February Trial Set In State Trooper's Shooting Death

LUDINGTON (WWJ/AP) - A roughly 2-week trial has been scheduled for a man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Michigan State Police trooper.

The trial for 19-year-old Eric Knysz, who is charged with murder of a peace officer and other crimes, is scheduled to start Feb. 18 in Mason County Circuit Court in Ludington. Knysz' 21-year-old wife, Sarah, is also facing felony charges and is due back in court for a hearing on Nov. 5. They're both being held in the Mason County Jail.

Trooper Paul Butterfield was shot in the head during a traffic stop Sept. 9 in Sherman Township, about 80 miles north of Grand Rapids.

According to police, Butterfield had stopped a vehicle around 6:20 p.m. on Custer Road near Townline Road. A few moments later, a passing motorist called 911 to report finding Butterfield on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Butterfield was airlifted to Munson Hospital, where he passed away during emergency surgery.

Through a series of incidents in the area, law enforcement located the suspects at a gas station/convenience store in Wellston in Manistee County at approximately 8:25 p.m. There was an exchange of gunfire with the suspects, resulting in Eric Knysz being shot in the leg.

In addition to the murder, Eric Knysz is charged with felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. Sarah Knysz, who is pregnant, is charged with being an accessory after the fact and stealing a car.

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