A Berrien County jury has convicted a 25-year-old St. Joseph Township man in connection with a 2023 arson-homicide in Benton Township.
Raymond J. Bogucki was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, and first-degree arson in the death of 65-year-old Wendell Hill Jr. The charges stem from a March 11, 2023 fire at Hill’s home in the 1200 block of Coolidge Avenue.
Authorities say Hill’s body was discovered after police and firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire. Fire crews entered the home, located Hill unconscious inside, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s office, testimony in the case began March 9 and concluded March 20, with closing arguments delivered March 23. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Taylor M. Colton, with assistance from Detective/Lieutenant Tyler Tiefenbach of the Benton Township Police Department and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jonbrielle Gill.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Benton Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, and the FBI.
Bogucki faces up to life in prison on each count and is scheduled to be sentenced May 5 in Berrien County Circuit Court.
