On Thursday, Oct. 16, Jerome Kowalski, 79, of Warren, pleaded no contest to two counts of open murder, potential life sentences, and two counts of felony firearm, each a 2-year felony, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a release.
Kowalski murdered his brother and sister-in-law in Oceola Township in 2008.
“Senseless violence tears at the fabric of our communities and forever changes the lives of those affected,” Nessel said. “My office remains committed to pursuing justice and holding offenders accountable.”
Kowalski was originally convicted in 2013, but his conviction was vacated by Shiawassee County Judge Matthew Stewart in Livingston County’s 44th Circuit Court in 2019, as part of an agreement between the Livingston County Prosecutor and the defense, because of misconduct committed by the original trial judge, Theresa Brennan.
In 2023, Kowalski was granted a bond by Judge Stewart. He served 13 years and 8 months’ incarceration from his arrest to the date he was released on bond.
Kowalski will next appear for a degree hearing to determine whether he will be found guilty of First-Degree Murder or Second-Degree Murder. The plea was the product of a Cobbs agreement between Kowalski and the Court. The Department of Attorney General objected to this agreement and will continue to pursue a just outcome in this case.
A degree hearing date has not yet been set.
You can read all our coverage of Jerome Kowalski by clicking here.
