MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Three Michigan corrections employees faced suspension Friday for the mistaken release of an inmate accused of killing a New Baltimore couple.
Patrick Alan Selepak was mistakenly released Jan. 10. On Thursday, he and Samantha Jean Bachynski were arraigned in Mount Clemens on murder, home invasion, weapons and car theft charges.
The Detroit News said Selepak and Bachynski were held without bond, with a preliminary examination set for next Thursday. Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Selepak and Bachynski allegedly planned to steal their victims' identities.
Scott Berels was beaten to death with a rifle butt. His wife, Melissa, was strangled.
Prosecutors said the suspects befriended the Barelses. They also are suspected in the killing of Winfield "Fred" Johnson, 53, whom they had met at a Flint, Mich., bar. He was shot and strangled.
Selepak had been jailed on a parole violation but was released after a hearing was not set within 45 days. Two corrections managers and a clerical worker were suspended.
