Suspect Arrested

Suspect arrested
Current mood: blank

Suspect arrested in Ignatowski slaying

By SCOTT BRAND

Story created Jun 05, 2008 - 12:32:56 EDT.

SAULT STE. MARIE - Texas authorities have arrested one individual in the weekend slaying of a 27-year-old Sault Ste. Marie woman in her Corpus Christi apartment.

Capt. Todd Green of the Corpus Christi Police Department confirmed Micah Lee Spanutius, 21, was arrested by U.S. Marshals on a murder warrant stemming from a police investigation into the death of Amy Ignatowski.

Spanutius, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, reportedly told another individual that he had killed a girl - "putting his hand over her mouth and squeezing her tight." Spanutius also indicated to that same individual that the incident occurred following an argument.

Capt. Green confirmed Spanutius had told a female friend he may have killed a woman by strangling her, providing Texas authorities with a good, solid lead. While authorities were investigating the death as a homicide from the onset, the initial reports indicated only that there were facial abrasions which did not appear serious enough to cause death.

"Nobody knew the manner of death," said Capt. Green as the information regarding neck wounds was withheld from the public and press. "They hadn't released anything on that."
*

That piece of information instantly made Spanutius the prime suspect in the Ignatowski murder even though the Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has not officially listed the exact cause of death. Capt. Green said detectives noted marks and bruising on the deceased woman's neck consistent with manual asphyxiation or, in layman's terms, strangulation.

Authorities have been unable to determine Spanutius' motive for the murder, said Capt. Green: "He has refused to talk to investigators."

Ignatowski, a 1998 graduate of Sault High, had clearly touched many lives. Her MySpace page has become a focal point for grieving friends to share via the Internet.

"My heart hurts in a way I never thought it could," wrote Michelle.

"Rest in peace beautiful Amy," added Stephanie.


"I plan to wear a little pink everyday in honor of our sunshine girl," added Leigh, making reference to Amy's favorite color.

There were many more tributes from former college roommates, fellow members of the U.S. Coast Guard and others she had met along the way in her 27 years.

The daughter of Paul and Robin Ignatowski, Amy will be brought back to Sault Ste. Marie for burial. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral.

Spanutius remained lodged in the Nueces County Jail on suspicion of murder, unable to post the $100,000 bond.