Paroled Killer To Stand Trial In Novi Woman's Murder
NOVI (WWJ/AP) - A paroled killer will stand trial in the slaying of his 84-year-old neighbor.
Peter G. Jones, 46, was bound over Tuesday to Oakland County Circuit Court on first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder charges following a preliminary examination in Novi District Court. The charges are related to the death of Bernice Schaufele.
Schaufele's body was found Jan. 13 inside her home at the Country Place condominium complex, located near 8 Mile and Meadowbrook roads in Novi. The Oakland County medical examiner's office said she died of "near strangling and a stab wound to the neck."
Police said Jones, who also lives in the condominium complex, first landed on their radar because he was acting suspiciously as investigators combed the scene for clues. After speaking with investigators, Jones was placed under arrest on a parole violation.
When officers went back and served a search warrant at Jones' home, they found "several items which connect him to the crime scene," including a bloody dish towel and jewelry, which matched other items owned by the victim. Police also matched a pair of Jones' boots to footprints at the crime scene.
Authorities say Jones is currently on parole in Michigan for manslaughter and two counts of robbery, both of which occurred in Wayne County. Jones also has an extensive criminal record in Florida. Molloy said that Jones had only been living at the condominium complex for a few months.
If convicted as charged, Jones faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
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