- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Jury convicts St. Joseph Township man in Benton Township arson-homicide
Raymond J. Bogucki found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, and first-degree arson
Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:39pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A Berrien County jury has convicted a 25-year-old St. Joseph Township man, Raymond J. Bogucki, in connection with a 2023 arson-homicide in Benton Township. Bogucki was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, and first-degree arson in the death of 65-year-old Wendell Hill Jr. The charges stem from a March 11, 2023 fire at Hill's home.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in investigating complex crimes involving arson and homicide, and the importance of collaboration between multiple agencies to build a strong case for prosecution. The conviction also provides some measure of justice for the victim's family and the local community.
The details
According to the Berrien County Prosecutor's office, testimony in the case began March 9 and concluded March 20, with closing arguments delivered March 23. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Taylor M. Colton, with assistance from Detective/Lieutenant Tyler Tiefenbach of the Benton Township Police Department and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jonbrielle Gill. Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Benton Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, and the FBI.
- The fire occurred on March 11, 2023.
- The trial began on March 9, 2026 and concluded on March 20, 2026.
- Closing arguments were delivered on March 23, 2026.
- Bogucki is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2026.
The players
Raymond J. Bogucki
A 25-year-old man from St. Joseph Township who was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, and first-degree arson in the death of Wendell Hill Jr.
Wendell Hill Jr.
A 65-year-old man who was killed in the arson fire at his home in Benton Township.
Taylor M. Colton
The Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who prosecuted the case.
Tyler Tiefenbach
The Detective/Lieutenant of the Benton Township Police Department who assisted in the investigation.
Jonbrielle Gill
The Assistant Prosecuting Attorney who assisted in the prosecution of the case.
What’s next
Bogucki faces up to life in prison on each count and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2026 in Berrien County Circuit Court.
The takeaway
This conviction highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate complex crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, providing some closure for the victim's family and community.
