Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido is working to clear up community confusion surrounding the case of 23-year-old Endi Bala, the man accused of attempting to kidnap two girls in Macomb County last summer. With Bala scheduled to appear in court this week for an expected insanity plea, Lucido says the public deserves the truth — not assumptions.
“He is not walking free,” Lucido said. “He will remain in a secure facility under state supervision.”
With confusion spreading in the community about Bala’s legal sentencing status, Lucido is correcting the record on what an insanity plea actually results in.
“We cannot ignore the law or the medical findings,” he said.
“Most individuals committed under NGRI spend more years locked down than if they had gone to prison.”
How We Got Here
On August 13, 2024, Bala allegedly attempted to abduct two young girls in separate incidents only an hour apart.
The first involved a 15-year-old girl walking along Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. According to investigators, Bala attempted to restrain the teen before fleeing the scene.
Later that day in Sterling Heights, police say Bala forcibly grabbed a 7-year-old girl off her bicycle near the entrance of Clinton River Park North and tried to shove her into his vehicle. The child’s aunt fought back — and a Good Samaritan pulled in to stop Bala from speeding away with the girl.
During the struggle, Bala allegedly punched the aunt, and her young son was run over by the suspect’s car in the chaos. The child survived but was injured and screaming in pain as Bala fled. He was arrested shortly after.
The families say their daughter will never be the same — and want justice.
What the Forensic Findings Mean
Lucido confirmed that top experts at Michigan’s State Forensic Center have ruled Bala was legally insane at the time of the attacks, and again during a later destruction-of-property offense inside the jail.
That isn’t Lucido’s decision — it’s determined under mandatory state procedure.
“We rely on the state’s top psychiatric experts. Their findings are not optional.”
“Attempting to punish someone who was legally insane would violate the Constitution — and violate a prosecutor’s oath.”
This is where the confusion hits a boiling point for families — and where the facts need to be clear.
What Happens Next in Court
If the judge accepts the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) plea this week:
- Bala is immediately committed to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry, a maximum-security state facility
- He undergoes a mandatory 60-day evaluation by two separate doctors
- His case shifts to Probate Court, which controls all future placement
- He remains confined a minimum of five years, often far longer
- Victims are notified of any potential changes in custody
Lucido says his office has already prepared victim notification documentation so the families remain fully informed.
“This office will follow the law and protect the people of Macomb County. That is our responsibility — and our commitment.”
Prosecutor Lucido
Read Prosecutor Lucido’s Full Statement By Clicking Here
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