Dylan Goetz, MLive Journalist Profile

Articles

How DNA evidence cleared a Louisiana man wrongfully accused of rape in Michigan

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – John Reed was sitting on his porch on farmland in Louisiana on a January morning in 2023 when U.S. Marshals arrested him for allegedly raping a woman in 1976. Reed, who maintained his innocence, cooperated with police while he was extradited to Flint, Mich., a place he hadn’t been to since 1972. Prosecutors believed Reed was responsible for raping a woman at knifepoint more than 40 years ago.
Fatal motorcycle crash in Genesee County under investigation

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in northern Genesee County. The crash occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, at the intersection of Saginaw Road and Frances Road in Thetford Township. Police believe a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle operated by a 25-year-old Mt. Morris man was headed north when it was struck by a 2022 Mitsubishi driven by a 19-year-old Flint man, according to a MSP news release.
Additional DNA testing sought for second suspect in 2011 Lapeer County murder case

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

LAPEER, MI – Kenneth Grondin and his attorneys are asking for additional DNA testing to be conducted from the Andrea Eilber homicide crime scene. The saga continues after Chadwick Mobley, who was linked to the crime scene from DNA on a cigarette butt, was sentenced to life in prison on April 15 after pleading no contest to a first-degree murder charge. Eilber’s boyfriend, Grondin, was initially convicted of the killing, but the Michigan Court of Appeals overturned the conviction.
Police investigating after ‘sharp, man-made metal objects’ found in Lapeer park

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

LAPEER, MI – Police are investigating after what officials have called “sharp, man-made metal objects” were found in Cramton Park in Lapeer. The city received two reports of the objects being found in the woodchips of the playground at the park, located at 130 S. Monroe Street. Police and the city’s parks department cleaned the area after both incidents were reported, according to a news release from the city.
Flint man faces second trial in 2022 fatal gas station shooting

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – The second criminal trial began this week for a Flint man accused of a fatal March 2022 shooting outside a Sunoco gas station. Marquon Leon Jackson, now 25, faces a second trial after the first case against him ended in a mistrial due to “improper” questioning from a defense attorney. Jackson is accused of shooting and killing 42-year-old Khogaly Mozzaffar at the gas station on North Ballenger Highway and Flushing Road on March 15, 2022.
5 egg-citing Easter egg hunts to attend in mid-Michigan this weekend

6 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – As Easter approaches and temperatures warm, this weekend provides a unique opportunity to get some sunshine and celebrate a beloved Easter tradition. Here are five great easter egg hunts in mid-Michigan that you and your family can enjoy. Every child can make their own egg hunt bag at this Easter event hosted by Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center. Prizes will be awarded to each participant, and hunters will be divided into age groups. This hunt is on Saturday, April 19.
Reward offered for info about Fenton hit-and-run that injured motorcyclist

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the felony arrest of a driver who hit a motorcyclist and fled the scene. The crash took place around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 22. A 22-year-old male was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a black sedan struck his motorcycle on W. Caroline Street in Fenton.
Teen will avoid jail time after pleading guilty to role in Mt. Morris Township shooting

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – One of two Flint-area teenagers to face charges in a fatal Mt. Morris Township shooting last summer has pleaded guilty to a weapons charge. Cordell Allen Jr. was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder and two weapons charges, according to court records. In agreement with the plea deal, prosecutors dismissed the two counts of assault with intent to murder and one count of felony firearm against Allen, 19.
Charges dismissed against deputy who left gun at Lapeer High School

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – Charges against the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office deputy who left a weapon in the parking lot of Lapeer High School have been dismissed. Jonathan Becher and his attorney, Doug Gutscher, agreed that if Becher takes a gun safety class, the case would be dismissed, Gutscher said. The agreement was made with the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office. Becher was originally charged with one count of reckless use of a firearm, which can carry a 90-day jail term or $500 fine.
Ex-federal prosecutor Mark Totten announces 2026 candidacy for Michigan Attorney General

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

Mark Totten, a former west Michigan federal prosecutor, has announced his campaign for Michigan Attorney General in 2026. Totten, a Kalamazoo resident, is the first major candidate to join the race. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel is restricted by term limits. Totten served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan from May 2022 until January 2025 after being appointed by President Joe Biden.