CLEARWATER TWP. (WWJ) -- A Northern Michigan man has been charged with murder after authorities say he admitted to using a cane and a wooden board to beat a man to death.
James Watrous, 51, is behind bars in Kalkaska County on a $5 million cash/surety bond.
According to a report by Up North Live, just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, Watrous called 911 to report that he had struck 66-year-old Garrett J. Hamminga with a cane and a 2x4, killing him, the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies responded to the scene — in Clearwater Township, which is east of Traverse City — to find Hamminga dead.
The man had sustained "severe wounds to the head," the sheriff's office said. EMS arrived and confirmed the death, and Watrous was arrested.
Officials said not say how Watrious and the victim were acquainted, and a motive for the killing is not known at this time.
This case remains under investigation.
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