An Ottawa County jury yesterday found Randall Alan Grinwis guilty of second-degree murder in the asphyxiation death of his girlfriend, Donna Hyma. Hyma, 63, was found dead in her Zeeland Township home on Jan. 1, 2024, and an autopsy later determined she died of asphyxiation. A judge has set sentencing for March 30, where Grinwis could receive a punishment that includes life in prison under Michigan law.
Guilty Verdict After Days In Court
Jurors returned their verdict after deliberating on the evidence, according to MLive. Prosecutors argued that Hyma’s death was not an accident and relied on the medical examiner’s conclusion that she was killed by asphyxiation. The jury convicted Grinwis of second-degree murder, and the judge scheduled a March 30, 2026, sentencing hearing to determine his punishment.
How Investigators Tracked Him To Nevada
Investigators say Grinwis left the area after Hyma’s death and was later located in Las Vegas, where he was arrested on Feb. 9, 2024, with help from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, according to FOX17. Court records reviewed by the Holland Sentinel indicate Grinwis confessed to the killing after fleeing to Nevada. He was extradited back to Ottawa County and held without bond while the case moved toward trial.
What Michigan Law Says About Second-Degree Murder
Under Michigan law, second-degree murder is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life, or any term of years, according to the Michigan Legislature. At the March 30, 2026, sentencing, the court is expected to weigh state sentencing guidelines and any aggravating factors, as reported by MLive. The exact prison term and parole eligibility will depend on how the judge applies those guidelines under current law.
Appeals, Next Steps And Community Watch
With the conviction now on the record, defense attorneys may file post-trial motions and pursue an appeal; public docket entries show earlier appellate activity in the case, according to court records. Local coverage has followed the case’s progress through district and circuit court hearings as it advanced toward trial, as reported by the Holland Sentinel. The March 30 sentencing hearing is expected to provide more answers for Hyma’s family and the wider Ottawa County community when the judge announces how long Grinwis will spend in prison.
