Couple Charged with Murder in Kmart Employee’s Death
An Oakland County couple was formally charged with first-degree murder last week for the death of Kmart employee Greg Paul Wainio.
The charges stem from an incident that took place Jan. 14 at the Kmart store located at 3541 Highland Road. One of the suspects, 39-year-old James Dead Woodworth, stole $400 worth of CDs. The victim, who worked in loss prevention, followed Woodworth out of the store and struggled with him as he got into a vehicle driven by the second suspect, 20-year-old Samantha Lorraine Lomasney.
According to the Waterford Township Police Department, Lomasney took off at high speeds. Meanwhile, Woodworth tried to close the door, but Wainio would not let him. Lomasney then allegedly hit two pillars in an attempt to dislodge Wainio from the car. In doing so, Wainio ended up getting crushed between the door and the vehicle. Lomasney then hit a second pillar, which caused Wainio to fall. He was consequently dragged 221 feet. When he arrived at a local hospital he was pronounced dead.
Several witnesses followed the suspects to their home, where they were eventually arrested.
In addition to the murder charges, both have also been charged with unarmed robbery. Lomasney faces an additional charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or denied license causing death.
The murder charges alone could result in a life sentence for both Woodworth and Lomasney. The other two charges are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Both suspects remain in custody since the judge denied bond. A preliminary examination was scheduled for yesterday.
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