Michael Dunnuck retrial delayed until Sept. 19
 

By NORMA LERNER / Niles Daily Star
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 11:24 AM EDT

CASSOPOLIS - The retrial of Michael Dunnuck, 34, a former Niles man charged in the shooting death of William Whittaker, 42, of Pokagon Township, was adjourned Tuesday in Cass County Circuit Court until 9 a.m. Sept. 19.

The adjournment was requested by defense lawyer Michael Hettinger of Portage for more trial preparation.

A mistrial was declared by Judge Michael Dodge on March 16 after jurors could not reach a unanimous decision after a six-day trial, including a day of deliberation.

In 1990, Whittaker's trailer had been parked at the home of Major Thomas, now deceased, at 3136 M-51 North, Dowagiac.

Michigan State Police re-opened the cold case after hearing comments that Dunnuck, a former Niles resident who had been living in Byron., had allegedly shot the man. He was arrested in August in connection with the crime. The jury was deadlocked in its decision to convict Dunnuck in March of either first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

Missing silver bars and coins were never located from Whittaker's home, nor was a gun. Whittaker had been living temporarily on the Thomas property before moving to Washington state to live with his sister.