MENOMINEE — In a brief meeting between attorneys and the Circuit Court Judge Christopher Ninomiya Tuesday, a minor change was made to the hearing schedule for a man accused of murdering his adoptive father last fall.

In January, Gary Paul Phillips-Donovan, 35, of 3071 D Road, Apt. 208, Bark River, was bound over to circuit court on one count of homicide – open murder, a felony punishable up to life in prison; and two counts of home invasion – first degree, a 20-year felony and a maximum fine of $5,000.

A habitual offender notice – fourth offense notice was filed for the three counts. The notice would make the maximum sentence life in prison if the primary offense has a penalty of five years or more — which all three counts do.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Nov. 19, 2019. Michael Alan Donovan was found dead, with extensive blunt force trauma to the face and neck, in the detached garage of his home, located on Old U.S. 2 and 41 near Eustis Road in Harris Township. Phillips-Donovan, who had been allegedly stealing from the residence of his adoptive parents shortly before the murder, was subsequently arrested. He was arraigned for open murder on Nov. 20.

Added to the docket at the supplemental pretrial conference Tuesday morning was a second supplemental pre-trial conference, now set for April 13 at 10:30 a.m. These procedural meetings allow attorneys and judges to work out any of the details necessary for the case to proceed to trial. The trial is currently set for May 11 through 15.

“That date is still on,” said Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery Rogg, following Tuesday’s hearing.