Michael Putala mugshot. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The suspect in an east-side murder appeared in court Monday, but formal charges have not been filed as the state weighs evidence of self-defense.
Michael Putala was arrested on a requested charge of first-degree intentional homicide. Bond was set at $50,000 cash. If released, he would be on house arrest with a GPS monitoring device, the court commissioner said.
Officers were dispatched to a local hospital for a gunshot wound victim around 7:15 p.m. Friday just as a complaint was made for reckless driving in the 1100 block of Cass Street.
In court Monday, Deputy District Attorney Dana Johnson said the shooting happened at Clay and Lawe Street. There were three vehicles involved, one with Putala, one with the victim and a third vehicle as well.
There is a significant evidence that could point to self-defense, so no decision has been made on if any charges will be filed, Johnson said.
Defense attorney Jevon Jaconi said Putala’s parents were threatened, the victim later chased Putala at speeds of 70mph, and then fired at Putala, before Putala returned fire.
The case was set for a status conference for July 28, by which time a charging decision will be made.
The victim, a 24-year-old Green Bay man, died from his injuries. He has not been identified.
Putala later turned himself him in, police said.
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