MASON COUNTY, Mich. — It was three years ago that a Michigan State Police trooper was gunned down during a traffic stop on a rural Mason County roadway.
MSP Trooper Paul Butterfield, 43, died in the line of duty when he was shot in the head by Eric Knysz during a traffic stop in Mason County on Sept. 9, 2013, just minutes after starting his shift.
It’s a story that touched people across the state and nation, with hundreds turning out for Butterfield’s funeral, including law enforcement from around the country.
Knysz, 20, was convicted of first-degree murder and was also found guilty of vehicle theft, carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearms and being a habitual offender.
He committed suicide in prison shortly thereafter.
Knysz’s wife, Sarah, who was with him when the trooper was killed and was pregnant at the time of the shooting, is currently serving a five-year prison term for being an accessory after the fact.
