Detroit, MI – Craig Michael Bergeron, a 35-year-old professional poker player once known on the tournament circuit for his big wins, nearly saw his murder case vanish – until prosecutors came right back the very next day.
According to PokerNews, on September 11, 2025, the 36th District Court dropped all charges against Bergeron because a critical witness could not be located. But just 24 hours later, the witness was found, the charges were re-issued, and Bergeron was back before a judge facing the same accusations.
Bergeron stands accused in the December 2024 shooting death of 37-year-old Tommy “Mike” Ireland on Detroit’s east side. Prosecutors say he pulled the trigger during a dispute, and Bergeron is now once again facing counts of first-degree murder, two counts of felony firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has not explained why the witness was initially missing or what changed overnight, but the case is officially back on.
Bergeron’s poker career included six-figure wins, high-stakes tournaments, and international attention. Now, instead of card tables and casino lights, his future is tied up in a Detroit courtroom where the stakes could not be higher.
One day he was nearly free. The next day he was back in custody. Call it bad luck, or call it the law catching up, either way, the cards have been reshuffled, and Craig Bergeron is still in the game facing murder charges.
