This is The State for Monday, March 24th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the week focusing on campus news,
In a Michigan courtroom last Thursday morning, Hope Duncan's preliminary hearing made headlines after a somber interrogation video was played. In the video, Duncan, arrested for posting a threatening message on Snapchat about a potential shooting at Michigan State University, tearfully admitted, "I just wanted attention... I'm so lonely."
The post, which read, "There's going to be another shooting at Michigan State. I'm so glad, this school definitely deserves it and everyone here should die," led to Duncan being charged with two felonies: making a false threat of terrorism and using a computer to commit a crime.
Her lawyer argued that one of the charges was unconstitutional, but Assistant Prosecutor Randall Behrmann countered, stating the post was clearly a threat, especially given its proximity to the anniversary of a previous campus shooting.
Duncan's emotional state was evident as she expressed regret, apologizing to investigators and saying she didn't have any weapons. Despite her claims of loneliness and seeking attention, investigators found no evidence of a planned attack.
Judge Lisa Babcock described Duncan's situation as "heartbreaking" but denied requests to remove her ankle monitor or allow her return to campus. As the case moves forward, Duncan faces serious charges and a legal battle to determine the next steps.
For our second story focusing on MSU Hockey,
It was déjà vu at Munn Ice Arena as Michigan State's hockey team found themselves in another Big Ten championship thriller on Saturday night, just like last year. A late goal from Ohio State tied the game, and it all came down to a single score in double overtime to decide the champion. And the hero? Isaac Howard.
The Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year delivered the game-winner with just 4:51 left in double overtime. From the left circle, Howard rifled the puck into the net, sparking an unforgettable celebration as Michigan State secured a 4-3 victory.
Spartans head coach Adam Nightingale praised his team's composure throughout the game. "We just did a really good job of sticking with it," he said, noting the team's resilience after a back-and-forth battle.
MSU opened the game strong with two power-play goals, both set up by Howard and Karsen Dorwart, but Ohio State responded, cutting the lead and forcing the game into a dramatic third period. Despite several clutch saves from both goalies, it was Ohio State's Gunnarwolfe Fontaine who sent the game to overtime with a timely goal.
But in the end, it was Howard's moment to shine, securing the Spartans' second consecutive Big Ten title and making history as the first team to win back-to-back regular season and tournament championships. Now, MSU will head to the NCAA Tournament this upcoming weekend.
For our final story focusing on state news,
A man has been charged in connection with the death of 20-year-old Caleb Alan Shermoe, who was assaulted in downtown East Lansing in January, according to a press release from the East Lansing Police Department.
David Gaines Jr., a 24-year-old from Lansing, has been charged with manslaughter in Shermoe's death. He was arraigned last Thursday.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on January 18, when officers responded to an assault outside Raising Cane's on Grand River Avenue. Shermoe suffered serious injuries and died several days later at Sparrow Hospital.
After a thorough investigation, the East Lansing Police Department identified Gaines as the alleged suspect and submitted a warrant request to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office, which resulted in the charges.
Shermoe was not an MSU student, though it's unclear whether Gaines has any connections to the university.
Gaines' probable cause conference is set for this Friday at 8:30 a.m., followed by a preliminary examination on April 3 at 9 a.m.
Before we end our episode, today's weather forecast is predicting cloudy and windy with a high of 37 degrees and a low of 29 degrees.
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