Couple Arraigned In Shooting Deaths Of 2 Men

JACKSON (WWJ/AP) - A 32-year-old man and 21-year-old woman have been charged in the slayings of two Michigan men whose bodies were found in a burning car at a waterfowl preserve.

Jackson County Sheriff Steve Rand reports that Richard Janish and Barbara Mercer both of Michigan Center were arraigned Friday on murder, armed robbery and other charges.

They were being held without bond in the county jail. Rand said they were arrested Thursday.

The bodies of Anthony D. Hannah and Shemel Thomas were found Monday at Schlee Waterfowl Preserve in Grass Lake Township, near Jackson. After firefighters extingushed the car fire, investigators found Hannah and Thomas, who had been shot to death, inside the vehicle.

Rand has said Hannah and Thomas had long criminal records and had served time for drug convictions.

Janish faces charges of first-degree murder, felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, tampering with evidence and arson. Mercer faces charges of felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, tampering with evidence and arson.

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