Violent crimes do not occur frequently in this area, but when they do, police take appropriate action.  In this story, learn about a 2022 case and the resulting December 2023 court verdict.

Columbia Township Police investigated an assault that took place at the Super 8 Hotel in Brooklyn in February 2022.  When called to the scene, they found a 31-year old male from Toledo suffering from life-threatening injuries.  Police Chief Jay Niles says the victim was left to die in a bathtub amid a grisly trail of blood that illustrated the magnitude of the assault.  The victim, with part of an ear torn-off, was unable to communicate.  Though treated extensively, the aftereffects were permanent.  “No one deserved the outcome that Sam Myers received,” says Chief Niles.

Columbia Township Police launched a thorough investigation that included multiple search warrants and numerous interviews.  As is standard protocol in a case like this, Columbia Police enlisted the support of the Michigan State Police.  At the scene, MSP assisted with cataloging and collecting evidence – and then processed it in their crime lab.

Recently, Chief Niles opened the file on the case for the review of this website.  The many pages showed police work meticulously documented, during each step of the investigation.   As a result, 35-year old Nicholas P. Stamper was charged with the following criminal offenses:  assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation, assault with intent to maim, mayhem, and tampering with evidence.

On Thursday, December 13, 2023 at 4:04 pm, Stamper’s case in the 4th Circuit Court of Judge Susan Jordan, went to the jury.  The next day, the jury delivered a finding of guilt on all charges.  Sentencing will take place on January 24.  That may lead to a lifetime behind bars.

So, in this typically peaceful area, how does a serious assault like this happen?  In this case, the victim and accused knew each other.  Both were here working construction and staying at adjoining rooms at the Super 8 under the direction of their company. Disagreements got out of hand.  A third individual, also there for the construction work, was able to shed light on the event.  Because of his cooperation, a charge of “accessory after the fact” was not brought against him.

Reviewing the case file, one gets a glimpse of the complexity of the legal system.  It shows the dedication of local police and the importance of carefully collecting evidence. It also points to how they and prosecutors pursue justice on behalf of  victims and help defend the interests of innocents, including residents.