VBT Police arrest Coskie for murder

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Kenneth William Coskie, 73, of Van Buren Township has been charged with first-degree, premeditated murder, felony firearm, and habitual offender in the shooting death of Eric Williams, 44, also of VBT.
Coskie was arraigned before Judge David M. Parrott on Friday afternoon at the 34th District Court in Romulus.
He is being held on $1 million cash bond and is scheduled to appear before Judge Brian A. Oakley for a preliminary (probable-cause) exam at 9 a.m. April 23 at 34th District Court.
In a press release issued Thursday, VBT Police Lt. Kenneth Floro said at 7:54 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, VBT police were dispatched to 49170 Michigan Avenue for a report of shots fired.
While searching the residence and the area immediately surrounding the property, police officers found Williams lying on the ground with a severe injury to his abdomen and chest. He was not breathing, did not have a pulse, and was deceased from an apparent gunshot wound, Lt. Floro said in the release.
VBT police secured the area and started an investigation to secure possible witnesses and preserve evidence. The VBT Investigative Division and Evidence Technician Team responded to the scene to assume control of the investigation.
During the course of the investigation, police detained Coskie for questioning and later charged him with the murder.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death and then the case was forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review and issuance of a warrant.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the incident is asked to contact Lt. Floro at (734) 699-8915.