BEULAH —
Lawyers for a woman who shot her state police sergeant husband to death want prosecutors to release the victim's state employment records, documents they contend could assist in her defense.
Joni Holbrook, 48, faces an open count of murder in Melvin Holbrook's Aug. 10 death. Authorities contend she shot her husband with his service weapon as he slept in their Benzie County home, then called 911 and reported the incident.
Joni Holbrook did not give investigators a motive for the slaying, but her attorney said Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her for several years.
That left her in a state of "learned helplessness," so her actions were justified under self-defense, said her attorney, Jesse L. Williams.
Williams believes Melvin Holbrook's personnel file could contain information to support that stance, and last week he filed an emergency motion to obtain those records. Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty opposes the motion.
Williams contends the personnel records could shed light on an incident in which one of Melvin Holbrook's former wives attempted to shoot him while he was stationed at the state police post in Coldwater.
Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer is expected to consider Williams' motion today.
"I don't know why the prosecutor would want to withhold this type of information," Williams said. "I don't think (Daugherty) really is understanding that this person was abused and is a victim, and we're trying to uncover everything that happened here."
Daugherty asked Batzer to deny Williams' request. Daugherty said he doesn't have a copy of Holbrook's personnel file, but doubts it documents anything that could aid his killer.
"It is unlikely that ... personnel records show evidence of torture," Daugherty said in a response to Williams' motion.
He also said it is "equally speculative" for Joni Holbrook to suggest her husband's personnel file contains evidence of a conspiracy by state police to hide evidence of other crimes against her.
"Defendant is on a fishing expedition," Daugherty said. "(Joni Holbrook) must not be treated so differently just because her victim worked for the Michigan State Police. Defendant presents only accusation and speculation."
Melvin Holbrook, 53, spent 23 years with the state police, and worked as a desk sergeant at the Traverse City post at the time of his death. He previously served at posts in Ionia, Coldwater, Manistee and Richmond.
Joni Holbrook remains in the Benzie County Jail as she awaits trial.
Region
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M. Holbrook
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J. Holbrook
Holbrook's employment records sought
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