Warren Murder Suspect Anthony Iannotti Arrested In Shelby Township

WARREN (WWJ) - Following a manhunt spanning several days, a suspect has been arrested in the murder of a 62-year-old woman in her Warren apartment.

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts says Anthony Iannotti — wanted in the beating death of Donna Lawrence last Wednesday — was found trying to break into a home in Shelby Township, near Utica Road, and was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals Tuesday at around 9 a.m.

"I just got word that they have a positive ID on him," Fouts told WWJ's Charlie Langton. "He had shaved his hair and shaved his beard — so he was trying to disguise himself."

Fouts said Iannotti would be "immediately incarcerated" on a four count felony warrant. He's charged with first degree premeditated murder, second degree murder, unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle and larceny in a building.

Fouts 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.

Witnesses said the place was ransacked and, along with her vehicle — a blue Daewoo station wagon — Lawrence's purse was taken.

Authorities in Warren say that Iannotti was released on bond the might before the murder of Lawrence. Iannotti had cut his tether according to police.

The car was found Saturday in Royal Oak.

"We obtained some valuable evidence from the vehicle that we were able to procure," Fouts said. "So, that being the case, I'd say that there's strong evidence that will lead to a long jail term for him."

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 is very dangerous. He called it a "horrendous crime."

The U.S. Marshall's office worked together with the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and Warren police on the case.