Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that on Friday, June 20, 2025, a jury found 32-year-old, Jerry Motley, guilty of First-Degree Premeditated Murder in the killing of his boss at Reliable Fence in Clinton Township, MI in 2018.
On January 9, 2018, Motley brought a gun to his job at Reliable Fence. He shot his co-worker, Angelo Micale twice. Micale survived the shooting. Motley then went into an office where he shot Reliable Fence owner Thomas Badke at close range, killing him. Motley attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and provided a confession a few hours later.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, after a two-and-a-half-week jury trial, Motley was found guilty as charged of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Going Armed with a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent, and two (2) counts of Felony Firearm. The jury rejected his claim that he was legally insane at the time of the crime. Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Richard Nelson and Natalie Sullivan represented the People.
This was Motley’s second trial. His first conviction was overturned after his trial counsel was found to be ineffective.
"Justice has finally been served. Despite the delays and the defendant’s claims of insanity, the jury saw the truth. This was a cold, calculated, and premeditated murder. The verdict reaffirms the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of this crime. I commend our trial team for their dedication to securing justice for the victims and the community," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Motley will be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh on Thursday, August 7, 2025. First-Degree Premeditated Murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
On January 9, 2018, Motley brought a gun to his job at Reliable Fence. He shot his co-worker, Angelo Micale twice. Micale survived the shooting. Motley then went into an office where he shot Reliable Fence owner Thomas Badke at close range, killing him. Motley attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and provided a confession a few hours later.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, after a two-and-a-half-week jury trial, Motley was found guilty as charged of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Going Armed with a Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent, and two (2) counts of Felony Firearm. The jury rejected his claim that he was legally insane at the time of the crime. Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Richard Nelson and Natalie Sullivan represented the People.
This was Motley’s second trial. His first conviction was overturned after his trial counsel was found to be ineffective.
"Justice has finally been served. Despite the delays and the defendant’s claims of insanity, the jury saw the truth. This was a cold, calculated, and premeditated murder. The verdict reaffirms the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of this crime. I commend our trial team for their dedication to securing justice for the victims and the community," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Motley will be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh on Thursday, August 7, 2025. First-Degree Premeditated Murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
