Mark Joseph Newsome, 54, is slated to face trial on charges of second-degree murder for the death of his 72-year-old roommate, Dale Mitchell, as officials confirmed yesterday. Newsome, from Roseville, was ordered to stand trial following a district court decision and is expected to be arraigned on July 7 in the Macomb County Circuit Court. The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office stated that he is being held without bond at the Macomb County Jail. Newsome's attorney has not been available for comment regarding the upcoming trial.
The Detroit News reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of January 31 after an argument between the two men at their boarding home on Waldorf Street. Roseville police discovered Mitchell unresponsive following a call about a disturbance; he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors allege that the dispute, which began over a late-night Taco Bell meal according to the Macomb Daily, turned violent with Newsome punching Mitchell multiple times in the head.
Mitchell, described by friends as a "kind, gentle soul," faced various health challenges and was well-known in the local community, often seen at south Macomb County bars. His memory was honored by locals at Friends Tavern, as reported by the Macomb Daily. Should he be convicted, Newsome faces a potential life sentence, since second-degree murder is a life felony in Michigan.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido was quoted by WWJ Newsradio saying, "We are committed to ensuring that justice is served for the victim and his family." Details regarding the trial start date or the exact nature of the argument that led to Mitchell's death have not been released. Judge Joseph Boedeker, who presided over the initial hearing, denied a defense motion to establish a bond, mandating that Newsome remain in custody until the case progresses further.
