Opening statements begin in retrial of Linda Stermer

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- The retrial of Linda Stermer commenced Thursday, as she stands accused of first-degree murder and felony murder related to the death of her husband, Todd, 18 years ago. The courtroom was filled with emotions as opening statements were made, with Stermer appearing visibly affected by the proceedings. She had previously been sentenced to life in prison in 2010, but her conviction was later overturned by a federal judge.

Prosecuting Attorney Susan Zuiderveen outlined the witnesses to be presented, which include Stermer's neighbors, her sons, and investigators who worked on the case over the years. She emphasized inconsistencies in Stermer's accounts in the aftermath of Todd's death, stating, "You'll hear how everything starts changing. Blame starts being shifted," suggesting a pattern of constantly evolving stories and explanations.

On the defense side, attorney Skip Kelly described the fire as a tragic accident, pointing to various potential flammable sources within the home, such as candles and fuel furnaces. He criticized insurance investigators for their hasty conclusions, alleging they created a "witch hunt" atmosphere against Stermer, which led to prejudgment in the case.

Witnesses who were present on the fateful night provided testimony, including law enforcement and local residents. Among the evidence shared were photographs depicting tire tracks at the Stermer residence and details surrounding Todd's condition when he was found. Van Buren County Sheriff Gary Gruss recounted that when he arrived, Todd was severely burned and unresponsive, raising questions about the events leading to the fire.

The focus of the trial revolves around the role of gasoline found in Todd's clothing, with significant debate over whether it served as an accelerant or if cross-contamination could have occurred. The trial is set to continue at 9 a.m. on Friday, with updates to be provided in the coming weeks.