A judge has denied a request for a new trial in the decades-old murder case of Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. Douglas Laming, convicted in October of ’24 for her rape and murder, sought a retrial, claiming his trial lawyer failed to challenge key testimony and that the jury wasn’t properly warned about his co-defendant Anthony Harris’s motives. Judge Cynthia Lane rejected the motion Friday, saying the jury had enough information about Harris’s plea deal and the evidence was properly presented. Laming is serving life without parole.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tri-Hospital EMS and the American Red Cross are holding a holiday blood drive in Kimball to boost local supplies that often drop during winter. The drive runs this Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Tri-Hospital Station 5,@ 5248 Horseshoe Trail. Officials say donated blood is vital for accident victims, surgeries, and serious illnesses. Donors should bring a photo ID, eat well, and stay hydrated. Appointments are recommended to keep the process smooth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Florida man has been sentenced in Tuscola County for a deadly September crash that killed three members of the Putnam family. 55-year-old Pavel B. Shchukin received one year in jail for each of three moving violation causing death charges and was ordered to pay $1,425 in fines and court costs. The charges follow a crash on September 26 in Ellington Township, where Shchukin’s semi-truck ran a stop sign at Hurds Corner and Deckerville Roads, hitting the family’s Jeep.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet