Probation for Theft Suspect as Murder Trial Opens in Fatal Livonia Stabbing

Two developments unfolded in court on Monday in the case of a 34-year-old man who was stabbed to death in Livonia in May. One man received probation for his role in the theft that preceded the killing, and the murder trial of another man began.

Scott Harrington was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to larceny and receiving and concealing stolen property. Once the sentencing ended, jury selection was completed and the trial of Spencer Krusell got underway.

The case centers on the death of Nicholos Hatcher, who was stabbed along Middlebelt Road near West Chicago Street. His mother, Felisha Hatcher, spent the day in the courtroom and spoke before Harrington was sentenced. "I don't want to walk away today feeling like a justice system that says it will protect and serve," she said. "I want it to do what it says it does."

Felisha Hatcher told 7 News Detroit that her son was a chef. She said he had just left work in Livonia and was getting ready to go to another job when he stopped at a plasma center.

Investigators say Harrington, who was 26 and living in Taylor when he was arrested, grabbed Hatcher's backpack and ran. Krusell, who was 30 and living in Highland Park at the time, is accused of stabbing and killing Hatcher after Hatcher chased the men.

In opening statements, Krusell's defense attorney, Charles Longstreet, told jurors his client acted in self-defense. "Mr. Krusell is going to tell you himself, 'I didn't pull that knife out to stab him. I pulled that knife out to get him to stop him from jumping on me, to stop him from coming forward,'" Longstreet said.

Prosecuting attorney Sara Bonomo acknowledged that Hatcher became physical during the confrontation, but she questioned whether the killing was justified. "Nicholos does. He gets physical. He punches them," Bonomo told jurors. "Again, they still don't walk away. So, the argument before you, for you to decide is, is this self-defense? Is this killing justified?"

Prosecutors called a Livonia police officer to the stand first, followed by several other witnesses and Felisha Hatcher. Both sides told jurors they should expect to see Ring camera video showing what happened during the confrontation.

Hatcher's mother said she was disappointed by Harrington's sentence. "It is what I consider a slap on the wrist," she said. She added that it reflected the law, and that according to the prosecutor, probation was the best that could be done.

Jurors were dismissed for the day and are scheduled to return Tuesday at 9:15 a.m.