By GARRETT NEESE

gneese@mininggazette.com

HOUGHTON – The Grand Rapids man suspected of killing his sister in Laurium Saturday night will be held without bond.

Christian Kitti, 32, was arraigned in 97th District Court Wednesday. He is charged with homicide against Kim Bess, 44, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. He also faces a two-year felony charge for the use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Kitti is being held without bond.

“This is an extremely serious offense,” said Prosecutor Michael Makinen. “It doesn’t get more serious.”

Police said Bess had come over to the house to mow the lawn.

Kitti had two prior drunk-driving convictions. Kitti was on an 18-month probation at the time of the incident through a treatment court in Ingham County. Kitti was taking daily personal breath tests at the Laurium police station, Makinen said.

Alcohol was involved in the incident, Makinen said.

The gun believed to be used used in the incident was registered to Kitti, and was in his possession after the incident.

“Everything says there’s extreme danger to the public,” Makinen said.

Witnesses also saw Kitti leaving the scene shortly after the shooting, Makinen said.

Makinen believed Kitti had a prior incident with weapons assault, although that was unconfirmed as of Monday.

Kitti’s preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 8.