Court Seeks Long-Term Care For Man In Slaying Case
MONROE (WWJ/AP) - Officials are working to determine where a 68-year-old man with Parkinson's disease who authorities say killed his ex-wife should get long-term care.
The Monroe Evening News reports a May 17 court hearing is set after Richard Achauer of Frenchtown Township this week pleaded no contest to manslaughter.
Achauer was charged in the December strangulation death of 64-year-old Nancy Lake at his home 35 miles southwest of Detroit. Lake was one of Achauer's caregivers, and had showed up at his home that day to check up on him. Police say there was an argument and Achauer apparently rose from his wheelchair and strangled Lake.
Court records show Achauer pleaded no contest to manslaughter, a 15-year felony, in return for the dismissal of an open murder charge. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing.
Achauer observed the proceedings via television monitor from the Center for Forensic Psychology in Washtenaw County, where he's currently living.
Defense lawyer David F. Grenn wants Achauer transferred to St. Joseph Manor, a long-term care nursing home in Detroit, but First District Judge Jack Vitale expressed concerns about a lack of approval of the nursing facility by law enforcement officials.
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