TRAVERSE CITY -- Joni K. Holbrook's friends experienced "shock and horror" when they learned she was charged in the shooting death of her husband, Michigan State Police Sgt. Melvin Holbrook.
Holbrook, 47, told authorities she shot and killed her husband as he slept inside the couple's Benzie County's home at about 1 a.m. Monday. She was arraigned on an open count of murder later that morning.
"It's totally out of character, totally out of character," said Tina Lehn, who worked with Holbrook for about eight years at 86th District Court in Traverse City. "She would never hurt anybody for any reason, at any time."
Laurie Stricker, 46, has known Joni Holbrook since both were about 10 years old. She said word of the arrest was deeply troubling for those who know the suspect.
"I have been just inundated with phone calls from the community, the legal community and people I went to school with," Stricker said. "(They're) just really heartbroken over this. She would do anything for me, or anyone. She's just very loving and kind."
Holbrook's preliminary examination, held to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial, is scheduled for Aug. 24. She remains in jail without bond.
Benzie Sheriff's deputies found Melvin Holbrook's body in a bedroom not long after Joni Holbrook called 911 and allegedly said she shot him, authorities said.
Melvin Holbrook, 53, was a 23-year state police veteran who worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post. He previously spent time at posts in Coldwater, Ionia, Richmond and Manistee. Other family members could not be located for comment.
Authorities said they still aren't sure what happened in the hours before the alleged shooting, and they aren't releasing details about Joni Holbrook's statements to police or the weapon involved. Benzie Sheriff Rory Heckman said his department will spend the week conducting interviews and continuing to investigate the shooting.
The department will interview neighbors who alleged Melvin Holbrook was physically abusive toward his wife, Heckman said.
Stricker, Lehn and other friends of the woman knew of problems in the relationship, and she at times asked them to help her find a new place to stay. She didn't tell friends of any physical abuse, they said.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty said allegations of abuse likely wouldn't affect the outcome of the case.
"Would it make any difference? I don't think it would," he said. "We think we have a solid case, and it will get more solid as we go down the line. We thought we certainly had probable cause when we authorized the (warrant)."
Jesse L. Williams, Joni Holbrook's attorney, said his client's "story deserves to be told."
"She has been physically, mentally and sexually abused, and tortured for the better part of her married life of 10 years," he said. "Her history of mental, physical and sexual abuse from her husband has diminished her to an absolute shell of a person."
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