Coloma Area Double Murder Suspect Going To Trial

0711r3453
0711r3453

The man charged in a 2016 double murder case in Coloma is going to trial. On Tuesday, a Berrien County judge found there is enough evidence for Alex Perez to be tried in the deaths of Renee Mitchell and her father, John Mitchell. The two were found beaten to death in their Coloma area home on January 15 of last year. Perez was later arrested in Colorado. Mitchell relative Stephanie Kopaceski told WSJM News there was a lot on her mind in the courtroom.

“Why did it have to go to this?” Kopaceski said. “Just a lot of stuff right now.”

Kopaceski is glad the judge is moving the case to trial.

“I feel that if it’s a way for my family to get justice, then that’s what I want and that’s what I’m here for,” Kopaceski said. “I’m here for them.”

Perez was initially found incompetent for trial, and was sent to a psychiatric center for treatment. Earlier this month, he was found competent. Police say when they found Perez in Colorado, he had Renee Mitchell’s car with him, along with the two young daughters he’d had with her. His trial starts October 17.