Man charged in fellow transient's death

WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) - A 45-year-old man was charged with second-degree murder in the death of a fellow transient in a wooded encampment not far from 28th Street SW in Wyoming.

Scott Zandbergen is accused of hitting Edward Schmeling multiple times with a metal pipe on June 20. Schmeling was 54.

In the probable cause documents, obtained by 24 Hour News 8 police said Zandbergen lied to police about what he was wearing and who was present at the time Schmeling was beaten to death. They also said Zandbergen - also described as a transient -- changed his story as details became available and had blood on both his shoes and bedding.

Zandbergen also faces a charge of being a 4th-time habitual offender, which, if convicted, could place him behind bars for the rest of his life.

In 1993, he was convicted in Kent County of assault less than murder. Then, i n both 2006 and 2007 in Washington state, he was convicted of threatening to kill people.

The judge denied bond for Zandbergen, citing his instability in a permanent residence.