One suspect charged so far in trooper shooting

Sarah Knysz

LUDINGTON — Sarah Knysz, 21, of Irons has been arraigned in 79th District Court on the charges of accessory after the fact (felony) and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle in connection with the murder of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield. Bond has been set at $250,000.

Sarah Knysz’s husband, Eric Knysz, 20, remains at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, recovering from a gunshot wound he sustained following a gun fight with police Monday night. Mason County Magistrate Paddy Baker said she expects to arraign Eric Knysz Thursday with the charges of homicide/murder of a peace/corrections officer; weapons felony firearm; weapons carrying a concealed weapon; unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle; habitual offender second offense.

Butterfield was fatally shot in the head Monday during a routine traffic stop on North Custer Road in Free Soil Township. He had pulled over a vehicle allegedly driven by Eric Knysz. Later that evening, police arrested both suspects in Dublin, located near Wellston in northern Manistee County.

Arraignments are also expected in Manistee County.