Crime & Safety

Fenton Man Sentenced in Manslaughter Case

Evan James Wells was ordered Tuesday to pay restitution and serve up to 40 years in prison for his role in the 2012 death of Highland resident Ronald Smith.

Fenton resident Evan James Wells was sentenced Tuesday to pay restitution and serve up to 40 years in prison for his role in the death a Highland man.

Wells, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, was ordered to pay $2,161.80 in restitution and serve 50 months to 40 years during proceedings Feb. 26 at the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac, according to a press release.

The sentencing follows an altercation that occurred in 2012.

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Police responded to a call from Martini’s Bar & Grill in the Village of Holly for an assault complaint on Friday, Oct. 12. Officers arrived and found a 43-year-old Highland man lying unconscious outside the bar, according to the Holly Police Department.

Rescue crews transported the victim, whom police have identified as Ronald Smith, 43, to Genesys Regional Medical Center, where he never regained consciousness and was according to police.

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Police say Wells punched the victim in the face during an altercation, causing Smith to fall backward and slam his head on the cement, resulting in a severe brain injury.


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