By Kathleen Gilbert
OWOSSO, Michigan, September 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – 33-year-old Harland James Drake has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder of pro-life veteran Jim Pouillon this morning as he carried a pro-life sign in front of a local high school, reports local news station WILX-TV.
Prosecutors said Drake told them he targeted Pouillon because of his pro-life activities.
“There was some displeasure with how open he was,” said Sara Edwards, Shiawassee County chief assistant prosecutor Sara Edwards, according to a New York Times report. “He tended to carry big signs with very graphic pictures of fetuses.”
Drake has also been charged with first-degree premeditated murder against Owosso business owner Mike Fuoss, felony firearm, and carrying a weapon with unlawful intent.
Police say Drake told them he was planning to kill a third individual, Owosso realtor James Howe, before he was apprehended.
Local news reports say Drake will return to court for a preliminary hearing on September 25th, and remains in custody without bond.