VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Van Buren County man who allegedly killed two people by celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Day pleadi guilty to a charge of felony weapons last Thursday, June 1.
62-year-old Christopher Toppenberg had previously faced two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of felony firearm, but court documents indicate that those charges were dismissed.
Authorities say Toppenberg allegedly fired 20 to 25 celebratory rounds from an AR-15 when fireworks were lit at midnight on New Year’s Day.
According to investigators, 40-year-old Jason McCreary of Sutter Creek, California and 35-year-old David Reed of Waverly Township, were killed from the spray of bullets fired during the small gathering. McCreary, who had been shot in the head, died at the scene, while Reed, who was shot multiple times in the back, died at the hospital.
Toppenberg was arrested with a bond set at $1.5 million.
He is scheduled for sentencing on Monday, July 17th.
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