5/29/14 - One of the two people found responsible for the death of an elderly Vietnam War Veteran in Livingston County has had his appeal denied. 46-year-old Mitchell Judd Hall of Byron was sentenced in October to a minimum of 22 ½ years and a maximum of 50 years in prison. On Tuesday, the Michigan Supreme Court released an order saying it was not persuaded it should hear his appeal. Both he and his live-in girlfriend, 52-year-old Antoinette Bea Hix of Gaines, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder in the death of 71-year-old Clarence Elijah Hines, who authorities say died due to a combination of hypothermia and multiple blunt trauma injuries. Hix received a sentence of 18 years and 9 months to 50 years behind bars. Police say the couple left Hines at the side of Sober Road in Conway Township 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 him, 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. Hall is eligible for parole in 2033, Hix in 2030. (JK)
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