Motions hearing for perjury suspect took place

A motions hearing for perjury suspect Raymond McCann II took place Thursday before St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman.
Prosecutors said McCann made five false statements during hours of sworn testimony related to the November 2007 night when 11-year-old Jodi Parrack was found dead in a Constantine Township cemetery.
McCann’s attorney, James Mequio of Portage, argued that the prosecution has failed to meet perjury standards on the statements McCann made about his activities the night Parrack died.
In light of Thursday’s proceedings, Stutesman will have to determine what charges and evidence could eventually go to a jury.
Stutesman will also have to decide if McCann can face a potential penalty of life in prison if he is found guilty. Michigan law calls for the penalty when perjury is committed in cases involving first- or second-degree murder.
Stutesman did not consider an additional defense request to lower McCann’s $225,000 bail at Thursday’s hearing. Also Thursday, he delayed a venue-change motion, saying he first will attempt to seat an unbiased St. Joseph County jury.