I-96 Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Terrorism Charges

The 43-year-old Wixom man accused of shooting at cars along the I-96 corridor has entered a not guilty plea to additional terrorism charges in Livingston County's 53rd District Court in Howell, according to WDIV-TV, Channel 4. 

In addition to the terrorism charge, Raulie Casteel pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm in Livingston County's 53rd District Court on Friday. The first two charges are punishable by up to life in prison, while the firearm charges range from punishments of 2 to 5 years in prison.

The county-level charges previously filed in Livingston against Casteel were dismissed and replaced with charges filed by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette Dec. 21. The charges pertain only to acts that occurred in Livingston County, however, the Attorney General intends to enter evidence of "similar acts" from other counties including Oakland County.

Schuette's Criminal Division reviewed evidence collected by the multi-jurisdictional task force formed to investigate the case, and worked with the prosecutors from Livingston, Ingham and Shiawassee counties. Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper continues to handle the 60 counts filed in that county.

Casteel was taken into custody on Nov. 5 by Michigan State Police troopers. The case filed Friday will move forward following the results of the Livingston competency exam ordered on Nov. 14.