Fetters hearing adjourned again

LUDINGTON — Lowell Fetters, the man accused of shooting a Ludington police officer, appeared in 51st Circuit Court today only to have his day in court adjourned for another few weeks. Fetters has been charged with 32 counts stemming from a June 2012 incident that included the shooting of Ludington Police Sgt. David Maltbie.

In April Fetters waived his right to a speedy trial so he could undergo an independent psychological examination. That examination took place on May 25 and results were expected to be revealed at today’s hearing. While the competency results are completed, an additional portion determining criminal intent was not yet complete. Back on July 17, defense attorney David Glancy stated the examiner needed four weeks to complete the report. Six weeks later, it is still not finished.

Fetters, 65, is being charged with 32 counts in connection with a June 27, 2012 incident at his home at 707 N. Delia St. in Ludington.

Police had been called for a disturbance at the home involving Fetters and his wife. Upon the arrival of police, the situation escalated resulting in Maltbie being shot. Fetters was initially charged with nine counts including assault with intent to murder, police officer assault/resist, obstruction causing injury, felonious assault, malicious destruction of police property, domestic assault second offense and four counts of weapons felony firearms.

Fetters had already had a psychological examination in November 2012, which was ordered by the court. That exam determined that he was fit to stand trial. His attorney at that time, Annette Smedley (who is now a circuit court judge in Muskegon County), had then requested an independent examination be conducted.

A final conference has been set for Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 1:30 p.m.