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Judge denies bond for Van Buren Township man charged in wife’s homicide

Suspect could face life in prison if convicted

ROMULUS, Mich. – A Van Buren Township man charged with allegedly murdering his wife was arraigned Saturday. Police said everything happened at the couple’s home around 1 a.m. on Fay Drive Nov. 5.

Local 4 cameras were rolling as 63-year old Terrance O’Neal was arraigned through a TV monitor. As he stood before a judge, O’Neal heard the charges he is facing. Those charges are second degree murder and felony firearm.

Van Buren Township police said witnesses told them both O’Neal and his wife 62-year old Belinda O’Neal were arguing and in the middle of that argument, he allegedly shot her.

Police say the homeowner advised them that his father had just called him saying he shot and killed his mother. Shortly after the officers confirmed that O’Neal had left in his vehicle. Officers found the victim dead on the second floor with a gunshot wound to her head.

Hours later, around 3 a.m., O’Neal was pulled over by police on I-94 in Berrien County. On Saturday his attorney asked for a reasonable bond, due to this being his first offense with the law, but the judge denied bond. If convicted, he could face life in prison.