9/9/14 - The attorney for the Marion Township man accused of a fatal road rage shooting last week has received more time to prepare for a hearing. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale, who is charged with open murder in the death of 43-year-old Derek Flemming, was due for an exam conference today in front of 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader. But his attorney, Melissa Pearce, was granted additional time to prepare. The exam was adjourned until October 7th. Pearce indicated that her client will be claiming self-defense. She also said Zale is not a former police officer or member of the military as had been rumored. Flemmingâs wife claims that Zale was driving erratically as she and her husband headed eastbound on Grand River last Tuesday to pick up their children from the first day of school. Amy Flemming says Zale passed them at one point and then began braking and accelerating multiple times. When they got to the intersection of Grand River and Chilson, Derek Flemming got out of his vehicle and approached Zaleâs pickup to ask what his issue was. Thatâs when police say Zale lowered his window and shot Flemming in the face, killing him. Zale, who remains jailed without bond, faces up to life in prison if convicted. (JK)
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