A Columbus Township man charged with killing his former boss at an Almont manufacturing plant last November has now told the court he plans to pursue an insanity defense. Thirty-two-year-old William Channer III is accused of fatally shooting plant manager and Grand Blanc West Middle School coach Logan Welch at Trims Unlimited on Nov. 5, 2025. With the new filing, the case is effectively on hold while a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation moves forward. Channer remains jailed without bond on multiple felony counts that carry a possible life sentence.
Insanity notice filed and psychiatric exam triggered
Earlier this month, Channer’s attorney submitted formal notice in Lapeer County Court that the defense intends to claim insanity, a move that under Michigan procedure requires the defense to obtain psychiatric evaluations. As reported by WGRT, the filing explicitly names an insanity defense and starts the mental health testing process.
Charges, chase and arrest
Prosecutors allege that Channer walked into Trims Unlimited on the morning of Nov. 5 and shot Welch before fleeing, then led officers on a multi-agency pursuit that ended in a deputy-involved shooting, according to WNEM. He has since been arraigned on multiple felonies, including first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm, and fleeing and eluding, and was denied bond. Prosecutors say a conviction on the murder charge could put him behind bars for life.
Earlier forensic review and what it entails
Shortly after Channer’s arraignment, a judge signed off on a two-step forensic evaluation that first examines competency to stand trial and then looks at criminal responsibility, local coverage noted last November. That earlier order, combined with the new insanity notice, means the court will hold off on regular proceedings while clinicians complete their work, which can include an inpatient stay at the state forensic center. As reported by Tri City Times, state forensic specialists were expected to handle the evaluation and their findings could affect any future trial schedule.
How Michigan handles insanity defenses
Under Michigan law, a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity cannot be accepted until psychiatric reports are submitted and a hearing is held, and a defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity may be committed for evaluation and treatment, court materials explain. The state benchbook notes that the defense must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was legally insane at the time of the alleged offense, and that a successful insanity plea can lead to commitment at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry for diagnostic evaluation. Those procedural steps are expected to influence the pace of the case and the strategies available to both sides, according to Michigan Courts.
Community mourning and Welch remembered
Welch, 30, was a longtime Grand Blanc resident who coached seventh grade football and was expecting his first child. His killing prompted a flood of condolences and fundraising efforts for his family. Local coverage highlighted community memorials and a GoFundMe that drew support for his loved ones. WGRT reported on services held in Welch’s honor and the donations raised for his widow and unborn child.
What comes next in court
For now, the insanity notice means the case will be driven by motions, evaluations and expert reports before it can edge any closer to trial. Court records and local reporting indicate that Channer remains in custody without bond while the psychiatric evaluations proceed and prosecutors review the defense’s move, leaving any trial timetable dependent on the clinicians’ conclusions, as reported by WNEM.
