Accused cop killer to appear in court today

Eric Knysz appeared recently in Manistee County District Court.

LUDINGTON – Eric John Knysz, the man accused of murdering Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, is scheduled to appear in front of Judge Richard Cooper in 51^st Circuit Court this afternoon. The 19-year-old Luther resident is expected to be arraigned in circuit court during a final conference hearing scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

Knysz faces charges of murder of a police officer, felony firearms, carrying a concealed weapon, auto theft and being a second time offender. He has also been charged in Manistee County with receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Trooper Butterfield was shot in the head after he pulled over the vehicle Knysz was driving on North Custer Road in Free Soil Township the evening of Sept. 9. Following a manhunt, Knysz and his wife, Sarah, were apprehended at the Dublin General Store in northeastern Manistee County. Eric Knysz was shot in the leg prior to his apprehension.

Sarah Knysz is charged in Mason County with accessory to murder, after the fact and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle. In Manistee County she has been charged with unlawful driving away of a vehicle. She waived her circuit court arraignment in Mason County.