SUNFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Eaton County Sheriff's Office said they have charged a suspect with first-degree premeditated murder after a 56-year-old woman was found dead inside of her home.
Robert Justin Shepard, 21, of Mulliken, was charged for the murder of Cheryl Arlene Fox Wednesday morning, the sheriff's office said. The Eaton County Sheriff's office said Fox was his mother.
The incident happened last weekend when deputies were dispatched to the 10000 block of North Clinton Trail in Sunfield Township to check on the well-being of a resident on Sunday, April 26, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said the caller had gone to the residence to check on a relative whom they had not heard from and saw the relative lying motionless on the floor.
The sheriff's office said once deputies arrived at the scene, after forced entry, they found Fox dead. Deputies said she suffered traumatic head injuries and an edged weapon was found near her body.
The sheriff's office said detectives, along with the Michigan State Police crime lab, began investigating the incident and information was obtained regarding a 21-year-old male suspect, Shepard, who lived with Fox.
The sheriff's office said a description of Shepard and his vehicle was broadcast in a statewide bulletin and detectives began looking for him.
The sheriff's office said officers at the Grand Ledge Police Department made a traffic stop and took Shepard into custody Sunday evening. The sheriff's office said he was then interviewed by detectives.
Shepard is set to have a preliminary exam on May 11 at 10 a.m. and his bond is set a $1,000,000, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said the first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Shepard must also have a GPS tether before he can be released from jail, the sheriff's office said.
“Our hearts go out to Cheryl’s family and friends who are enduring this senseless, horrific loss, and our prayers are with you," said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich. “I commend the response and quick actions of our Deputies in developing and communicating information on the suspect to our law enforcement partners across the state. I also wish to thank the Grand Ledge Police Department for their alert observation and traffic stop of the suspect which led to his arrest.”
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