LANSING, Mich. (1320 WILS) — Authorities have announced new developments in a decades-old cold case. DNA evidence has linked Sean Patrick McNulty to a 1994 home invasion and sexual assault in Meridian Township. Investigators say McNulty, who took his own life in 1997 after being caught in a similar crime in Indiana, is now tied to a string of assaults and invasions that stretched from California to Ohio between 1980 and 1997. Law enforcement officials hope the discovery provides long-awaited closure to victims and their families.

In Lansing, the city is mourning the loss of longtime City Attorney Jim Smiertka, who passed away at age 79. Smiertka worked under four mayors and served as City Attorney for 18 of the last 30 years.

Travelers should also prepare for disruptions. Amtrak announced that two rail lines, including the Blue Water route running through East Lansing between Port Huron and Chicago, will shut down September 15–19 to accommodate the removal of defunct cooling towers.

Meanwhile, in Jackson County, prosecutors have charged Renee Nelson, a mental health professional with the Michigan Department of Corrections, with second-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having a relationship with an inmate under her care. Nelson faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Also in Jackson County, a woman has been charged with drunk driving and child endangerment after a hit-and-run crash Wednesday in Summit Township.

At the state Capitol, the Michigan House approved a two-bill package to modernize the state’s Amber Alert system. The legislation would expand alerts to social media and allow police to issue warnings for children with special needs or when a child is believed to be in danger. Lawmakers also advanced the Restroom Privacy Act, requiring students to use bathrooms matching their biological sex. Opponents argue the measure discriminates against transgender students and violates privacy rights.

On the political front, Oakland County businesswoman Monica Yatuma has entered the race for Michigan Secretary of State. A Republican and critic of current officeholder Jocelyn Benson, Yatuma became active in GOP politics following the 2020 election and is seeking the party’s nomination in next year’s race.