2. (Tie) Michael Binns’ Conviction and Death – Autopsy Update
December 28th, 2011 by Mandy Moss
Though the tragic case against Michael Binns came to light in November of 2010, it is a story that shook nearly all of 2011 for Monticello.
Binns was arrested and charged on 2 counts of rape, the victims being 16 and 18 year old males and later charges also included two counts of introducing a controlled substance, without the knowledge of the victim, for the purpose of engaging in an unlawful sexual act.
After a two-day jury trial, Michael Binns, Sr., former MHS and MJHS choir director, was found guilty of two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault and one count of introduction of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to twenty years each on the second degree assault convictions and five years for the introduction of a controlled substance, for a total of 45 years.
After his conviction on July 14, 2011 Binns went to the Drew County Detention Facility until July 20, when he was then transported to Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He returned to the CDF on the 21st and was sent to the Arkansas Department of Corrections on July 22nd. He then passed away on July 31, after being treated at JRMC in Pine Bluff for seizures.
A spokesperson for he department of correction confirmed in late December that Binns” cause of death has been determined by the State Crime Lab to be a “pulmonary embolism, complicated by a seizure disorder.” They were unable to determine the cause of the embolism.
Binns’ arrest in November, 2011 was that year’s leading pageviews story. The updated coverage of his July trial day, was the leading pageview day for 2012. This shows the impact that this case had on the community.
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