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Attempted murder case against Utica man dismissed after accepting plea deals

The 70-year-old was sentenced June 10 to 156 days in jail, with 156 days credit for time served.

Joseph Vanker (WDIV)

UTICA, Mich. – A 70-year-old Utica man facing charges related to a November 2025 stabbing had his case dismissed in a Macomb County courthouse on Wednesday.

Joseph Vanker was originally charged as a repeat offender and arraigned for assault with intent to murder for allegedly stabbing someone multiple times at his home on Nov. 25.

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After pleading no contest on April 29, the charges were reduced to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm and felony assault with a dangerous weapon, with the attempted murder and habitual offender charges dismissed.

The assault with intent to commit great bodily harm charge was dismissed on June 10 by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia, after Vanker pleaded no contest to felony assault with a dangerous weapon, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Vanker was sentenced to 156 days in jail, with 156 days credit for time served.


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