Michigan Radio News Anchor Throat Slit After Girlfriend Refused to Role Play With Her Crack-Smoking Friend

A Michigan man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murder, assault and more in the violent attack that killed a radio news anchor and hurt his girlfriend and children.

On June 1, a judge in Macomb County sentenced Arthur Williamson, 55, to life in prison without parole for the murder of Jim Nicolai and the assault of Nicolai’s girlfriend, Nichole Guertin, and children at their Chesterfield Township home, WDIV reported.

In April, Williamson pleaded no contest to the charges of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder and three counts of unlawful imprisonment.

Williamson was friends with Nicolai’s girlfriend. She testified that Nicolai was working a late shift when she invited over Williamson, who was smoking crack cocaine and was to bring heroin, WDIV reported.

Guertin refused to role play that night, so Williamson slashed her throat and tied her up. When Nicolai got home the next morning, Williamson hit him with a hammer, stabbed him and slit his throat.

Guertin and their 5-year-old daughter were able to escape the residence and flagged down a bystander for help. When officers arrived, they found Nicolai dead from his injuries.

Police also found Nicolai’s 10-year-old son tied up inside a closet with serious head injuries. He tried to fight off Williamson while his father was being attacked and police say he was “left for dead.” He has since undergone ear and brain surgery.

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Guertin was initially hospitalized in critical condition. Her daughter was treated at a hospital and released, officials said.

Williamson was found in the basement of the home with self-inflicted injuries. Officials said he overdosed, but survived. He was treated at the scene and then taken to a nearby hospital before being booked into jail.