Livonia Stabbing Case: Probation for Larceny, Trial Begins for Murder

A Livonia murder trial began on Monday morning following the sentencing of a co-defendant in the case. Spencer Krusell, 30, faced a jury as the trial opened. He is accused of stabbing Nicholos Hatcher, 34, to death in May along Middlebelt Road near West Chicago Street.

Scott Harrington, 26, pleaded guilty to larceny and receiving and concealing stolen property. The court sentenced him to two years of probation. This occurred immediately before jury selection for Krusell’s trial concluded. Harrington lived in Taylor at the time of his arrest.

Felisha Hatcher, the victim’s mother, spoke to the courtroom before the sentencing. She said she did not want to leave feeling like the justice system failed to protect and serve. She wanted the court to do what it says it does.

Investigators say Harrington grabbed Hatcher’s backpack and ran. Hatcher, a chef who had just left work in Livonia, was heading to another job when he stopped at a plasma center. He chased the men. Krusell, who lived in Highland Park at the time, is accused of stabbing Hatcher during the chase.

Defense attorney Charles Longstreet told jurors that Krusell acted in self-defense. Longstreet quoted Krusell as saying he pulled his knife out to stop Hatcher from jumping on him and coming forward. Longstreet said Krusell did not pull the knife out to stab him.

Prosecuting attorney Sara Bonomo acknowledged that Hatcher became physical during the confrontation. She told jurors that Hatcher punched the men but that they did not walk away. She asked the jury to decide if the killing was justified self-defense.

Felisha Hatcher described the probation sentence as a slap on the wrist. She said the prosecutor stated that was the best the law allowed. Jurors were dismissed for the day and are scheduled to return at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday. Both sides told jurors to expect Ring camera video of the confrontation.