EASTPOINTE, Mich. – A 38-year-old man is charged with premeditated murder in the deaths of his wife and two children in Eastpointe.
Timothy Fradeneck appeared in front of a judge Wednesday afternoon with family members inside the courtroom. Fradeneck was charged with seven counts including three counts of premeditated murder. His wife, 37-year-old Christie Fradeneck, and their two children were found Monday night dead inside their home.
Police officers went to the home to conduct a welfare check requested by Christie's family members. Timothy answered the door, police said, and told officers he killed his wife and the children by strangling them with a USB cord. He was arrested at the home.
A makeshift memorial continues to grow on the steps of the house on Cushing Avenue.
The man's family believes it was his bi-polar disorder and his inability to get the help he needed that led to these killings.
Timothy tried to enter a plea by reason of insanity, but the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, saying he would be given a court-appointed attorney with whom he can discuss that with later. The prosecutor said planning the murders shows he was not insane.
The Eastpointe man is being held without bond. His next court date is April 28.
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Fradeneck's family released this statement on Tuesday:
"At this time, the family of Christie is requesting their privacy and the privacy of Christie and her children. This is a very close and loving family and their utter shock and grief cannot even be put into words. They truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support that is being given to them. Yesterday, when Christie's sister became concerned about her whereabouts as nobody had heard from her all day, she called the police to check on her sister's welfare. There was no history of domestic violence in the home. The investigation is in its initial stages and the family is fully cooperating and allowing law enforcement to conduct their investigation. The family is hopeful that the justice system will prevail and the person responsible for this will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up by friends of the family to pay for the funeral and burial expenses of Christie and her children. It can be found at http://gofundme.com/Christiefradeneck."