BEULAH -- Michigan State Police have joined an investigation into the slaying of a local state police sergeant, and the suspect's attorney questioned whether that step is a conflict of interest.
Joni K. Holbrook, 47, is charged with an open count of murder in the shooting death of her husband of 10 years, Melvin "Paul" Holbrook, 53, a sergeant assigned to the state police Traverse City post. Her attorney, Jesse Williams, of Traverse City, called the state police's role a conflict.
Two people who lived near the Holbrooks last week told the Record-Eagle that Joni Holbrook told them her husband physically abused her in 2008. Williams said the shooting may be a case of self defense.
"There is an inherent flaw with the Michigan State Police investigating this case because of the circumstances that surround it," Williams said.
Holbrook was shot early Aug. 10 in his home on Derby Lane in Benzie County's Homestead Township. Williams alleged Melvin Holbrook "tortured" and physically and sexually abused his wife, though Joni Holbrook showed no apparent signs of physical abuse at her arraignment.
Inspector Russell Smith, of the state police Seventh District headquarters, declined to comment on his agency's involvement. He referred all questions to Benzie County Prosecutor John Daugherty, who won election to that office last fall.
A business and real estate attorney, Daugherty is directing investigators from the Benzie County Sheriff's Department and state police.
He rejected Williams' conflict allegations.
"The decedent, Mr. Holbrook, hasn't been charged, his wife has been charged," Daugherty said.
Daugherty declined to answer questions about case developments.
A preliminary hearing to determine if enough evidence exists to bind Joni Holbrook over for trial is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. in 85th District Court.
Daugherty previously said Joni Holbrook called Benzie County 911 at about 1:10 a.m. and said she shot her husband. She allegedly made a similar statement to police later that morning, but Daugherty declined to release the statements.
Also present in the house at the time of the shooting was Chad C. Dilts, 24, Joni Holbrook's son from a previous marriage. Police have not said what Dilts may have witnessed at the time of the shooting.
Daugherty has not commented on a possible motive.
Benzie County Sheriff Rory Heckman said last week deputies would interview neighbors amid the abuse allegations. On Monday, Heckman said he didn't know if those interviews took place and declined to answer any other questions. Heckman said Daugherty told him not to discuss the investigation.
"I have to do what the chief law enforcement officer of the county tells me to do," Heckman said.
