Great Lakes Wire

This week, the Michigan Court of Appeals denied Raulie Casteel's application for leave to appeal, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Casteel, 54, is currently serving a sentence of up to 40 years at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater. His conviction stems from a series of random shootings along Interstate 96 in 2012 across several counties.

In 2014, Casteel was convicted of 25 felonies, including one count of terrorism and multiple counts related to firearms and assault. After unsuccessful traditional appeals, he filed a motion claiming his counsel was ineffective for not pursuing an insanity defense. The trial court rejected this motion after extensive proceedings through early 2023. Consequently, the Court of Appeals denied his appeal on March 13th.

Attorney General Nessel emphasized the importance of maintaining these convictions for public safety. "It is important for the safety of the public at-large that these convictions and sentences remain in place," she stated. "Casteel’s crime spree struck fear into Michigan motorists across one of our most populous corridors."

Casteel remains under the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections with his earliest possible release date set for November 5th, 2030.