Man charged with open murder in connection to 71-year-old man’s death.

March 17, 2022

Blough

Man charged with open murder in connection to 71-year-old man’s death.

LUDINGTON — Nicholas David Blough, 35, of 3224 W. Johnson Road, Amber Township, faces charges of open murder and assaulting/resisting/obstructing police in connection to the death of Kenneth Lee Schweitzer, 71, of Ludington. He was arraigned this afternoon in Mason County’s 79th District Court. The open murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison, and the assaulting/resisting/obstructing police charge is punishable by up to two years in prison.

“With the assistance of the Mason County prosecutor, detectives swore to and obtained a two-count felony warrant for (Blough) who is currently in custody,” said Mason County Undersheriff Derrek Wilson.

Blough was arrested following a foot chase from the murder scene Wednesday evening, March 16. Schweitzer was found dead in a Hamlin Township home following a reported stabbing.

“Mason County detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence located at 6937 W. Maple St. (in what is known as Hamlin Lake Estates) in Hamlin Township,” said Undersheriff Wilson. “Sheriff’s office staff worked through the night with the Michigan State Police Crime Lab processing the scene for evidence. Detectives have been working diligently with interviews of those involved.

“It is important to note that our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy,” said Wilson.

“On March 16, 2022 at approximately 7:18 p.m., Mason/Oceana Dispatch Center received a 911 call,” stated Wilson. “It was reported that a subject had been stabbed at an address in the 6000 block of West Maple Street within Hamlin Township… The caller also reported that one male suspect fled the scene on foot.

“Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene at approximately 7:27 p.m. Shortly after arriving, (Schweitzer) was found deceased inside the residence.”

Shortly before 8 p.m., deputies located Blough in the area of Culver Road and Sixth Street, said the undersheriff. “Upon making contact, (Blough) fled on foot into a wooded area. After a short foot pursuit, deputies were able to take the subject into custody.

“The victim’s cause of death is unknown at this time, pending autopsy.”

No bail amount was set with the order that the Mason County Jail shall hold the defendant until further order from the court.

A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 at 1 p.m.

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