For Immediate Release

July 24, 2014

Judge Faunce Reverses Parole on Back-Shooting Murder

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — On petition from Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, Macomb County Circuit Judge Jennifer Faunce reversed the decision of the Michigan Parole Board to release a convicted murderer.

The Parole Board granted parole to prisoner Steven Strutz, 55, who in 1997 killed his ex-wife’s boyfriend in Eastpointe by shooting him in the back four times. Strutz pled no contest to second degree murder and felony firearm in 1999, and was initially sentenced to life in prison plus two years for felony firearm.

The Parole Board voted to release Strutz the first time he was eligible for parole, and at the earliest possible date.

Smith’s office argued that that the Parole Board had abused its discretion by granting release. Prosecutors pointed out that Strutz had committed major misconduct in prison by possessing a razor blade, and still formed a high assaultive risk to society.

Judge Faunce agreed, and reversed the Parole Board on May 12. The Parole Board then entered a motion for reconsideration with the court, which Faunce denied following courtroom argument on July 18.

“It is clear that Strutz has neither been rehabilitated nor evolved during his incarceration,” Faunce said.

“We applaud Judge Faunce’s decision,” said Smith. “This is not the guy you show lenience. This is the guy you build prisons to contain.”