Ricky Holland Vanished

I received the email below from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings, III late last week. I emailed him back and asked his permission to post it on my blog, he agreed to the request. I told him that there are many who visit my blog from Michigan and I thought my readers would be interested in what he had to say regarding the conviction of Lisa Holland on first-degree murder and child abuse charges.

I would like to thank you for your interest in the proceedings in the case of The People of the State of Michigan v Lisa Holland.

I know that at times there were doubts as to our trial strategy but that is why I asked people to wait until the entire case was presented to form an opinion.

I would like to thank Sheriff Wrigglesworth and his staff; particularly Lt.
Holliday, Det. Mark Bowser,and Det Paul Nieusma for their work not only in the investigation but with their assistance during the trial. Significant contributions were made by the entire crew of the Sheriff’s department including Dawn Nye, Billy Mitchell, and Steve Sopocy. I would make special note of Det Brian Valentine who skillful interrogation of Lisa Holland was played to the jury with great effect.

The Sheriff and Under-sheriff Myers put together a brilliant investigative strategy once the Holland’s became the focus of the investigation.

I would also commend the Michigan State Police including Det Frank Mraz whose interrogation of Tim caused him to lead us to the body. Det/Tpr Brain Fox for his assistance during the investigation and for many last minute pleas for help on our part during the trial. They were assisted by Dets Jaime Coorona, Tom Declerq, and Bill Eberhardt to name a few.

The MSP crime lab did an outstanding job (which is their norm but we should never take that for granted)particularly Ann Gordon whose blood splatter analysis of Ricky’s shirt provided a key link in this case.

I would also express my profound appreciation to Michael Ferency for the heroic effort put forth in this case. I would point out that several of the lawyers on our staff including Sue LeDuc, Bill Crino, and others provided great assistance, often in an ASAP situations with legal research as well as the entire team of the prosecutor’s office whose efforts and support made this conviction possible.

I would like to thank the People of Ingham County; first those who participated in the search for Ricky in the sweltering July heat. Although Ricky was not found, that was the first significant piece of information that led to today’s conviction.

The People of Ingham County,through the elected Board of Commissioners allowed your Prosecutor’s office and the Sheriff’s department the resources to pursue the investigation and trial and so credit for this outcome belongs to the people of Ingham County.

I would commend the jurors for their patience, intelligence, and the diligence with which they discharged their civic responsibility.

I would thank all of you for your interest in this case but this problem does not begin nor sadly enough does it end with Ricky. On Monday we begin another trial for another child allegedly murdered by his care giver and we have yet another recently bound over for trial.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Stuart J. Dunnings III
Ingham County Prosecutor