Testimony Continues In West Bloomfield Murder Case
PONTIAC (WWJ) - Jurors in an Oakland County court are trying to decide if a West Bloomfield family's failed business venture and custody battle led to murder.
The Oakland Press reports witness testimony began Monday in the first-degree murder trial of Ellery Bennett, who is accused of fatally stabbing his wife Lisa at their home in West Bloomfield Township.
Prosecutors say Ellery Bennett's failed business ventures and dire financial situation, along with the prospect of a divorce drove him to stab his wife Lisa to death last August. But defense attorneys say the couple got into a heated argument where Lisa tried to stab Bennett before he wrestled the knife away and Lisa was stabbed in the process. Then, according to his attorney, Bennett attempted suicide.
Lisa's mother, Doris Furcron, testified that her daughter lived in fear of Bennett, telling her that if her body turned up someplace, "Ellery did it."
As part of his defense, Bennett is expected to take the stand.
