Trenton Berry, 19, pled no contest Nov. 3 to second-degree murder in the shooting death of his mother’s long-time boyfriend in 2023, bringing a sudden end to a case that began as a suspected hunting accident and evolved into a homicide investigation in Rollin Township.

Berry, who was 16 at the time of the murder, claimed the death of Kirt Stubbins was a hunting accident — but forensic evidence led to his arrest. Michigan law allows for teenagers as young as 14 to be tried as adults in homicide cases.

Berry was scheduled for trial later this month on charges of open murder — leaving a jury to decide between first- or second-degree — but entered a last-minute plea to the lesser charge. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 30.

Pleading no contest isn't an admission of guilt, but is treat

See Full Page