Kalkaska County
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Jurors: Man guilty of murder, mutilation
David DeJonge accused of killing Sarah Wilson
KALKASKA -- It's been a long, painful journey for Patrick and Helene Wilson.
The Big Rapids couple traveled to Kalkaska County for nearly every court hearing involving David DeJonge, the man accused of killing and dismembering their daughter, Sarah Wilson, in May 2008.
The saga ended late Monday, after a jury took less than two hours to convict DeJonge of first-degree murder and mutilation of a body. Jurors announced the verdict shortly before 5 p.m., capping more than a year of proceedings and a three-week trial that featured nearly 60 witnesses.
"It's the feeling one has after a sigh," Helene Wilson said. "It's like a big load has been lifted off our shoulders; being able to put it down finally, it feels wonderful."
Police found Wilson's torso in a swampy area of Kalkaska County's Oliver Township on May 22, 2008. Her parents reported her missing May 12 after she didn't arrive at their Big Rapids home for a Mother's Day visit.
Wilson, 26 knew DeJonge, 46, for several years and lived with him in Bloomfield Township, her family said. DeJonge was supposed to drop her off in Big Rapids before continuing to a cabin his family owns in Kalkaska County's Orange Township.
"I feel like it was the correct decision," said Kalkaska County Prosecutor Brian Donnelly. "I feel sad for the family of this young lady ... this is the kind of case where you can't help but get to know these people well."
Police and Donnelly had repeated contact with the Wilsons over the past 18 months.
"You can almost see it in their faces, the wear and sadness this brought to them," Donnelly said. "I feel hopeful they can put this to rest and start healing some of their wounds."
Helene expressed thanks to Donnelly and police.
"Our appreciation is so great for the prosecutor's office," she said. "Mr. Donnelly was brilliant."
Donnelly said an "interlocking series of things" helped jurors convict DeJonge: Wilson's blood was found on a wheelbarrow in his cabin and boots in his Bloomfield Township home, he repeatedly changed his story about when he saw her last, and testimony from a jail inmate who heard DeJonge say he "chopped up" his girlfriend.
Police never identified a clear motive, though they believe DeJonge may have grown upset with Sarah Wilson's plans to move out of his residence.
The Wilsons hope to move on with their lives.
"Like anyone else who passes, it's a matter of gently putting it away. Not forgetting, but gently putting it away," Helene said. "We will survive this, we are not going to let him win."
DeJonge faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is set for Nov. 4.
Related Stories:
- Technician testifies in DeJonge trial
- Trial under way in death, dismemberment
- Preliminary exam held in DeJonge trial
- Suspect arraigned on murder charge
- Man charged in murder, mutilation
- Woman's body found; murder suspected
- Woman's body found in Kalkaska County
- Police looking for missing Kalkaska woman
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