In the quiet community of Grass Lake, Michigan, a tragic event unfolded that ended the life of 80-year-old Delmar Eugene Fraley. On August 22, 2021, Fraley, along with two other elderly men, became the victim of a fatal shooting. The other victims were identified as 70-year-old Edward John Kantzler and 70-year-old Michael George Pauli. The discovery of the three men, all of whom had been shot, sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an intense investigation by law
enforcement.
The investigation into the triple homicide quickly led authorities to a person of interest. A suspect, identified as Zacharie Scott Borton, was soon taken into police custody in connection with the killings. As the case moved forward, details of the events that transpired began to emerge, painting a grim picture of the violence that had shattered the peace of the rural area. Borton was subsequently charged with the murders, setting the stage for a legal battle to bring justice for the three slain men.
Zacharie Scott Borton stood trial for the deaths of Fraley, Kantzler, and Pauli. After hearing the evidence presented, a jury reached a verdict. Borton was found guilty of the first-degree premeditated murder of Delmar Eugene Fraley. He was also convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Pauli. In addition to the murder convictions, Borton was found guilty of felony firearm and credit card fraud charges. The jury, however, was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the open murder charge related to the death of Edward John Kantzler, resulting in a deadlock on that count, as well as on a charge of carjacking.
