Trooper murder suspects’ prelims to be rescheduled

Eric Knysz

LUDINGTON – The husband and wife suspects involved in the murder of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield have waived their right to a preliminary examination in front of the district court judge within 14 days of arraignment. Eric John Knysz and Sarah Knzsz were scheduled to appear in front of 79th District Court Judge Pete Wadel Wednesday, Sept. 25 beginning at 1 p.m. Mason County Magistrate Paddy Baker said she will most likely be rescheduling the preliminary examinations later this week.

Eric John Knysz, 19, 1844 10 Mile Road, Luther, Lake County, faces a life sentence for the murder of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield. Knysz was arraigned Sept. 13. He was denied bond and is not allowed to have any communication in any way with his wife.

Eric Knysz has been charged with four counts: Count 1, homicide-murder of a peace officer, a felony punishable by life without parole. Count 2, weapons-felony firearm for the possession of a firearm during the Sept. 9 murder of Trooper Butterfield, a charge punishable by two years served consecutively to count 1. Count 3, carrying a concealed weapon, a felony punishable by up to five years confinement and/or $2,500 fine. Count 4, unlawful driving away of an automobile, a felony punishable by up to five years confinement. He has also been given a notice of habitual offender, second felony offense, which would elevate the maximum penalties to 1.5 times the maximum otherwise set forth by statue.

Sarah Knysz

Trooper Butterfield, 43, was gunned down Sept. 9 during a routine traffic stop on North

Trooper Paul Butterfield

Custer Road in Free Soil Township. The Knyszs, were reported to be the occupants of the vehicle that was pulled over. The two were apprehended later that night at the Dublin General Store in northern Manistee County. Eric Knysz was shot by police and has been recovering from wounds at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Sarah Knysz, 20, was arraigned Sept. 11 on a two count felony complaint, in relation to Monday’s murder of Trooper Butterfield.

Count 1 is accessory after the fact to Butterfield’s murder, a felony punishable by up to five years confinement and a $10,000 fine. Count 2 is unlawful driving away of an automobile, a felony punishable by up to five years confinement. A preliminary examination is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Mason County Courthouse. A bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety and she was remanded to the Mason County Jail, pending the posting of that bond and the preliminary examination.