Executive Summary
- Nathan Parnell withdrew an expected plea deal regarding a 2025 standoff in Isabella County.
- The case has been remanded to district court for a preliminary examination scheduled for March 5.
- Parnell faces 30 felony charges, including assault with intent to commit murder and home invasion.
- The incident involved a 16-hour standoff where a 12-year-old girl was grazed by a bullet.
ISABELLA COUNTY, Mich. – A Michigan man facing 30 felony charges in connection with a violent 16-hour standoff has withdrawn an anticipated plea agreement, resulting in his case being remanded to the district court level for further proceedings.
Nathan Parnell, 26, of Coleman, was expected to enter a plea on Thursday regarding the February 17, 2025, incident. Instead, according to court orders cited by the Midland Daily News, Parnell indicated he no longer wished to proceed with the plea offer. His defense attorney, Thomas Hausmann, subsequently filed the necessary paperwork to remand the case to the Isabella County District Court.
According to Hausmann, because Parnell had originally waived his preliminary examination on July 18 to be bound over to circuit court, the case must now return to the lower court to address unresolved issues. A preliminary examination has been scheduled for March 5. Parnell remains lodged in the Isabella County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The charges stem from a standoff on Northeast County Line Road where a 12-year-old girl was grazed by a bullet. Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter stated that troopers responded to a 911 call reporting that Parnell was armed and threatening residents. According to the police affidavit, troopers witnessed the suspect pointing a firearm at the minor and firing in her direction before tackling her. Following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement, Parnell retreated into the home, leading to a lengthy standoff before he was apprehended with gunshot wounds.
Parnell is charged with five counts of assault with intent to commit murder, first-degree home invasion, carjacking, unlawful imprisonment, and 16 counts of felony firearms, among other charges.
Judicial Proceedings
The decision to withdraw a plea agreement at this stage suggests significant disagreements regarding the terms of the offer or a strategic shift by the defense to contest the evidence during a preliminary examination. This procedural move resets the timeline for a potential trial, requiring prosecutors to present sufficient evidence to justify the charges in open court once again. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
