Police say gunman had a hit list when he killed pro-life activist James Pouillon and another man.
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The First Victim: A Possible Hate Crime
Owosso Police Director of Public Safety Michael Compeau says his detectives believe they know the motive in the killing of pro-life activist James Pouillon. They say 33 year old Harlan Drake of Owosso gunned down the 63 year old in front of Owosso High School because of his continuing anti-abortion demonstrations.
“I don’t think he knew him personally,” says Compeau. “ (Drake) was aware of him, and was offended by the material that Mr. Pouillon carried with him.”
Mr. Pouilion was known nationally for travelling with graphic signs featuring pictures of aborted fetuses. He was holding one of his signs Friday morning when he was killed in front of students on their way to class.
Melvin Richmond lives near Mr. Pouillon, and calls him a friend. He says he warned his neighbor, his graphic signs offended many people.
“He was a great guy,” says Richmond. “He had his beliefs. You couldn’t change him.”
Another pro-life activist, Scott Augney of Jackson, drove to Owosso after hearing about the murder. He’s running for Congress and wants to make sure the crime is investigated as a hate crime.
“I would rather give up my life, than let an unborn…” says Augney choking up with emotion. “I’m unfortunate not to have known this individual when he was alive, but everything I have heard about this individual, I think we shared the same sentiments.”
Owosso Police say they have notified federal agents about the nature of this murder.
The Second Victim: Questions Remain
As Owosso Police investigated Pouillon’s a 911 call came in. A worker at Fuoss Gravel Company found 61 year old owner Michael Fuoss dead inside.
Shiawassee County Sheriff George Braidwood says Drake is the gunman. He is not releasing a motive in this murder, saying only that the two men knew each other.
Neighbors say Drake is the son of a former employee of the gravel company.
“It is a senseless tragedy,” says neighbor Linda Strieff.
She says Fuoss is a friendly businessman who loved classic cars, co-owned Eddie O’Flynn’s restaurant on M-21, and took care of his wife who is suffering from cancer.
“I just hope everybody’s prayers go out to Barb,” says Strieff. “She needs all the help she can get.”
The Third Victim: Saved By Police and a Witness
Investigators say there could have been a third man dead, were it not for a witness who wrote down Drake’s license plate number as he sped away from the high school after the shooting.
Owosso Police looked up the number, then staked out Drake’s home at Hannah’s Garden Gallery. They arrested him without incident.
Police say as they questioned Drake about the murder of Mr. Pouillon, he told them he killed Mr. Fuoss. He allegedly also told them he intended to kill a third person, local real estate agent James Howe.
A spokesperson for Howe says he and his family are very upset by these events and are asking for privacy. As for how he knew the gunman, he will only say he had business dealings with a member of Drake’s family.
Shiawassee County Prosecutor Randy Colbry charged Drake with two counts of first degree murder, one count of felony firearm, and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent at 66th District Court. He is being held in jail without bond. He is scheduled to be back in court for a Preliminary Examination September 25, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
