Was Eric Knysz an American mainstream-created “sleeper cell”? It’d be interesting to see what music this kid listens to:
http://www.freep.com/article/20130911/NEWS06/309110170/paul-butterfield-michigan-state-police-eric-Knysz-sarah-murder-traffic-stop
A 19-year-old man with a troubled history was charged today with murder in the death of a Michigan State Police trooper, but authorities say they still don’t know what led to the shooting during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Mason County.
Eric Knysz is charged in the death of trooper Paul Butterfield, who was shot in the head Monday night in Sherman Township. Knysz also faces two weapons charges and a motor vehicle violation.
His 20-year-old wife, Sarah Knysz, faces charges of being an accessory after the fact and unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle.
“Motive is still unknown,” Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said. “Ordinary traffic stop, the kind we see on the road every day.”
Knysz did not appear in court because he is recovering from a gunshot wound during a shootout with officers. Because of his criminal record, he will be charged as a habitual offender.
Sarah Knysz was emotional during a video arraignment, but said little. She is facing up to five years in prison and is being held on a $250,000 bond, pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 25.
Spaniola said he only has initial police reports, but is convinced the couple were trying to leave the area after the shooting in a stolen vehicle.
“After the shooting, a vehicle was stolen from here in Mason County, and that is the one they were in when apprehended up in Manistee County,” Spaniola said.
Eric Knysz has been in trouble with the law several times, starting when he was 14. The most recent was an assault against his uncle in March, but he did not serve jail time.
In a personal protection order, his uncle, Matt Knysz, said he tried to get Eric to move out of his house when Eric got angry and threatened him. “He wrestled me to the ground, ripped my pocket open and physically took my phone away from me … he has access to several guns and I am afraid for my life,” Matt Knysz wrote.
Knysz also faced charges of first-degree home invasion in Lake County in 2008, operating while intoxicated in 2012, and carrying a concealed weapon and violating his restricted license in February. The concealed weapon charge was dismissed.
His father, John Knysz, said his son had a rough couple years but was doing well and had a full-time job. He said he saw his son earlier Monday and everything seemed fine.
“This is the worst day of my life,” said John Knysz, who was a police officer for several years.
A funeral service for Butterfield will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Manistee High School, with visitation starting there at 10 a.m.
“I knew Paul, he was a good trooper; he was a good man,” Spaniola said. “And I intend to do justice for Paul.”
