A 70-year-old Utica man is facing a life-maximum felony after police say a welfare check revealed a brutal stabbing inside his apartment. According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Joseph Vanker was arraigned on a charge of Assault with Intent to Murder following a violent incident reported on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
Investigators say Utica Police were dispatched to Vanker’s apartment after receiving a 911 hang-up call. When officers arrived, they found the victim with multiple stab wounds that required immediate medical treatment. Prosecutors allege Vanker stabbed the victim repeatedly during the incident.
Vanker appeared on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, before Magistrate Christopher Alayan in the 41A District Court in Shelby Township, where he was arraigned on the life-maximum charge. He was also given a Habitual Second Offender Notice, which elevates potential sentencing if he is convicted.
Magistrate Alayan set bond at $500,000 cash or surety with no 10 percent option. If released, Vanker must wear both a GPS tether and an alcohol tether. Court records show he is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. and a Preliminary Exam on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 9 a.m., both before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski at the 41A District Court in Shelby Township.
Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said the incident reflects the damage caused when disputes escalate into violence, adding that his office remains committed to pursuing accountability while protecting the community.
All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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