Man charged in deadly stabbings of family members at Sterling Heights home

Marcus Kragness, 20, held without bond

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Marcus Kragness was arraigned Tuesday on charges for allegedly stabbing and killing his grandfather, 79-year-old Jerome Pastuszak, his uncle, 44-year-old Mark Pastuszak, and critically injuring his grandmother, 71-year-old Sandy Pastuszak.

When the 20-year-old was denied bond, he seemed almost surprised.

"You said I can't get bond at all?" he asked the judge.

The judge responded with, "Correct, you're charged with a life felony."

Sandy's call to 911 about 12:30 a.m. Monday captured a frightening scenario unfolding in the home on Lea Court in Sterling Heights. The Pastuszaks had lived there for 47 years.

Kragness had moved from North Carolina two weeks earlier and was staying with his grandparents while he looked for work. A profile picture on his Facebook page shows him with his grandmother Sandy with the caption: "my grandma is the chillest ever yo."

He had a different attitude on Tuesday. His jail suit was unzipped as he sat in front of the camera, which he gave one last glare at before returning to his cell.

Sandy remains in critical condition at a hospital.

An open rosary is being held Tuesday night at St. Ephrem Church in Sterling Heights, where the Pastuszaks have been part of the congregation since 1968.


About the Author:

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.