A Port Huron father accused of shooting three of his children last week, killing one of them, is now facing formal charges.
44-year-old, Jeffery Smerer was arraigned Monday on ten charges, including homicide, two counts of first-degree child abuse, two counts of assault with intent to murder, and multiple felony weapons offenses. Attorneys noted that half of those charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Authorities say the shooting happened early Thursday morning at the family’s home in the Glenview Gardens Apartments complex. Prosecutors revealed during arraignment that Smerer allegedly admitted to police he had been planning the shooting for at least a week beforehand.
Judge Dennis Rickert denied bond, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that Smerer was already out on bond in a separate indecent exposure case at the time of the shooting.
Smerer remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail. He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on Tuesday, September 23, at 9 a.m.
