BEULAH —
Joni Holbrook likely will remain in a Benzie County Jail cell for another month as she awaits sentencing for killing her state police sergeant husband.
Officials will conduct a pre-sentence investigation before Benzie Circuit Judge James M. Batzer decides how many years Joni Holbrook, 48, will spend behind bars. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
"They typically take four-to-six weeks, but if she doesn't have a prior criminal history that we have to go looking for in other states, it could be sooner," Batzer said.
Joni Holbrook pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder after she agreed to a last-minute deal in the Aug. 10, 2009, shooting death of her husband, Melvin Paul Holbrook.
As part of the deal, Joni Holbrook will spend no more than 15 years in prison. The prosecutor's offer shocked Williams, who this week planned to try the case. Trial was set to begin Wednesday.
"I was surprised because we're dealing with a state trooper that was shot," he said. "I think that (prosecutors) realized that we were actually bringing a real defense to the table. All along, I was saying, 'If you give a reasonable plea to manslaughter, we'll consider it.' That's what this is."
Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison, while those convicted of manslaughter spend up to 15 years in prison.
Benzie Prosecutor John B. Daugherty did not respond to calls for comment.
Joni Holbrook defended her actions as she entered her plea, and told Batzer that Melvin Holbrook mentally, physically and sexually abused her.
"I snapped from all of the abuse, stress and duress he had put me under for the entire term of the marriage," she said. "I regret the decision that I have made, and I would take that moment back in time."
Williams said his client will require extensive therapy.
"Obviously, when somebody lives through what she lived through, it's going to take the rest of her life to heal," he said. "She knows that she has a long road to recovery here. Now she can start focusing on recovery."
Michigan Department of Community Health representatives evaluate Joni Holbrook, among other inmates, each week to determine where she's placed in the Benzie County Jail. She remains in a female population cell, and has not exhibited suicidal tendencies since her arrest, Sheriff Rory Heckman said.
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Joni Holbrook
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Melvin P. Holbrook
Holbrook to remain in jail
She awaits sentencing for killing husband
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