HASTINGS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Barry County man accused of murdering a young woman in 2021, and then recording a video of it was found guilty on multiple charges on Friday, April 15. This following a 4-day trial.
In a release issued by the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office, 21-year-old Andrew Lafey of Nashville Michigan was charged with the torture and murder of Gracyn-Michael-Kay-Candace Brickley on February 16, 2021.
The convictions in the case are as follows:
Count 1: First Degree Murder (MCL 750.316), both premeditated and felony murder: This conviction carries a maximum of Life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Count 2: Felony Firearm (MCL 750.227b), this conviction carries a 2 year mandatory sentence, which must be served consecutive to the sentence for First Degree Murder.
Count 3: Torture (MCL 750.85): This conviction carries a maximum sentence of Life or any term of years.
Count 4: Felony Firearm (MCL 750.227b): this conviction carries a 2 year mandatory sentence, which must be served consecutive to the sentence for Torture.
Count 5: Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (MCL 750.224f), this conviction carries a maximum of 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $5000.00. Count 6: Felony Firearm (MCL 750.227b), this conviction carries a 2 year mandatory sentence, which must be served consecutive to the Felon in Possession of a Firearm conviction.
Lafey shot Grace Brickley twice and inflicted multiple injuries to her face and breaking her jaw. He then went onto taping himself stomping on and taunting the victim for close to 11 minutes.
According to WOOD TV 8, the murder happened at a home located off of Guy Road in Barry County’s Maple Grove Township. Deputies found the victim’s body in a wooded area behind the home on February 17, 2021.
Lafey also has a criminal record dating back to 2018, which includes misdemeanor assault, burglary and witnesses intimidation. He was also sentenced to five years in prison for a 2019 home invasion in Grand Rapids but was released in September 2020.
His sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, June 9.
