Jackson Easter Killing: Three Defendants Face Life in Prison

John Lusch was found murdered in a Jackson, Michigan, home on Easter Sunday, April 20. Now, three men have been bound over for trial and will face charges that, if found guilty, they'll spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

RELATED: Florida Man Charged in 1984 Jackson County Killing

Who Are the Defendants?

Bryan Johnson, Jemel Milton, and Phillip Gauze are now facing felony murder, unarmed robbery, and conspiracy charges. Johnson also faces charges of unlawful imprisonment and tampering with evidence, while Gauze is also charged with tampering.

How Police Discovered the Crime

WLNS reports that Officers with the Jackson Police Department were called for a welfare check on Orchard Place around 11:30 p.m. on Easter 2025.

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It was then that they discovered 45-year-old John Lusch of Marshall dead on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Just four months later, the Honorable Judge Allison Bates of the Jackson County Court concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bind all three defendants over for trial.

Swift Move to Circuit Court

Next, they head to Circuit Court, where they will stand before the Honorable Judge John McBain. Until then, they'll get "three hots and a cot" at the Jackson County Jail. If found guilty of murder, they face mandatory life in prison.

RELATED: Michigan Cold Case Files: Unsolved Murders In Jackson

As someone who is a fan of true crime, cold cases, and unsolved mysteries, you have to admit: If found guilty, that's some pretty swift justice—a tip of the cap to Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey and Police Chief Chris Simpson and their teams.