June 2, 2009

LANSING-Attorney General Mike Cox and the Michigan State Police, along with the city of Hart Police Department, today announced the arrest and arraignment of Mark Anthony Coulier of Hesperia, Michigan, for the murder of his wife, Joyce Lynn Douglas-Coulier.  Ms. Coulier was murdered on or around July 30, 2000. 

"Nine years ago, Joyce Lynn Coulier was murdered.  But the pursuit of justice does not stop, and my office is committed to resolving this case," said Cox.  "I pledge to help the family touched by this tragedy and to hold the alleged perpetrator responsible."

Ms. Coulier disappeared on July 30, 2000, and was found dead on August 28, 2000, in an overgrown wooded area behind the defendant's sisters' apartment in Oceana County.  Ms. Coulier was last seen staying at that apartment.  Despite being missing for nearly a month, the defendant never filed a missing persons report with the police for his wife.

"I want to thank the Michigan State Police, the Hart Police Department, and the numerous individuals who remained committed to shedding light on this terrible crime," continued Cox.  "The cooperation and teamwork is critical to ensure justice for Joyce Coulier and her family."

The defendant is charged with one count of open murder, which can carry a punishment of up to life in prison.  The defendant is currently waiting arraignment but has received a preliminary bond of
$1 million cash or surety.

This case is the latest homicide charged out of the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations (OSI), formed by Cox in 2003 to investigate and prosecute public corruption cases and cold case homicides. The OSI has conducted more than 60 public corruption investigations; has convicted serial killers Coral Watts and John Rodney McRae; and has succeeded in numerous cold case convictions, most recently in the Janet Chandler and Julia Dawson murder trials.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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