AG Schuette Charges I-96 Shooter with Terrorism for 21 Attacks

On Thursday, Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the filing of terrorism, assault with intent to murder and felony firearm charges against Raulie Casteel, 43, of Wixom, for crimes allegedly committed in three counties. Schuette’s Criminal Division reviewed evidence collected by the multi-jurisdictional task force formed to investigate the case, and worked with the prosecutors from Ingham, Livingston, Shiawassee and Oakland counties. The Oakland County Prosecutor continues to handle the case filed in that county.

“These were acts of domestic terrorism against Michigan citizens and we are prosecuting them as such,” said Schuette. “I look forward to working with task force members and my colleagues from Ingham, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties to resolve this case and secure justice for the victims.”

The county-level charges previously filed in Livingston against Casteel were dismissed and replaced with charges today filed by the Attorney General. The charges pertain only to acts that occurred in Livingston County. The Attorney General intends to enter evidence of “similar acts” from other counties under Michigan Rule of Evidence 404b. The Attorney General reserves the right to file additional charges in Ingham and Shiawassee Counties, pending the outcome of the Livingston case.

The following seven felony charges were filed in Livingston County’s 53rd District Court:

• One count of Terrorism; based on 21 attacks, a felony charge punishable by up to life in prison;
• One count of Assault with Intent to Murder, a felony charge punishable by up to life in prison;
• One count of Weapons – Dangerous Weapon – Carrying with Unlawful Intent, a 5-year felony;
• One Count of Weapons – Firearms – Discharge from Vehicle, a 4-year felony; and,
• Three counts of Weapons – Felony Firearm, a 2-year felony.

In Oakland County, Casteel is charged with 60 counts for incidents alleged to have occurred in that county. Casteel was taken into custody on November 5, 2012 by Michigan State Police troopers. On November 14, 2012, judges in Oakland County and Livingston County each ordered Casteel to undergo two separate competency and criminal responsibility tests to determine whether he is competent to stand trial in the respective counties. The case filed today will move forward following the results of the Livingston competency exam.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.