Prosecuting attorney reviewing investigation in Hartnett case


Investigation into the death of the Dearborn Heights man who drowned in the Fabiano Botanical Garden in October has been completed by the Central Michigan University Police Department.

The case remains under ongoing review, and the Isabella County Prosecutor has yet to file any criminal charges.

Michael Hartnett, 18, came to Central Michigan University to visit friends from his hometown during Homecoming Weekend. According to CMU police, Hartnett was last seen walking on Washington Street near St. Mary’s church at 2 a.m. Oct. 5.

CMUPD Chief Bill Yeagley said an autopsy was conducted at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Results will be released to the public by the Isabella County Prosecutor's Office.

Police forwarded their report, which contains CMU security camera footage of Hartnett on campus, to Isabella County Prosecuting Attorney Risa Scully.

Yeagley said once Scully makes her decision, all details of the case will be made available to the public.

"It always takes a long time," Yeagley said. "We don't see this as being unusual in the business."

Yeagley said surveillance footage of Hartnett shows the route he walked on campus.

He was found in the pond near Park Library and was removed by the Isabella County Dive Rescue Team that day. Hartnett was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Go Fund Me campaign, started in October to help Hartnett's family with funeral costs, raised $9,375, surpassing their $7,000 goal. 186 people donated over 3 months.

No other information is available at this time.

Share: 

About Malachi Barrett

Editor-in-Chief Malachi Barrett is Battle Creek senior majoring in journalism with a minor in ...

View Posts by Malachi Barrett →