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Jarrett to stand trial for Grand Rapids mother’s murder

Posted at 3:51 PM, Mar 27, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-27 16:28:02-04

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A 59th District Court judge Friday ordered Shawn Jarrett to stand trial for the murder of Yolanda Reyes.

The Grand Rapids mother of four was found dead at a Walker construction site in May 2014.   Jarrett was officially charged with her murder in February.

During a preliminary hearing in a Walker courtroom Friday, eight people testified, including a former co-worker of Jarrett and the medical examiner who performed Reyes’ autopsy.

The examiner said Reyes’ death was ruled homicide by unspecified means because her body was heavily decomposed when it was discovered at the construction site.

A crime scene investigator testified earlier this month that while examining Jarrett’s vehicle, she found the head rest and a belt buckle in the back seat tested positive for blood.

Jarrett and Reyes worked together at the Neal Mast and Sons Greenhouse.  He is currently behind bars after being convicted of raping an elderly Grandville woman in June 2014.

He previously served 30 years behind bars in Pennsylvania for murder.