Trial of man accused of killing family on Christmas in 2019 begins

LIVINGSTON COUNTY (25 News Now) - The trial of a man accused of killing his family Christmas Day three years ago is underway.

Clifford Brewer faces six counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his wife, son and a family friend on Christmas Day in 2019 in the quiet town of Cullom.

The defense argued it was actually his distressed wife Shirley that committed the crimes -- not Brewer himself.

During opening statements, state’s attorneys say Brewer was on the verge of divorcing his wife and suspected she was cheating.

Over the course of the investigation, prosecutors say Brewer changed the details of his story three times.

Other factors they pointed to are his ability to handle a weapon per his job at the Pontiac Correctional Center and his admittance of having high anxiety in the evening.

Brewer’s defense team says his wife Shirley had a history of drug and alcohol use. And the couple fought about it Christmas Eve, which was also her birthday.

They put the blame for the crime on her and say Brewer tried to prevent it all from happening.

After opening statements, the prosecution started making its case - showing the jury images of the crime scene and evidence found in the house.

Prosecution witnesses included law enforcement and investigators at the scene as well as the neighbor who sold Brewer the alleged murder weapon.

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks.

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