Belleville shooting suspect held on $500,000 bond

By Diane Madigan
Independent Court Reporter
Billy Ray Patrick, II, age 22, was arraigned May 15 on a charge of attempted murder that could send him to prison for the rest of his life if he is found guilty
He also was arraigned on three other felony charges.
Patrick is accused of shooting 16-year-old Thomas Strunk in the face on May 12 on West Columbia Avenue in the city of Belleville. Strunk is a student at Belleville High School and both Patrick and Strunk live within the city of Belleville.
Patrick’s video arraignment was conducted in Judge David Parrott’s courtroom at 34th District Court in Romulus.
An intergovernmental agreement is in place between Van Buren Township and the City of Belleville for the township to provide emergency dispatch and lockup services for the city. For that reason, Patrick’s video arraignment was conducted from the VBT police department.
Patrick stood before the camera looking very distraught as Judge Parrott read the charges:
• Attempting to commit murder – could be sentenced to life;
• Assault to do great bodily harm, less than murder – up to 10 years;
• Assault with a dangerous weapon – up to 4 years; and
• Carrying a pistol at the time to commit murder – 2 years.
Judge Parrott set Patrick’s preliminary exam for May 28, after noting that Patrick had signed papers requesting a court-appointed attorney.
Judge Parrott set bond at $500,000 or 10%, saying these were extremely serious charges and a high cash bond was appropriate.
Belleville Police Chief Hal Berriman said police believe the shooting happened after a dispute over missing marijuana. Patrick allegedly claimed Strunk took marijuana and owed him money for “6 g’s” worth.
Chief Berriman said a female witness confirmed the shooting.
Chief Berriman said Cpl. Todd Schrecengost talked to Patrick’s mother and convinced her to bring in her son to the police station. She did and also brought the .22 caliber pistol, which is believed to have been used in the shooting.
Berriman said a reserve officer and other officers helped in getting the case together.