GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An 18-year-old Ada man was back in court Wednesday, accused of beating a Caledonia man nearly to death in what police say was a road rage attack.
Christian Hillman is facing charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, less than murder. Family members say the victim, William McFarlan, 64, is in hospice, clinging to life.
The alleged incident happened Sept. 29 at about 9:00 p.m. along Whitneyville Avenue. Witnesses told deputies that as many as three men on dirt bikes had beaten McFarlan after a road rage incident.
In court Wednesday afternoon, witnesses described finding McFarlan with tattered clothing and having to pull Hillman off of him. A witness told the court he heard Hillman say "that's what you get for ****ing with me" as they left McFarlan on the road.
Another witness, a friend of Hillman testified that he was acting in self-defense, saying that Hillman told him McFarlan had been choking him.
Another witness told the court of meeting Hillman later and that he had blood on his hands and seemed "pleased with himself," even asking them to take a photo of his hands.
During Wednesday's hearing, a doctor spoke of McFarlan's injuries, saying he had rib fratures and face lacerations.
Following testimony, a judge ruled the case can head to trial, and said if Hillman bonds out of jail he'll have to wear a GPS tether and have a curfew.
Officials say if McFarlan passes away, Hillman's charges could be increased.
