Court of Appeals orders Munising man to be re-sentenced by new judge

A Munising man is waiting to be sentenced again for killing his girlfriend by backing over her with his truck.

Thomas Murdock, 50, was convicted in 2012 of operating while intoxicated causing death, operating while intoxicated, third offense; driving with a suspended license and marijuana possession. He killed Lisa Hardwick in AuTrain Township in June 2011.

Judge William Carmody sentenced Murdock to two years in prison, which is a year less than state sentencing guidelines call for. Alger County Prosecutor Karen Bahrman appealed the sentence. The Michigan Court of Appeals sent the case back to Judge Carmody, who imposed the original sentence again.

Bahrman appealed again, and this time the Court of Appeals has ruled that Murdock needs to be re-sentenced by a new judge. Alger County Circuit Court staff say the court administrator must decide which judge that will be. They say a new sentencing date will be set once the choice of judge is made.

Murdock is serving time at the Newberry Correctional Facility.