1/13/14 - Jury selection is set to begin tomorrow in Howell for the man accused of a shooting spree along the I-96 corridor. 44-year-old Raulie Casteel of Wixom is accused of randomly firing his pistol from a car at other passing vehicles during a two-week period in October of 2012. A pre-trial hearing was held this morning with Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader, who is hearing the case being prosecuted by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office. Attorneys for Mr. Casteel and the AGâs office met behind closed doors for two hours, working out witness lists and exhibits to be used in the trial. Jury selection is expected to begin tomorrow on the charges, which include terrorism, a count that could land Casteel in prison for the rest of his life. Authorities have speculated the trial could last up to three weeks, although they are working to get it done in two. Casteel was also charged with 60 separate counts in Oakland County, including assault with intent to murder. But he earlier reached a deal in which he pleaded no contest but mentally ill to 12 counts, including six counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, in exchange for the rest of the charges being dropped. Heâll be sentenced there January 30th. (JK)
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