Woman accused of Mackinac County murder referred for competency exam

MACKINAC COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) - The woman charged with murdering a relative in Mackinac County will undergo a competency exam.

Joelle Chamberlain, 34, is charged with homicide-open murder for the shooting death of relative Ralph Patrick, 73, of Hessel.

Chamberlain was arrested on May 25. Michigan State Police troopers responded to a disturbance involving a firearm at a residence and found Patrick dead from a gunshot wound. Troopers said they found Chamberlain down the road from the scene with “various indicators” that she was involved in the homicide.

She was bound over from Mackinac County District Court to circuit court in June. However, her next hearing date in circuit court has not been scheduled pending the results of the competency exam.

Last published: Jun 9, 2023 2:02:44 PM

The man who was killed in Mackinac County on May 25 has been identified.

The Michigan State Police said Ralph Patrick, 73, of Hessel died as a result of a gunshot wound. Troopers found Joelle Chamberlain, a relative of Patrick’s, down the road from the scene.

The MSP said there were “numerous indicators” that she was involved in the homicide. Chamberlain is charged with homicide open murder- statutory short form.

Her bond was denied and she is currently being held at the Mackinac County Jail. She is scheduled for a probable cause conference on June 12 and a preliminary exam on June 15.

According to the MSP, the investigation is ongoing, so no further information about the crime or the nature of Chamberlain’s relation to Patrick has been released.

Last published: Jun 7, 2023 10:21:13 AM

Troopers from the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post are investigating a homicide that occurred in Mackinac County, just north of Hessel.

Troopers were called to the scene late in the evening on May 25 to a report of a disturbance involving a firearm at a residence.

Upon arrival, troopers found a 73-year-old man dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

A short time later, 34-year-old Joelle Chamberlain was located just down the road from the scene and was contacted by troopers.

MSP said that there were “numerous indicators” of Chamberlain being involved in the homicide and she was taken into custody.

Chamberlain is a relative of the victim. Both are from the Hessel and Pickford area.

She has been charged with Open Murder and has been arraigned in the 92nd District Court with no bond. She is currently lodged at the Mackinac County Jail and is scheduled for a probable cause on June 12 and a preliminary exam on June 15.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time.

Troopers were assisted by the Mackinac County Sheriffs Dept, Sault Tribal Police, Clark Township EMS, and the Michigan State Police Forensic Lab in Grayling.

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