Lenawee County sheriff's detectives seek murder charge after Jasper man dies from assault

ADRIAN — Lenawee County sheriff 's detectives are seeking a murder charge against an Ohio man who is charged with assaulting a Jasper man who died Sunday from his injuries.

Kevin Michael Turski, 37, of Metamora, Ohio, was charged last week with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and felonious assault after Jerry Fike, 81, was assaulted at about 8 a.m. May 13 at his home in the 4000 block of Yankee Road, a news release from the sheriff's office said. Deputies who responded along with Madison Township Fire Department personnel found relatives administering first aid to Fike outside his residence. He was unresponsive but breathing. Deputies and Madison Township medical personnel attended to Fike’s serious head injuries, then he was transported by Madison Township ambulance to a Toledo-area hospital in serious condition with life-threatening injuries.

Fike’s wife, who called 911, was able to provide the dispatch center with a possible suspect's name and description, the release said. Deputies, assisted by a Michigan State Police trooper, were able to locate Turski walking on the road in the area of the Fikes' residence. Turski was detained and later arrested and charged with the two assault counts. He was lodged at the Lenawee County Jail.

The Fike family knew Turski, but he was not welcome at the residence, the release said.

Turski's bond was increased to $1 million after a hearing Monday, and he was referred for a forensic psychological evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial on Tuesday, according to online Lenawee County District Court records.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for May 30, and a preliminary examination is set for June 5, according to court records.

The Lenawee County Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent Turski.

Fike is survived by his wife, Terri; two daughters and a stepson; and his five siblings, according to his obituary .

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Lenawee County sheriff's detectives seek murder charge after Jasper man dies from assault