Suspect faces pre-meditated murder charges
Read more: Local, Crime
WOLVERINE -- Deputies have arrested one person in connection with the murder of a Cheboygan County man.
It was around 4 p.m. Monday when Cheboygan County deputies were called to the home of John Williams in Wolverine. After missing a child custody hearing earlier in the day a friend came to check on Williams. That’s when the 29 year-old was found dead on the floor in his home.
“Upon their arrival it was very clear to deputies and evident to them that the individual was deceased and there was foul play involved,” said Cheboygan County Undersheriff Michael Newman.
Investigators say that some time between late Sunday night and early Monday morning it was Thomas Joseph Waligora, 50, of Elk Rapids that entered Williams’ home and struck him multiple times with a blunt object.
Deputies say Waligora is dating one of Williams’ girlfriends whom he has several children with and had been involved in an on-going custody fight.
“The suspect was dating an individual who the victim had an association with and there were custody issues involved and we believe that was the motive for this unfortunate event,” Newman said.
Waligora was arraigned Wednesday in 89th District Court. Waligora faces several charges including:
> First degree pre-meditated murder
> Home invasion
> Carrying a weapon with unlawful intent
If convicted Waligora would face a mandatory life sentence in prison without the possibility of probation.
Friends and neighbors of Williams tell 7 & 4 News that John will be remembered as a fun and caring guy, and most importantly, as a loving father to his three children.
“We always seen him taking his kids to the park, he played with them outside, they giggled and they laughed so loud you could hear them across the street,” said Nancy Leach, a neighbor to Williams. “You won’t be able to look over there and not remember him.”
Friends of Williams say he lived in Wolverine since March when he moved there from Onaway.
