Suspect bound over for trial

The case of a Burr Oak woman charged with murder and felony firearm has been bound over to circuit court.

Thirty-four-year-old Maria Audrey-Louise Williams is accused in the shooting death of Dennis Brooks, 33. The incident occurred March 13 in Burr Oak Township.

Judge Rob Pattison on Friday said sufficient evidence for the charge of open murder was presented, resulting in the case moving forward to circuit court.

Det./Sgt. Lonnie Palmer, with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department; Williams’ brother Jonathan Greer; and Cathy Brooks, the victim’s mother, all testified before Pattison Friday.

Williams was represented by Howard Bush. During Friday’s hearing, she asked for a new court-appointed attorney. Her request was granted and she is now represented by Mendon attorney Christine Yancey.