Attorney for Stislicki murder suspect calls charges a publicity stunt

(FOX 2) - Floyd Galloway was arraigned Wednesday on murder charges in the disappearance of Danielle Stislicki, as his attorney claims the attorney general is playing politics.

The courtroom was packed with Stislicki's family and friends, but the proceeding only lasted about five minutes as the judge read his charges.

"It's punishable by life without parole, do you understand the charge against you?" the judge asked.

Galloway replied yes, and that's about all he said in court. He entered a not guilty plea and his bond was denied, because he's already in prison for a minimum of 16 years for an unrelated sexual assault in Hines Park last year.

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"He's innocent and he knows he's innocent," said his defense attorney, Jim Williams. 

He said the charges being brought now by newly-elected attorney general Dana Nessel could be a result of politics. 

"It's good publicity, more face time, more public relations time, followed the Kym Worthy school of, 'Let's have a press conference,'" Williams said.

Williams went further, suggesting the Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper didn't believe there was enough evidence to bring murder charges in the case.

"I've had enough conversation with him and enough viewing of information to believe he's innocent and believe the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office probably felt the same way, which is why they didn't charge him a week ago, a month ago, a year ago," Williams said.

Cooper did not comment but instead directed inquiries to the attorney general's office. But Nessel said there was compelling evidence. FOX 2's Charlie Langton asked Danielle's father, Rich Stislicki, if he believes the charges should've been issued sooner.

"I can't say that they should have, I understand the reasons why they weren't. Having him behind bars, the community was safe," he said.

Under the law, the attorney general can take any case she wants to take. Politics shouldn't make a difference when it comes to trying to the case in the courtroom.

"As far as the politics, I don't do politics, and I'm pretty sure neither does the attorney general," said Ann Stislicki, Danielle's mother.