Convictions stand in 1987 murders

PARK TOWNSHIP (AP) — The state appeals court won’t upset the conviction of a western Michigan man who was charged with killing his sister and brother-in-law, 26 years after their deaths.

The star witness at trial was Ryan Wyngarden’s wife, who told Ottawa County jurors that he immediately admitted his role in the fatal shootings back in 1987.

She even saw the bodies at the Park Township home but says she remained silent for decades because Wyngarden had threatened her.

Wyngarden was charged in 2013 and convicted of first-degree murder. He’s serving a no-parole sentence.

The appeals court said recently it found no errors in Wyngarden’s trial that would justify a reversal of the verdicts. The victims were Gail and Rick Brinks.