FBI Joins Expanded Manhunt For Suspected Macomb County Killer

WARREN (WWJ) - The FBI has joined a massive dragnet for a suspected murderer in metro Detroit.

A contingent of federal agents, along with Macomb County Sheriff's detectives and Warren police, are on the hunt for 34-year-old Anthony Iannotti — who is wanted in the beating death of 62-year-old Donna Lawrence last week.

Lawrence's stolen Daewoo station wagon was found Saturday in Royal Oak, but the person who drove away in it following the grandmother's murder remains on the run.

Warren Mayor Jim Founts says Iannotti, who was acquainted with the victim, is believed the be the person neighbors saw banging on the windows of Lawrence's home, at Williamsburg East Apartments on Schoenherr at 13 Mile Road, and then entering shortly before her body was found by family members Wednesday morning.

Witnesses said the place was ransacked and, along with her car, Lawrence's purse was taken.

Fouts says the same day the car was recovered, Iannotti showed up Shelby Township where his wife was in hiding — but managed to get away.

"Her father allegedly then panicked and fired a couple of rounds at him — didn't hit him — and he disappeared into a wooded area," Fouts said.

Michigan Department of Corrections records show Iannotti has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for assault with intent to do great harm, aggravated stalking and fleeing police.

Fouts said Iannotti is known to "go into fits of rage" and should be considered very dangerous.

"We need to apprehend him as soon as possible," the mayor said, calling it a "horrendous crime."

Anyone who sees Iannotti is urged not to approach him but to immediately dial 911.