Son Of Former Cal City Cop Is Accused Of Murdering Mich. Trooper
(CBS) -- The son of a former Calumet City cop is charged with the unthinkable: being a cop killer.
The victim, Michigan state trooper Paul Butterfield, was gunned down on Monday.
CBS 2's Brad Edwards has the story of the suspect and his ties to the Chicago area.
You'd think if anyone had reverence for an officer's life it would be Eric Knysz, 19.
His father Jack is a former Cal City officer.
"We just can't believe it, and we still love him," the elder Knysz says.
The parents still love Eric, after it's alleged he killed Butterfield in cold blood. Eric Knysz allegedly shot the trooper in the head and was shot himself while being apprehended.
"My heart goes out for the trooper's family," the suspect's father says. "I can just imagine how they feel, being a former police officer."
Calumet City Police Chief Edward Gilmore says dad served Cal City's police force for years and was a good officer.
"It's a travesty," he says of the situation his former colleague faces.
The deceased trooper was known as a by-the-book hard worker who loved animals.
The accused killer led a delinquent life, his mother says.
Eric Knysz was troubled and in trouble but not on that pullover. It was a mere traffic stop.
Kysz's young and pregnant wife -- also charged -- sobbed in a video court appearance.
The former Cal City officer is missing a .357 Magnum, which may have served as the murder weapon.
"The more we try to clear it up, the more it doesn't look good," the suspect's father says.
The prosecutor in northern Michigan said this was "simply a routine traffic stop" but that "a lot of time, homicides have no good reason."
