Detective links fingerprints to Eric & Sarah Knysz

Det. Sgt. Linke shows a 30 caliber semi automatic rifle retrieved from the stolen Pontiac.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — A Michigan State Police fingerprint examiner identified several pieces of evidence that linked Eric Knysz to the murder weapon used on Trooper Paul Butterfield. He also linked Knysz to at least two of the other charges against the 20-year-old during testimony in 51st Circuit Court this afternoon.

Linke shows a cell phone found in the Pontiac.

In addition to being charged with first degree murder of a peace officer, Knysz is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearms and unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle.

Det. Sgt. Jason Sinke of the Grand Rapids Crime Lab, testified that Eric Knysz’ fingerprints were found on the trigger of the .357 revolver that was used to kill Butterfield.

Sinke shows a Colt revolver box. The box contained the serial number matching the murder weapon.

He also testified that the fingerprints of Eric and Sarah Knysz, both of Irons, were found on several items that were in the white Pontiac Grand Prix Knysz is accused of stealing from Timothy Schultz of Branch Township.

Those items included soda cans, cigarettes and at least one gun.

Knysz is accused of stealing guns from his father, John “Jack” Knysz, also of Irons. The guns retrieved included a .30 caliber semi automatic rifle and a .45 caliber handgun. Sinke also identified a cell phone that was taken from the car.

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