8/9/13 - Both suspects have now entered pleas in connection with the death of an elderly homeless man whose body was found in 2010 along a rural road in Conway Township. 45-year-old Mitchell Judd Hall of Byron pleaded guilty Thursday morning to 2nd degree murder. A sentencing agreement of 270 months or 22-and-a-half years on the minimum guideline was reached with prosecutors and the court will set the maximum. Hall will be sentenced as a third-time habitual offender October 7th in Livingston County Circuit Court. Thatâs the same day 52-year-old Antoinette Bea Hix of Gaines will learn her fate in the case. She pleaded guilty just yesterday, also to a 2nd degree murder charge. Both Hix and Hall originally faced charges of 1st degree pre-meditated murder and abuse of a vulnerable adult but those were dismissed in exchange for the pleas. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says he hopes the guilty pleas will bring some measure of finality and justice to his family, noting that this was a very difficult case to investigate and solve and the Sheriff's Department deserves special recognition. He tells WHMI that Hines was an honorably discharged U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran who lived a tough life but did not to deserve to die the way he did. Police say the couple left Hines at the side of Sober Road on April 11th, 2010, where he was found dead the following morning. Authorities say the couple had been caring for Hines and receiving his Social Security benefits but later wanted to rid themselves of Hines due to his failing health. Hix admitted that knowing the victims age, his injuries, and the 30-degree temperature outside that he was probably going to die when they dropped him off. (JM)
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