Mich. prisoner accused of strangling, fatally stabbing cellmate who was found under bed
12/20/2022 12:38 pm PST
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (TCD) -- A 45-year-old prisoner was recently charged after allegedly strangling and fatally stabbing his cellmate before stabbing another inmate during breakfast.
On Oct. 18, Michael Ketchum "went to breakfast and stabbed an inmate eight times in the head and neck," according to the Macomb County Prosecutor. The inmate is expected to survive.
Officers reportedly searched Ketchum’s cell and found his cellmate "hogtied, strangled, and stabbed to death underneath his bed."
Ketchum has since been moved to the Ionia Correctional Facility, WDIV-TV reports.
On Dec. 19, the Macomb County prosecutor said Ketchum was arraigned and charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, and prisoner in possession of a weapon. If convicted of first-degree murder or assault with intent to murder, Ketchum reportedly faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.
According to records, Ketchum was previously convicted on multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder, prisoner possessing weapons, prisoner possessing contraband, armed robbery, maintaining a lab involving methamphetamine, and kidnapping.
In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said, "Mental health is greatly needed in our court system."
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