Karen Jordan hugs Judy McCowan, Connor McCowan’s mother, on Tuesday after the verdict at Ingham County County Circuit Court in Lansing. McCowan was found guilty of second-degree murder for stabbing MSU student Andrew Singler. Georgina De Moya/The State News
After more than two weeks of trial, the jury found Okemos resident Connor McCowan guilty of second-degree murder Tuesday afternoon for stabbing and killing MSU student Andrew Singler.
The jury reached a verdict midway through its second day of deliberations. McCowan did not visibly react as the verdict was read, showing little emotion except to say “I love you,” to his family as he was escorted from the courtroom in Ingham County Circuit Court.
McCowan was convicted of fatally stabbing Singler on Feb. 23 after a text messaging fight regarding Singler’s treatment of his girlfriend, McCowan’s sister Shay McCowan, led to physical blows.
Connor McCowan could face anywhere from 15 years to a life sentence. Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said the length of his sentence largely depends of his prior record.
Singler’s family immediately left the courtroom once the verdict was read, but Connor McCowan’s stayed in their seats, huddled together and offering condolences.
Both families denied requests for interviews.
Despite the struggle for both families, Dunnings said Singler’s family believes the verdict has brought a sense of closure.
“It was a difficult case for everyone,” Dunnings said. “There were a lot of emotions on both sides, for both families. The (Singler) family feels justice has been given.”
MSU alumnus Brandon Green, a close friend of Singler’s, said a verdict can only go so far.
“I’m glad that (Connor McCowan) was brought to justice and is going to have to pay for what he did,” Green said. “I can never get back my best friend, no matter what the sentence is. … It’s brought a little bit of closure.”
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