MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Judge Denis LeDuc has ruled there is enough evidence to send Stephen Grant to trial for first-degree murder.
LeDuc announced his decision around 2 p.m. Tuesday after a day and a half of testimony from the lead detective in the case and the Macomb County medical examiner.
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Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz returned to the stand Tuesday morning after spending several hours testifying Monday.
Dr. Spitz began answering questions about how he became involved in the case.
"I received a phone call on March 2 when I was told human remains were found on the premises of a home in Washington Township," Spitz said. "I arrived at the home on March 3 and began my examination."
Spitz was asked whether it was unusual that he go to a crime scene himself. He replied, "It is not that uncommon."
Prosecutor Eric Smith asked Dr. Spitz if it was possible to determine the cause of death even though the body was dismembered. Spitz replied, "They had recovered most of the body parts, therefore, I was able to access most of the injuries and rule a cause of death." He said his opinion was Tara Grant died of strangulation.
Spitz said some of the injuries showed there was extensive force used on Tara. He said there was evidence of strangulation and injuries consistent with an altercation.
Earlier Monday, Macomb County Detective Brian Kozlowski took the stand for nearly three hours of testimony. He answered questions from both Macomb County Prosecutor Erik Smith and Defense Attorney Stephen Rabaut about the investigation into Tara Grant's disappearance and death.
Kozlowski explained in detail how he became involved in the case, which began as a missing person's investigation in February.
Kozlowski finished on the stand answering questions about the day he drove to Emmett County to question Stephen Grant from his bedside.
He explained it was at that time Grant confessed to murdering and dismembering his wife. The defense hoping that confession will be thrown out.
Kozlowski was dismissed from the witness stand around 4:15 p.m. The judge decided to continue the preliminary examination and the prosecutor's witness was called.
Grant also appeared in court Monday morning in a motion to remove Judge Denis LeDuc from the case.
Grant's attorney, Stephen Rabaut, asked LeDuc to remove himself last week. When LeDuc refused, the motion was sent to go before Macomb County Chief Paul Cassidy.
Rabaut said LeDuc has released too much information to the public. Rabaut said the defense's request for a psychiatric evaluation should have been private. He also claimed LeDuc had shown prejudice against Grant.
"I do not believe the defendant here has shown there is actual prejudice for or against Mr. Grant or his attorney that is both personal and extrajudicial," Patterson said. "Therefore, I will deny the motion to recuse Judge LeDuc."
Stephen Grant's arraignment is scheduled for June 18.
You can see all the court proceedings right here on ClickOnDetroit.com.