According to witnesses and a prosecutor, a 54-year-old man named Mark Joseph Newsome has been charged with second-degree murder for the alleged killing of his 72-year-old roommate, Dale Mitchell, in a boarding house in Roseville, Michigan.
The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over Taco Bell, as recounted by other roommates Bob McQuade and Larry Melton to investigators. The altercation escalated after Newsome accused Mitchell of stealing his Taco Bell, leading to the tragic outcome.
According to Melton, he overheard “Why are you doing this? Why are you doing this? Leave me alone. Quit, please quit.”
Newsome repeatedly struck Mitchell in the head, leading to his fatal injuries, as stated by prosecutors. Melton described the scene as having “blood all over upstairs.” McQuade expressed disbelief at the senseless violence, emphasizing that he and Newsome were friends.
“I could never believe he would’ve done something like that,” he told the outlet.
Newsome’s probable cause hearing is set for February 14, with a preliminary exam scheduled for February 21. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to life in prison.
