Murder trial begins after court gives stabbing suspect only probation

The legal team for the accused killer began a murder trial on Monday, hours after a co-defendant received a light sentence in the same case. The split outcome has drawn criticism from the victim's family, who say the punishment for the theft does not match the gravity of the death.

Scott Harrington, 26, pleaded guilty to larceny and receiving and concealing stolen property. The judge sentenced him to two years of probation. Immediately following that sentencing, the court completed jury selection for Spencer Krusell, 30, who faces a first-degree murder charge.

The charges stem from a May incident on Middlebelt Road near West Chicago Street in Livonia. Investigators say Harrington grabbed the backpack of Nicholos Hatcher, 34, and ran. Hatcher, a chef who had just finished a shift, chased the men after he stopped at a plasma center. Krusell is accused of stabbing Hatcher during the confrontation.

Felisha Hatcher, the victim's mother, addressed the courtroom before the probation sentence was handed down. She expressed frustration with the outcome, calling it a slap on the wrist. She stated that the law is meant to protect and serve, yet she felt the court did not do what it promised.

In opening statements, the defense and prosecution painted different pictures of the physical struggle. Defense attorney Charles Longstreet argued that Krusell acted in self-defense. He told jurors that Krusell pulled out a knife to stop Hatcher from jumping on him and coming forward, not to stab him.

Prosecuting attorney Sara Bonomo acknowledged that Hatcher became physical and punched the men. However, she questioned whether the stabbing was justified given that the men did not walk away. She asked the jury to decide if the killing was self-defense or a justified act.

Witnesses including a Livonia police officer and Felisha Hatcher testified on the first day of trial. Both sides indicated that Ring doorbell camera footage of the confrontation would be shown to the jury. Jurors were dismissed for the day and are scheduled to return at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday.