1/23/13 - Jurors have begun deliberations in the double murder trial of a Warren man. Both the defense and prosecution rested before delivering closing arguments in the case against Jerome Kowalski, who is charged with murdering his brother Richard and sister-in-law Brenda. Both were found dead in the kitchen of their Lyngre Drive home in Oceola Township on May 1st, 2008. Livingston County Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas re-capped evidence and statements made in the case, confessions made by Kowalski to police and a sticky note found at the scene that experts say had Kowalski's handwriting on it. Maas also told jurors that Kowalski lied to police about the number of handguns in his home. Defense Attorney Walter Piszczatowski called the prosecution's case weak during his closing arguments, saying there was no physical or scientific evidence tying Kowalski to the scene and used a visual aid to emphasize the burden of proof on the prosecution. He argued that Kowalski's statements were conflicting to try and please police and stated that Mike Reilly, Brenda Kowalskiâs son, had a much stronger motive due to financial windfall. Reilly was also the person who discovered the bodies and called 911. During rebuttal from Maas, she argued Kowalski's statements are themselves evidence and âReilly is a red herringâ, saying people have killed for much less. After being given instructions, jurors began deliberations this afternoon in 53rd District Court in Brighton. (JM)
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