Court Watching: Charges dismissed against VBTY mother who shot, killed her son

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
The murder and felony firearm charges filed against Diane Letice Orr, 43, of Van Buren Township, were dismissed at her final conference at Wayne County Circuit Court on Nov. 14.
The previously set jury trial for Jan. 7 was canceled by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Timothy M. Kenny.
A motion to quash information was heard and granted by Judge Kenny.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s office spokesperson Maria Miller explained, “A motion to quash when granted is a motion to dismiss the case because the judge found that the lower-court judge abused their discretion in binding the case over at the preliminary examination hearing.”
Orr was charged with second-degree murder and felony firearm in the Sept. 5 shooting death of her son, Renard Lumpik, 23, of VBT.
Testimony before Judge Brian A. Oakley in 34th District Court said Lumpik had gone out of control, was throwing furniture, and punching his brother and assaulting his mother. Then his mother stepped between him and her other son and infant grandchild and tried to protect them.
Her final conference before trial had been set for 9 a.m., Nov. 12, and it was held and continued on Nov. 14, when charges were dismissed.
Orr was free after posting $25,000 or 10% bond which was set on Sept. 17 by Judge Oakley. After the shooting Orr had been jailed without bond.