BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — Murder charges have been dismissed against an Illinois man who is accused of killing a Battle Creek businessman.
Brian Zanetti was charged with open murder in the May 5 shooting death of 63-year-old Frank Zanetti. In September 2017, a judge ruled Brian Zanetti incompetent to stand trial.
Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert said the charge was dismissed, for now, due to state law. The law states if a suspect is still not found competent after 15 months, the case goes to the probate court and can’t be prosecuted.
Gilbert said Zanetti will remain in a lockdown facility until he is determined to be fit for trial.
Police said a masked suspect walked into Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic Co. Inc. the morning of May 5, asked for Frank Zanetti by name and then shot him once in the head at point-blank range. The victim died at the scene.
Brian Zanetti was arrested in Illinois a day later.
Authorities said Brian Zanetti made incriminating statements during several hours of police questioning about his relative’s shooting.
