Howard City murder suspects to trial

ROCKFORD, Mich. (WOOD) - Two men accused of robbing, kidnapping and then killing a Howard City couple are going to trial.

Investigators released more information Monday during the suspects' preliminary hearing about what happened the morning Robert and Norma Bean were shot and killed in a gravel pit.

Prosecutors say on October 6 Timothy Stephan and Bobby Fisk snuck into the Beans' home while the couple was sleeping, and stole Norma's purse and items out of the medicine cabinet.

The suspects then went to a Howard City bank to use the Beans' ATM cards but couldn't get any money. So they went back to the Beans' home, loaded a gun and woke the Beans, demanding cash.

They forced the couple into their own vehicle and drove to three banks, but couldn't withdraw any money.

Investigators say Stephan and Fisk drove the Beans to an Oakfield Township gravel pit and ordered the couple out of their vehicle. They believe Fisk then shot Norma Bean in the face at close range.

Robert Bean rushed Fisk to get the gun and all three men fought until Stephan ripped the weapon away and shot Robert in the face.

The two suspects got the Beans' vehicle stuck in the gravel pit and fled on foot in separate directions before they were arrested.

Defense attorneys didn't call witnesses to the stand on Monday but picked at the detectives' accounts of the confessions, especially where the suspects pointed the finger at each other at various times.

Fisk admitted taking two Vicodin tablets that he and Stephan stole from the Beans' home. Stephan believes he took 11 tablets, and drank a bottle of Robitussin and alcohol at his trailer across the street from the Beans' residence. 

The defense also questioned police on details of the interviews and interrogation techniques used.

Stephan's step-mom testified for the prosecution that she found a note in his trailer with incriminating evidence while cleaning up after the police search.