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Text messages, video continue to stand out in trial

October 6, 2013
	<p>Okemos resident and alleged murderer Connor McCowan and defense attorney Linda Widener talk after Friday&#8217;s trial testimony in Ingham County Circuit Court concludes. Margaux Forster/The State News</p>

Okemos resident and alleged murderer Connor McCowan and defense attorney Linda Widener talk after Friday’s trial testimony in Ingham County Circuit Court concludes. Margaux Forster/The State News

In the early morning of Feb. 23, Okemos resident Connor McCowan received a text from his sister, Shay McCowan, saying her boyfriend, MSU student Andrew Singler, had broken one of her ribs.

“I’ll beat the s*** out of him,” his reply read. “I’ll f***ing knock his teeth out.”

According to testimony brought forward in Ingham County Circuit Court last week, Connor McCowan drove to Singler and Shay McCowan’s apartment that night to confront Singler and allegedly fatally stabbed him. He was charged with open murder for Singler’s death, and if convicted, he faces life in prison.

As the trial continues this week, Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor John Dewane will continue to use the text messages and other elements of the case in an attempt to prove McCowan’s intent to harm Singler.

Shay McCowan is slated to testify Monday. The trial could last another week.

On Friday, Meridian Township police Det. Greg Harris read the texts between Connor McCowan and Shay McCowan, as well as texts between Connor McCowan and Singler. Connor McCowan texted Singler that night to tell him where Shay McCowan was and was met with an angry response.

“You’re gonna regret saying that,” Connor McCowan replied. “I offered you my undivided attention and you f***ing blew it.”

At the same time, police said a drunken Singler was texting Shay McCowan, apparently attempting to end their relationship after the two had an argument earlier that night.

Meridian Township police obtained footage at a Speedway gas station from Feb. 23 that showed Connor McCowan stopping for gas on his way to Singler’s home at Castle Pointe Apartments.

In the footage, Connor McCowan was wearing different clothing than he was seen in when he was arrested the next morning, Meridian Township police Det. Edward Besonen II said. He said the clothing had been washed before it was handed over to police.

Singler’s roommate Tyler Aho, who witnessed the stabbing, testified last week. The alumnus said he brought Singler home that night. Shortly after he came home from work, Aho said Connor McCowan showed up at the apartment with a knife in his right hand.

Defense attorney Chris Bergstrom attempted to identify a discrepancy between Aho’s testimony and his initial interview with police, when Aho said he did not see the knife until after Singler was stabbed. Besonen said it is common for witnesses to recall such details late after a traumatic event occurs.

Part of last week’s trial also included the 911 call Aho made while driving Singler to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing after he was stabbed. Aho admitted he did not give emergency responders the address to the apartment because he feared authorities would discover marijuana plants in his closet.

McCowan’s trial resumes 8:30 a.m. Monday.

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