GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Michigan appeals court said it will not disturb the murder and arson convictions of a man serving a life sentence for a deadly Grand Rapids house fire in October of 2020.
‘How could you?’: Man sentenced for murdering friend
A Kent County jury in 2023 found Chad Bruining guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree arson in the fire, which raced through a home on Oakwood Avenue near Knapp Street NE.
The blaze killed 41-year-old Todd Cappendyk, who was paralyzed from the chest down and used a wheelchair.
The two had been friends. Investigators say the victim was beaten before the fire was set.
Man found dead after Grand Rapids house fire
After being found guilty at trial, a judge sentenced Bruining to life without parole for first-degree murder and 15 to 30 years for arson.
In his appeal, Bruining said a guilty plea to a reduced charge should have been accepted by the trial court…