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DRIVING IN THE ‘CROSSFIRE’ / SEE PAGE 8A
APRIL 24, 2024 • Vol. 43, No. 9
Eastpointe declares Sept. 6 ‘First Amendment Day,’ settles lawsuit
‘WHAT AN ICON HE WAS’
Community remembers forensic pathologist Werner Spitz BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
BY BRIAN WELLS
bwells@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — Following the settlement of a lawsuit filed by four Eastpointe residents, City Council passed a motion declaring Sept. 6 as First Amendment Day. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court Nov. 9, 2022, by Mary Hall-Rayford, Karen Beltz, Karen Mouradjian and Cindy Federle through Philadelphia-based nonprofit Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, or FIRE. It accused former Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens of abusing her power “by shouting down and suppressing criticism of her while the floor was open for public comments,” according to a press release by FIRE. The incidents took place at multiple City Council meetings in 2022. At the Sept.
Photo provided by Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University
Dr. Werner Spitz was for many years the chief medical examiner in both Wayne and Macomb counties. He died April 14 at the age of 97.
METRO DETROIT — From testifying at the O.J. Simpson civil case in 1996 to offering his perspective in the Chappaquiddick incident that involved Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, Werner Spitz was widely known for providing his expertise on the witness stand. The prominent forensic pathologist was sought after in the court system for his knowledge in forensic evidence and his testimony regarding many high-profile murders that drew public interest and media attention. The longtime chief medical examiner — who performed or supervised more than 60,000 autopsies during his career — died April 14 at the age of 97. He was a resident of Grosse Pointe Shores. Many in the community are remembering the wellknown forensic expert. Warren City Council member Mindy Moore felt “very sad” when she learned Spitz died. Moore, a freelance court reporter, has known Spitz since the late 1970s when he was the chief Wayne County medical examiner. She was present for many depositions he provided over the years. See SPITZ on page 10A
See AMENDMENT on page 11A
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