2008 Woodie Awards
Judge sentences Schultz to life in prison
Thrush: I hope he rots in hell
By: Alex Piazza
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
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She was happy Gordon D. Schultz will spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the death of her mother, Becky Sue MacDonald.
At the same time, she was frustrated with the lack of remorse Schultz displayed to MacDonald's family and friends who packed the courtroom.
Thrush spoke in front of the court before Isabella County Judge Mark Duthie handed down the sentence, expressing her emotions about the loss of her mother and the man responsible for her murder.
"I've lost my sense of safety for the rest of my life," Thrush said. "You're a piece of (expletive) and I hope you rot in hell."
Following her statement, Thrush grabbed her purse and exited the courtroom.
"You committed a horrific act," Duthie said after Thrush's departure. "It's pure evil and you are the embodiment of it."
Along with his life in prison sentence for first-degree murder, Duthie also sentenced Schultz to six years in prison for aggravated stalking. Schultz will serve his sentences concurrently.
Schultz, who regularly shook his head from side-to-side throughout the sentencing, denied his involvement in the death of MacDonald.
"I didn't murder nobody," Schultz said. "I don't agree with it (the sentencing)."
Isabella County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Roy Kranz said Schultz could appeal his sentencing within 45 days.
MacDonald was last seen alive on Nov. 11, 2005, shortly after she testified against Gordon in his third domestic assault case.
After more than 14 months of uncertainty, MacDonald's body was found on Jan. 23, 2007 in northwest Midland County.
Isabella County Sheriff's Department Det./Sgt. Dave Patterson headed the investigation, which included allegations that Schultz was attempting, from his prison cell, to hire someone to kill Thrush.
After more than a month of investigation, police discovered the location of MacDonald's body.
Schultz, who was serving time at the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility for his third domestic assault against MacDonald, appeared for an arraignment last April at the Isabella County Courthouse.
His prior offenses include prison escape, breaking and entering a building and carrying a concealed weapon - all convictions or pleas within Midland, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Schultz entered the courtroom Thursday by raising his middle finger to audience members.
After Duthie ordered the court to recess, Schultz gave one last look to MacDonald's friends and family before leaving with the bailiff.
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