to be incidental by prosecutors and he was not charged.

"I would not protect any officer doing something wrong," Kruithoff said.

Kruithoff said he never received calls from Lori DeKleine's family or friends that she might be in danger and Ken DeKleine, in a jail letter, wrote that he kept his deadly intentions a secret.

In court, Ticknor described how she finally became good friends with her sister about a year ago, with Ken DeKleine no longer "pulling the strings." She told her sister she loved her on Christmas Day.

"Ken has robbed me of the joy I experienced in connecting with her," she said.

Former policeman sentenced to life for killing wife
Holland Sentinel Writer

Aug 26, 2008
http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/298153083593607.bsp

"Former Holland police officer Ken DeKleine tried to play God when he murdered his wife..."

That's what Lori DeKleine's family told the court just before Ken DeKleine was sentenced Monday in Ottawa County Circuit Court in Grand Haven to spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.

By cutting Lori DeKleine's life short, "Ken took upon himself the role of God," said Jena Meulman, Lori DeKleine's mother. "I will never be able to trust anyone again the way I trusted Ken."

Ken DeKleine, 45, was convicted in July on charges of first-degree murder and felony murder. His wife, Lori DeKleine, 43, was found dead in January in the basement of her Holland home with a climbing strap tied around her neck.

Ken DeKleine confessed to the murder one day after her body was found. He told investigators that after he killed his wife and dragged her body to the basement, he panicked and abandoned his plan to make her death look like a suicide.

Ken DeKleine gave no statement Monday, but smiled and winked at family in the room.

As DeKleine stood facing his wife's family in the courtroom, Lori DeKleine's father, Paul Meulman, said the abuse Lori endured in her marriage was something she kept private.

"Her stories about Ken's abuse of her were told to only a small group of people," Meulman said. "I was included in that small group of people. ... Ken deceived and manipulated many people with his side of the story."

Meulman voiced disappointment with the police department where Ken DeKleine worked.

"I have wondered why the Holland police were not more effective in protecting Lori," he said.

Several Holland officers testified during the trial in July that Ken DeKleine seemed obsessed with his troubled marriage. He framed his wife as emotionally unstable to anyone who would listen, many of them said.

At the same time, he was a well-liked officer who excelled at the job, they said.

Lori DeKleine's sister, Patti Ticknor, told the court Monday that Ken DeKleine's interference caused rifts between the sisters for years.

"What hurts the most is that in the last 20 years, I did not get to have a relationship (with Lori) where Ken wasn't pulling the strings," she said.

Just before the murder, the sisters had reconciled, she said.

"On Christmas Day, I told her I loved her," Ticknor said.

After giving the sentence, Judge Calvin Bosman said it was a mystery that Ken DeKleine plotted the murder for a year, never considering handling his issues with Lori DeKleine in another way.

"Why, during the course of a year, didn't something trigger in your mind that there would be a different way to proceed in this matter?" Bosman asked.

After the sentencing, Paul Meulman said that his daughter never tried to damage her husband's reputation the way he did hers.

"She never played his game," he said. "She wouldn't tell anyone about the things going on, but she did start telling us."

Meulman recalled sitting down with Ken DeKleine after Lori DeKleine told him about the abuse in her relationship.

Lori DeKleine first mentioned it to him after Ken DeKleine returned from a 2006 stint as a police officer in Iraq, he said.

"When Lori started opening up to us, we started to talk to him," Meulman said. "We had quite a long discussion with him about how controlling he was."

Meulman said Ken DeKleine showed little interest or remorse in that conversation.

"He won't listen to other people," Meulman said. "He's always been that way. As head of the household, he was always right."

Ex-officer sentenced in wife's death
Traverse City Record
August 26, 2008

http://www.record-eagle.com/statenews/local_story_239094059.html

GRAND RAPIDS -- A former Holland police officer has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife.

Forty-five-year-old Ken DeKleine said nothing during his sentencing Monday, which followed his conviction last month on a charge of first-degree murder in 43-year-old Lori DeKleine's death.

Court testimony showed the DeKleines were going through a bitter divorce and custody battle.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Calvin Bosman told DeKleine it's "a total mystery" why he didn't consider another course of action given his Christian education, police training and good record.