Already Behind Bars

Andrew McCormack, 54, was found guilty on Thursday of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the 2022 stabbing death of 53-year-old James Travis, according to court records.

McCormack was acquitted on a charge of second-degree arson.

The killing occurred on June 18, 2022 at a home on Shakespeare Avenue in Kalamazoo Township, police said.

Years in the Making

When detectives arrived to the scene around 8:30 p.m. that evening, they said Travis had been stabbed multiple times.

Investigators also said that a fire had been intentionally set inside the home.

Dollar bills, a wrench, and a knife all covered in blood were found near his body, according to police.

Medical examiners ultimately determined Travis had died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Charges against McCormack and his co-defendant, now 35-year-old Shawna Kroeger, came approximately six months after Travis's death.

Co-Defendant Already Sentenced

Kroeger was sentenced one year ago to 18-to-30 years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree murder and arson, according to court records.

Trial Delays

Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting told News Channel 3 there has been a desire to have the case against McCormack closed for years.

But he cited defense attorney changes, competency evaluations, and a backlogged Michigan State Police crime lab as reasons for a delayed trial.

There were several different attorneys that were assigned and then withdrew, Getting said.

There were delays caused by having him evaluated to ensure that he was competent to stand trial.

This isn't like what people see on TV on CSI or other shows, where you can take a piece of evidence and submit it to a crime lab and have an answer in 30 minutes, Getting said.

Evidence Seized

According to police and court records, McCormack and Kroeger were seen on surveillance cameras stealing a vehicle shortly after the killing.

The vehicle was later recovered by investigators with blood evidence inside.

Current Status

McCormack is already serving a decade-long prison sentence in Jackson.

The conviction for the 2022 stabbing means he will now face additional sentencing for the murder and tampering charges.

Case Background

The case involved two defendants accused of a deadly stabbing and arson in Kalamazoo Township.

Kroeger took a no contest plea and received 18-to-30 years.

McCormack faced a jury trial after being held on multiple charges including murder, arson, and tampering with evidence.

The jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence but acquitted him of arson.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting noted that the case has been pending for nearly four years, with significant delays caused by defense attorney withdrawals, competency evaluations, and backlogs at the Michigan State Police crime lab.

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