Macomb Stabbing Case Stalls Again as Judge Considers Allowing Evidence of Dead Witness

Judge Douglas P. Shepherd’s next decision in the case surrounding the Feb. 23 stabbing of a Macomb Township woman has the potential to make or break the prosecutor’s case against suspect Joseph T. Reiner, 27.

A Fraser resident, Reiner is alleged to have broken into 69-year-old Joann Eisenhardt’s Fairchild Road home on the morning of Feb. 23 and stabbed her twice in the neck with kitchen knives before taking two rings from the victim and fleeing the scene.

Although Eisenhardt remains in the hospital as a result of her injuries and is unable to identify Reiner as her attacker, testimony given by her neighbor, Thomas Kosciolek, on June 22, does place Reiner in the area of the attack on Feb. 23. 

Key testimony linking Reiner to Eisenhardt through the stolen jewelry was to be given by Eastpointe pawn shop owner Hadrian Lewandoski. However, with the sudden of Lewandoski, prosecuting attorney William Cataldo is asking the court allow the police officers who interviewed Lewandoski to present their findings as testimony.

“A series of questions will arise (now that) Mr. Lewandoski will fail to appear,” Cataldo said. “This is not the case of a snitch or spouse who refuses to testify. Mr. Lewandoski’s unfortunate demise should not be used as a shield, or fortuitous event to set someone free.”

But Reiner's attorney, Timothy Barkovic, argues that such testimony is hearsay and if presented, cannot fail to be used as proof that Reiner was the one to pawn the jewelry and by association, the one to attack Eisenhardt.

Shepherd will review the arguments made by both sides and make a decision when the case returns to court on Sept. 12.

While Shepherd did not make a decision on the Lewandoski testimony Wednesday, he did rule to allow the 911 call made by Eisenhardt on Feb. 23 to remain as evidence in the case. 

Shepherd based his ruling on the belief that Eisenhardt’s statements in the call were “given in an extreme emergency situation” to obtain police assistance, rather than contribute to an ongoing police investigation or as testimony identifying Reiner.

Reiner was charged with attempted murder and home invasion on March 31 and the court entered a not-guilty plea on Reiner's behalf.

If convicted of attempted murder, Reiner could face up to life in prison.

Reiner is currently being held in the Macomb Correctional Facility in New Haven.