McCormick now faces 2nd degree murder

Charges have been changed to second-degree murder for a man accused of shooting his ex-brother-in-law to death during a dispute in the Rocky River community last weekend.

The suspect, Jimmy McCormick, 33, now stands charged with the Class A felony of second-degree murder, which, if convicted, could cost him 15 to 25 years behind bars. He remains held under $500,000 bond awaiting his March 1 preliminary hearing in Van Buren County General Sessions Court.

Prosecutors originally brought criminal homicide charges against McCormick, but modified those charges during his preliminary appearance before the court Thursday. The charge reflects the belief by investigators that while the killing was not premeditated, it was intentional and could have been avoided.

District Attorney General Lisa Zavogiannis said the modification in charge came after the crime was thoroughly investigated, letting prosecutors know exactly what kind of case they have against McCormick. According to TBI reports, McCormick left the property and then returned to commit the crime.

McCormick is being held at Van Buren County Jail for his alleged shooting last weekend of Michael Allen Hale, 37, outside McCormick?s trailer in the Rocky River community just past the Warren County line. Hale died from a single shotgun blast to the chest after being rushed to River Park Hospital by his two sons in the pre-dawn hours last Saturday.

According to the warrant charging McCormick, the events which led to the shooting unfolded when Hale went to McCormick?s home at Rocky River and became involved in a verbal disagreement with McCormick. An investigation revealed the war of words escalated into a physical confrontation between the men.

It was during the fight that McCormick pulled a .12-gauge shotgun from his bedroom, and then fled his own home, running to a nearby cemetery. He then reportedly fired one shot into the air before returning to his home, where he confronted Hale in his front yard. It was at that point, investigators say, he fired the fatal shot.

Given the fact McCormick will likely not be able to make his $500,000 bond, it is expected he will ask for, and be granted, a court-appointed attorney to represent him.