NEWS RELEASE

Matthew Mark Fruge, 34, of Boyne City, was charged with the murder of Jacob Daniel Conklin, 34, of Arcadia, Florida.  Fruge was arraigned in the 90^th District Court this morning.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, shortly after 7:00 p.m. on October 1, Fruge grabbed a knife and left his Bay Township home to confront Conklin.  A witness came to the scene and found Fruge on top of Conklin, who was lying on the ground.

They pushed Fruge off Conklin and discovered that Conklin was bleeding heavily from his neck and the knife was lying next to him on the ground.

By the time officers arrived at the scene, Conklin was not breathing and was unresponsive.  Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced him deceased.

A not guilty plea was entered on Fruge’s behalf.  The Court granted Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney Allen Telgenhof’s request that Fruge be held without bond, finding that Fruge presents a danger to the public and that there is a likelihood of guilt in the case.

“Once again, Charlevoix County police officers worked together in a very cooperative manner, with the Sheriff’s Department, Boyne City Police and the Michigan State Police all playing key roles in the investigation,” Telgenhof said.  “The officers responded very well in a very difficult situation.”

A probable cause conference is scheduled for October 13 and a preliminary examination for October 20.  Fruge requested and received a court appointed attorney, Kyle Legel, of Gaylord.

An open murder charge allows a jury to decide what degree of murder is appropriate, if any.  First degree murder is an offense that carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole while a second degree conviction allows a defendant to be eligible for parole.

The charge against Fruge is a mere allegation at this point and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.