Couple to appear in Manistee court on Oct. 7

MANISTEE — Eric Knysz and his wife, Sarah Knysz, are scheduled for preliminary examinations in Manistee County’s 85th District on Monday, Oct. 7.

Eric Knysz, 19, is suspected of murdering Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield the night of Sept. 9 in Free Soil Township. He was arraigned Tuesday in Manistee for receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon.

In Mason County, he faces charges of murder of a police officer, felony firearms, carrying a concealed weapon, auto theft and being a second time offender. He is scheduled to appear in Manistee County District Court at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 7.

Sarah Knysz, 20, is charged in Manistee County with unlawful driving away of a vehicle. She also faces that charge in Mason County along with accessory to murder, after the fact. She is expected to appear in Manistee County District Court at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 7.

Both have waived their right in Mason County to having a preliminary examination within 14 days of arraignment. They also have both requested to be appointed a public defender.