Brother-in-Law Enters Plea in 2013 Unadilla MurderBrother-in-Law Enters Plea in 2013 Unadilla Murder

6/18/14 - A Montcalm County man has entered a plea in the local murder of his brother-in-law. 50-year-old Mark David Jackson of Vestaburg plead guilty today as a 4th-time habitual offender to second-degree murder in the death of 52-year-old Jonathan Risinger, who was married to Jackson’s sister. He faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced August 21st. Risinger’s body was found October 6th, 2013 by authorities who were called to his Berkshire Road residence. Authorities say they believe the actual death took place on October 4th. Jackson admitted in court that he killed Risinger after the two got into a fight. A medical examiner ruled Risinger died of injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma which may even have involved strangulation. At the time of the murder, Jackson was on parole for a 1996 conviction in Livingston County on six counts of 2nd degree home invasion, for which he served 14 years in prison. (JK)