KENT COUNTY, Mich. -- A Kent County cold case is headed to trial.
Joel Battaglia was brutally beaten in the summer of 1990. He died from his injuries. Since then, his case went cold and a killer remained on the loose.
In late 2014, detectives got the break they were looking for. A witness, Sheila Reed, told them she saw the brutal beating. She testified that she held the information for more than 24 years.
Aurelius Marshall, 56, is accused of murdering Battaglia. His brother, Acey, testified today. On the night of the murder, 52-year-old Acey Marshall said he saw Aurelius and other associates attack a young man on Lake Drive.
Days later, Acey said he learned the guy died. But he still didn't go to police.
Today, the judge decided there was enough evidence to send Aurelius Marshall's case to trial. Jerry and Gail Battaglia spoke with FOX 17 after the decision.
Watch the video to hear what they had to say and more from the hearing.
