Public Media from Michigan State University

Man Convicted Of Murder in Road Rage Beating, Death

East Lansing Police Dept.

A 19-year-old man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the death of a man who was beaten during what authorities call a road rage incident western Michigan.

A Kent County Circuit Court jury returned the verdict Thursday in the case against Christian Hillman of Ada Township. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced July 24.

Sixty-four-year-old William “Andy” McFarlan of Caledonia died after being in hospice care for weeks with a severe brain injury since shortly after the Sept. 29 attack near Grand Rapids.

Authorities say Hillman, who had been riding a dirt bike, kicked McFarlan while the victim lay on the ground outside his pickup truck.

Defense attorney Michael Bartish referred to the incident as a fight, saying at some point Hillman lost control.

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