LANSING, Mich. — A Big Rapids man was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in jail on Friday for the 2022 murder of 36-year-old Ashley Godfrey of Big Rapids.
Following a four-day trial, a Mecosta County Jury found 25-year-old Daykota Handrich guilty. He was previously charged with one count of open murder in June 2022 by Mecosta County Prosecutor John Peterson.
The case was transferred this spring to the Department of Attorney General for prosecution at trial.
“I am grateful we were able to secure justice for the family and community mourning Ashley’s death. My Department remains committed to assisting local prosecutors when we can with resource and time-intensive prosecutions and trials," said Attorney General Dana Nessel.
According to the Attorney General, Handrich strangled and beat Godfrey to death in Big Rapids on May 31, 2022.
Godfrey’s body had been discovered by officers patrolling the White Pine Trail on June 3, 2022.
On Friday around 7:00 p.m. the jury announced the verdict, following less than five hours of deliberation.
Handrich will be sentenced to life without parole as mandated by law. His sentencing date hasn't been set yet.
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