GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) -
(09/24/12) - It was a somewhat bizarre court hearing.
Matthew Alder, arraigned on charges in the 1993 murder of Wanda Musk, waived his right to have a preliminary examination within 14 days. He then waived his presence in court for all future proceedings.
Alder, already convicted and serving life in prison without parole in another woman's murder, went before 67th District Court Judge Mark McCabe using an Internet feed.
Alder is currently at an Upper Peninsula prison.
"I knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waive my constitutional right to be present for all proceedings in this case," Alder says.
The only exception being if it goes to trial, which Alder indicates he doesn't think it will.
He says he's had two discussions with a detective on the case.
"It does appear a plea is going to be reached," he says.
That's where his court appointed attorney Phil Beauvais and Judge McCabe stopped him.
After the hearing, Beauvais declined comment, saying Alder has requested he not comment.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says he has not had any discussions with Alder's attorney about a plea agreement.
Alder was charged earlier this month in Musk's 1993 murder.
Prison inmates must provide a DNA sample now as part of a new law in Michigan.
State Police notified Genesee Township Police about a match in the Musk case in January, Leyton said at the news conference announcing the charges.
Alder's next court hearing is scheduled for next month.
