Michelle Diane Siegel, a 37-year-old White/Caucasian female, tragically lost her life on March 10, 2022, in Warren, Michigan. Her death occurred at her home on Poplar Avenue, where she was fatally shot 15 times by her ex-boyfriend, James Rockett III. The horrific event unfolded in the presence of her two young children, who were aged 10 and 8 at the time.
Siegel and Rockett had been in a relationship for seven years and had separated several months prior to the fatal incident.
Immediately following the shooting, Rockett turned himself in to the Warren police. His case proceeded to a four-day trial in Macomb County Circuit Court, where he faced charges of first-degree premeditated murder and felony firearm possession. After only an hour of deliberation, the jury found Rockett guilty on both counts.
The court, presided over by Judge Jennifer Faunce, sentenced James Rockett III to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Michelle Siegel. He also received a mandatory two-year sentence for the firearm charge. The prosecution, led by assistant Macomb prosecutors Mark Laws and Brian Fox, presented a compelling case that resulted in the conviction. The tragic death of Michelle, described by her family as the "puzzle piece" that held them together, prompted an outpouring of community support, including a GoFundMe page organized by her brother, David Siegel, which raised over $19,000 to help care for her children.
