Michaels ordered to stand trial for the shooting death of brother-in-law
Trending
In a packed courtroom, Kenneth Michaels was ordered to stand trial for the homicide of his brother-in-law, and former business partner, John Roskowski following a preliminary hearing on Friday.
The charges stem from an Aug. 17 incident during which Michaels allegedly shot Roskowski following an argument between the two at Cable Services Company in Old Lycoming Township, where Michaels was CEO.
The hearing was in front of District Judge William Solomon.
On Aug. 16, Roskowski, a former owner who’s father started the business in the mid-1960’s, visited the company where his vehicle was being worked on, according to court documents, and upon learning of his visit, Michaels informed staff that Roskowski was not welcome on the property anymore.
Roskowski returned the next day, and after being notified that he was prohibited from the premises, became enraged and drove to the administrative wing of the company and began constantly ringing the buzzer at the locked, according to witness testimony.
Assistant District Attorney Martin Wade called a single witness, Lycoming Regional Police Det. Justin Segura, a 14-year police veteran, who testified that throughout several interviews, Michaels admitted to retrieving a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun from his desk before confronting Roskowski.
Segura further related that Michaels stated he knew the gun was loaded.
Michaels stated that Roskowski took several steps towards him before he brandished the weapon, telling John to "stop," according to witness testimony.
Michaels said that Roskowski took several more steps, at which point Michaels directed a secretary to call 911 just prior to shooting Roskowski.
Segura testified that Roskowski could be heard calling Michaels a "coward" in the 911 call.
Roskowski was rushed to UPMC Williamsport, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room. An autopsy determined that he died as a result of a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which damaged several vital organs, Segura stated.
Michaels told detectives his brother-in-law did not have any physical contact with him prior to the shooting, had not made any threats, and was aware that Roskowski was unarmed, according to Segura.
Michaels further admitted to knowing that Roskowski had health issues, including a colostomy bag.
On redirect, Michael’s counsel, Michael Rudinski, tried to punch holes in Segura’s testimony, presenting that multiple witnesses had described Roskowski as being irate when he arrived at the front door, as well as noting that there were no physical eyewitnesses to the actual shooting.
Michaels had admitted to bringing the handgun to work that day out of fear that Roskowski would return and possibly grab and assault him, Segura said during defense questioning.
In closing statements, Rudinski argued that charges should be dropped due to there being no evidence a crime was committed.
Rudinski cited a lack of eyewitnesses or video footage of the shooting, as well the presentation of a single witness for the prosecution.
Wade countered that the very nature of the incident left little doubt as to Michaels’ intentions.
Michaels had several options that would have avoided the conflict, including disabling the buzzer system and simply calling the police, as Roskowski could not have entered the building, save for Michaels opening the secured door.
Wade further pointed to the location of the gunshot wound, and Michaels’ initial admission that he believed he had shot him in the abdomen.
District Magistrate Judge Solomon found sufficient evidence to hold over charges of criminal homicide and voluntary manslaughter for trial.
No trial date has been set.
Police arrested Michaels on Sept. 1, and he was arraigned on charges of homicide and possession of an instrument of crime Sept. 14, after being brought back to Lycoming County from Cape May, New Jersey.
Michaels was recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison without bail.