Richardson sentenced to life in prison

By JOHN PEPIN, Journal Munising Bureau
MUNISING — Thomas David Richardson was sent to Marquette Branch Prison this afternoon, after he was sentenced to spend his life in prison for the murder of his wife Juanita.


 Richardson, 46, of downstate McBain was found guilty April 16, at the close of a 6-week jury trial, of killing his 43-year-old wife  by causing her to fall from a 140-foot cliff at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on June 22, 2006.


In court today, Richardson asked his family to try to reconcile their relationships with Juanita’s parents, sister and other family members. He read from a prepared statement. The death of Juanita and the murder trial has split the families apart.


Through his defense attorneys, Richardson has professed his innocence throughout the trial, arguing his wife’s death was a terrible accident and not a homicide.


Prosecutor Karen Bahrman did not make a statement today saying she was “all talked out.”


Judge William Carmody also did not make a statement while imposing Richardson’s sentence.


Jeanette Ellens, Juanita’s sister said she and her family wanted to give Richardson to the state to have them take care of him.


Attorneys for Richardson plan to ask Carmody to consider a motion to overturn the verdict. An appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals is also being prepared.


Richardson had been lodged in the Alger County Jail since his February 6, 2007, arrest.