U.S. Army soldier faces murder, assault charges in Lenawee County

Brian James-Mabesa Gogue.

MONROE — Authorities today identified the U.S. Army soldier who is a suspect in a murder and assault over the weekend in Lenawee County.

The suspect, U.S. Army Soldier Brian James-Mabesa Gogue, 31, of Maryland, appeared in District Court today on charges of open murder, assault with intent to murder, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and felony firearm. He is being held in the Lenawee County jail without bond.

He is accused of strangulating Joel Krutsch, 20, of Manchester, Mich., and injuring Scott Fernandez, 18, also of Manchester.

The soldier, who was home on leave, was visiting his wife, Nina Gogue, 21. They were celebrating her 21st birthday and those involved had been out drinking together, Michigan State Police said today. Authorities were unsure of a motive for the attacks.

At 8:45 a.m. Saturday, troopers from the Monroe Post of the MSP were called to a mobile home at 2985 Gady Rd. in Raisin Township where the victims were found.