Detroit (WWJ) -- A juror was dismissed Thursday morning in the murder trial dubbed by prosecutors as the "Thrill Kill" trial.
WWJ's Ron Dewey was first to report that the juror was tossed because he apparently knows a family member of defendant Jean Pierre Orlewicz. That leaves 13 people in the jury pool, including one alternate.
In afternoon testimony Canton Police Det. Mike Stecko took the stand. He testified that he lied to Alex Letkemann (above right) to get him to tell where the victim's head was left. He also talked about the items turned up after a search of Letkemann's house. He says he picked up shoes with blood stains on them, a shirt and later found a firearm in a tube sock wrapped in a blanket hidden in the basement.
Orlewicz (above left), 18, is on trial for the murder and beheading of Daniel Sorenson of River Rouge last November. Orlewicz faces life in prison if convicted.
Sorensen's body was found in a vacant lot in Northville Township. His head was found in the Rouge River.
In earlier hearings, defense attorneys said they plan to build a self-defense case for Orlewicz, saying Sorenson pulled a gun on the defendant.
Dozens of names have been listed as potential witnesses in the case that is being heard by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Annette Berry. Letkemann pleaded guilty to second degree murder last week. He testified Wednesday.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest developments.
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