Two face trial in hunter’s slaying

Two men arrested in the cold case killing of a man first reported missing after hunting on state land in Clinton County will stand trial for murder.

Thomas Olson of Grand Blanc Township and Robert Rodway of St. Johns, both 34, were bound over to Circuit Court for the 2018 cold case homicide of Chong Yang,

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.

“We’re grateful to be bringing this cold case one step closer to trial and will continue our work to provide justice to the family as well as healing to this community,” says Attorney General Dana Nessel.

“I am thankful for the broad, cohesive effort between our department, the Bath Township Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our prosecutors for their dedication to pursuing justice for this brutal, senseless crime.”

Olson and Rodway appeared for their preliminary exams this week before Judge Michael Clarizio in the 65-A District Court in St. Johns on the following charges:

• One count of Felony Murder, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole; and

• One count of Felony Firearm, a twoyear felony. The Department of Attorney

General alleges that the defendants killed Yang while hunting, and stole the victim’s headlamp, knife, backpack, and shotgun.

The Michigan State Police Fugitive Team arrested Olson and Rodway in December 2022. Both defendants are being held without bond.

Olson and Rodway will appear next before the Hon. Shannon Schlegel of the 29th Circuit Court for a pre-trial. That date has not yet been determined.