DETROIT – A 17-year-old Detroit boy charged with murder in connection to his 91-year-old neighbor's death appeared in court Wednesday.
George Stewart faces charges of first-degree murder, felony murder and arson in connection to Paul Monchnik's death. Several witnesses testified Wednesday during a preliminary examination hearing in front of Judge Kenneth King. The hearing will continue Dec. 14.
Prosecutors said Stewart attacked 91-year-old Monchnik in his home on Bentler Court, and then set his body and his home on fire. Monchnik's body was found when firefighters extinguished the fire.
"The alleged facts in this case are that the defendant killed his elderly neighbor by beating him and attempting to burn the evidence," said prosecutor Kym Worthy. "The word heinous does not even begin to describe this crime."