Knysz’s recorded confession played in court

Eric Knysz’s grandmother, Phyliss Knysz, listens to his recorded confession to a state police trooper.

LUDINGTON — Eric Knysz’s words were heard for the first time in court today. A recording made by arresting officer Sgt. Gary Green of the Michigan State Police was played to the jury.

“I want you to tell your story, I want you to tell me,” Green said to Eric, who was laying in a hospital bed at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Knysz told Sgt. Green that he shot Trooper Paul Butterfield on Custer Road. He then later talked about what took place after. His words were muffled and they were hard to hear clearly in the courtroom.

Members of Eric Knysz’s family, including his grandmother, Phyliss Knysz, listened to his words as he described how he killed Trooper Paul Butterfield.

Eric Knysz told Trooper Green that he had a gun in his vehicle because bad people were coming after him. He also said that he had walked to the Dublin General Store, until Green reminded him that he had a Pontiac Grand Prix that was stolen.

“How many times did you shoot the trooper?” Green asked.

“One time,” Knysz said.

More to come.

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