Watch CBS News

Wayne County Judge Vonda Evans Announces Retirement On Social Media

DETROIT (AP) — In a tearful announcement posted to her Facebook page Monday, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Vonda Evans said she is retiring from the bench.

Evans described her departure as a retirement in an emotional video posted Monday on social media . She says, "It's time now for me to close the book."

Judge Vonda Evans Retirement Farewell Speech.

Posted by Vonda Evans on Monday, January 14, 2019

She tapped her gavel and said her courtroom is "in permanent recess." She signed the letter while on camera.

In recent years, Evans presided over high-profile cases, including the murder trial of Robert Bashara and the assault trial of Inkster Officer William Melendez.

In April, WXYZ-TV reported that Evans appeared late to work, left early and sometimes failed to show up at the Frank Murphy courthouse. She denied some allegations and said her attendance wasn't much different than the performance of other judges.

Judge Evans has served on the bench for 21 years.

© 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.