Claude McCollum was found guilty Tuesday evening of the rape and murder of Lansing Community College Professor Carolyn Kronenberg.
The 28-year-old, hands crossed and fingers pressed to his lips, sat motionless as the verdict was read.
His March 29 sentencing will decide if he serves life in jail for first-degree murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The jury took about six hours to decide McCollum's fate after the 10-day trial.
"He got what he deserves; we've been going crazy in our minds all year," said Doug Albert, Kronenberg's long-time partner. "He took something far more dear to me than any verdict like this could replace."
Kronenberg's family shared hugs and high-fives after the verdict, while McCollum's family sat solemnly, some crying.
Moments after her nephew was found guilty, McCollum's aunt yelled out, "Oh hell no!"
His family declined to comment.
Kronenberg, 60, was killed and raped in her classroom about 20 minutes before her class was to begin Jan. 23, 2005.
McCollum was originally questioned by police to see if he had any information because he was on a list of homeless people that frequently stayed on campus.
There was no DNA or fingerprint evidence linking McCollum to the crime, but a forensic scientist concluded fibers found on McCollum's clothes could have come from Kronenberg's sweater.
In an audiotaped and videotaped interview taken two days after the murder, McCollum said he could have possibly committed the crime if he was sleepwalking. Later in the interview he described how he beat and raped Kronenberg.
Jury members took a transcript of the interview with them when they deliberated.
"I think (the jury) keyed in on the details," said prosecuting attorney Eric Matwiejczyk.
Earlier in the day, McCollum said he wanted a replacement for his attorney, Lee Taylor, because he didn't want the jury to be allowed to consider the lesser count of second-degree murder.
"The jury took the time to evaluate the decision," Taylor said. "We accept it for what it is."
Taylor said McCollum will most likely appeal, but they haven't discussed it yet.
Tension in the courtroom
After the defense and prosecution made their closing statements Tuesday, McCollum decided to make a statement of his own.
To the shock of the friends and relatives present, McCollum asked for new representation in his case. He said his defense attorney, Taylor, failed to say things he wanted stated in court and felt he was insufficiently represented.
McCollum said LCC police Det. Sgt. Rodney Bahl asked him if he committed the crime and he told Bahl he did not do it. He said he asked Taylor to state this in court and his request was not granted.
Upon hearing McCollum's request for new representation, friends and family seated behind him sighed loudly and shook their heads. His brother, Laron McCollum, even asked him to stop his argument.
At least two attendees were removed from the court for being out of order after McCollum's statements.
The former LCC student also said the detectives questioning him made him feel obligated to provide certain information and he felt intimidated to the point he feared he would be physically harmed.
"The main reason (for the request) would be because it wasn't stated that Detective Bahl asked me if I did it and it's a big point in the case, I think anyone would agree," McCollum said. "Everything I said was out of intimidation and I felt physical harm could be inflicted on me; that's how they made me feel."
McCollum appeared frustrated with the judge and raised his voice at times, and seemed confused about the functions of the trial.
Presiding Judge James Giddings said he understood but didn't agree with McCollum's statements. He said he heard nothing in McCollum's statements that would justify his request to remove Taylor as his representation.
Melissa Domsic can be reached at domsicme@msu.edu.
Holly Klaft can be reached at klafthol@msu.edu.
