OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — The Ottawa County man who allegedly killed his girlfriend on New Year's Day is heading to trial.
Randall Grinwis, a 57-year-old man from Hudsonville, was bound over to court on Thursday. He's accused of killing his 63-year-old girlfriend, Donna Hyma.
Hyma was found dead inside her Zeeland Township home around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 1. Deputies responded after a man called police and said Hyma may be hurt and requested a wellbeing check.
Detectives determined Grinwis placed that call.
Responding deputies found Hyma unresponsive on her couch. Lifesaving efforts were attempted, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies said the door to her home was locked when they arrived.
Hyma and Grinwis had been living together, according to deputies.
Investigation showed that Grinwis had fled to Las Vegas. Grinwis confessed to killing Hyma at a Las Vegas Police Department substation, detailing how he killed her, according to court documents.
He named Hyma, listed her address and described how he pressed his forearm against her throat. He said he checked her pulse and breathing to determine that she was dead.
The autopsy found that Hyma had died from asphyxiation. Her death was ruled a homicide.
After obtaining warrants for Open Murder and Larceny, Ottawa County detectives worked with Las Vegas Police to find Grinwis.
He was taken into custody by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police on Feb. 9. On Thursday, Feb. 22 he was extradited to Ottawa County and arraigned.
His bond was denied and he remains in jail.
Hyma is remembered by her family as a loving, independent and generous woman.
In her obituary, Hyma's family said she could often be heard saying it's important to "slow down and enjoy life."
They remember her as being honest, forgiving and never judgmental. They also said she enjoyed spending time with people and was an excellent listener.
"Her energy and passion for life was contagious just like her smile," read her obituary. "Donna also had a great sense of humor and truly knew how to have a good time. She was loved by everyone that knew her and she will truly be missed."
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