A Florida man accused of murder in the 1984 disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from Summit Township was arraigned in Jackson on Wednesday afternoon.
WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE WHAT'S NEXT IN THIS 40-YEAR-OLD CASE:
"We are asking for no bond. He is the epitome of a danger to society," said the prosecutor, referring to the suspect's prior convictions for which he was serving time in Florida.
"I agree. I think he is the epitome of a danger to society, so, at this time, the Court is going to deny bond," said Magistrate Christopher Dickerson.
Leonard Hugall, extradited from Florida, is back in Jackson to face charges stemming from the 1984 disappearance of Kelly Harris.
According to the prosecutor, Hugall was serving time in a Florida prison for five counts of sexual assault using a deadly weapon, two counts of attempted capital sexual battery, and three counts of grand theft.
He was released and brought back to Michigan after prosecutors here filed murder charges against him...and will remain in jail.
The victim's aunt, Anne Harrell, was in the courtroom on Wednesday. She said: "I'm pleased that they didn't let him out..."
Hugall has been granted a public defender and is scheduled to be back in court for a probable cause hearing on September 5
The investigation began in 1984 when Harris was reported missing and was never seen again.
Authorities continued investigating over the decades, and, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's office, evidence led to charges against Hugall in connection with her disappearance.
CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF THE CASE:
"This arrest demonstrates that time does not diminish our resolve. Detective Sergeant Kelly Ebersole and Detective Mark Easter have shown relentless dedication on this case. Holding Hugall accountable after all these years is a testament to their commitment and to the fact that we never quit, no matter how long it takes," said Sheriff Gary Schuette.
First-degree felony murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole in Michigan.
The charges are merely accusations, and Hugall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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