3/28/2025

MARENISCO TOWNSHIP - At approximately 11:20 pm on March 26th, troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Wakefield Post and deputies from the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash on M-64 in Marenisco Township. The vehicle was traveling southbound on M-64 when the driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled over.  The front passenger, a 45-year-old Bessemer woman, was ejected from the vehicle and passed away on scene.  The rear passenger, a 33-year-old Bessemer man, was treated and later released from Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for minor injuries.  The driver, a 57-year-old Marenisco man, was treated for minor injuries. After an on-scene investigation, the driver was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and was lodged at the Gogebic County Jail.  No further details will be released until the arraignment. MSP was assisted on the scene by the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, Beacon Ambulance, Marenisco First Responders, and Gogebic County Victim’s Services.  The crash remains under investigation.

3/28/2025

ASHLAND - A plea agreement has been offered in the murder case of 16-year-old Daniel Wilber, accused of shooting his brother to death. Wilber’s attorney, Tyler Wickman said the defense received a plea agreement from prosecutors. He also said the court hasn’t asked for a preliminary hearing yet, which is usually used to establish whether there’s enough evidence to go forward with a trial. Wilber contends he only shot his brother after the sibling shot himself but didn’t die immediately. He said his brother would not have wanted to live after injuries sustained in such an event. Bayfield County Court Judge John Anderson scheduled another hearing with the stipulation that attorneys must let the court know whether they’ll ask for a prelimary hearing or a hearing to accept the plea agreement. The terms of the plea agreement have not been made public.

3/28/2025

SAINT GERMAIN — More information has been released in the murder of a St. Germain woman.  56-year-old James Johnson allegedly stabbed one of his sisters to death on the day he moved into their home, according to a criminal complaint.   According to a criminal complaint, the victim's sister called police and said she'd found her sister, 61-year-old Kelly Johnson, 61, lying outside in front of the house. She said she was unresponsive, covered in blood and appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds, with her feet bound with a yellow extension cord.  Police found large amounts of blood in the living room and kitchen of the home.  The victim's driver’s license, blood-soaked clothes and a woman's purse were found in a nearby dumpster and a knife was found nearby. Johnson telling police he stabbed her about 20 times while she was sleeping.  Johnson is charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide and use of a dangerous weapon. He faces life in prison and is being held on a $1 million bond.  James Johnson is slated for an initial appearance in Vilas County Court on Monday.