Hearing Begins in Atwood Case

Richard Atwood disappeared in August, 1983

By N3 News

Judge Melissa Dykman heard arguments Tuesday in the first day of a preliminary hearing to determine if Roy Snell will stand trial for the murder of Richard Atwood who disappeared in August of 1983.

Snell was arrested in March, the culmination of a years-long investigation by the cold case team of Scott Rios (NCSO,  MSP retired), Adam Mercer (NCSO), Robert Watson (MSP), Ryan Maki (MSP) and Richard Miller ( MSP ret.).

Karen Atwood, mother of the victim was first on the stand followed by Debra Cain, Atwood’s fiancee who lived with him at the time of his disappearance.
 Walter Sanders an acquaintance who was with Atwood the last day he was seen took the stand as did Walter Felos Jr. who also had contact with Atwood on the day he disappeared.

The courtroom was sparsely populated with all wearing masks due to the COVID -19 virus. And witnesses were brought into the courtroom individually.
Testimony focused on getting information on events and actions the day Atwood disappeared.

The hearing continues Wednesday beginning at 8:30am and can be viewed via Youtube by going to the  county website  http://www.countyofnewaygo.com
Once there you can click on ‘Departments’ and then ‘Courts’ which will display Circuit, District and Probate  courts. The hearing is being held in District Court.

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