Coroner: Man found dead in hotel died from strangulation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Four suspects accused of strangling a man to death in a hotel appeared in court on Thursday.

Chad Martin, Callie Pierce, James Lyman and Brandy Tate will appear before a judge for their preliminary hearing. All four suspects plead not guilty to their roles in the deadly strangulation of a Springfield man. 

Police say they found Michael Trone, 53, dead at about 2 p.m. on Sept. 7 at a hotel in the 3400 block of Freedom Drive. The Sangamon County Coroner says an autopsy revealed strangulation was a cause of death and noted the injury was "consistent with a homicide in manner".

The discovery of the body triggered a manhunt for a murder suspect.

All four of the suspects were charged with first degree murder and robbery. Three of the suspects are facing additional charges. Pierce is expected to be on trial next week for charges of aiding a fugitive.

The suspects remain in custody at the Sangamon County Jail on $2 million bond each. 

Their next court hearings are below: 

  • Martin - Dec. 3. 
  • Lyman  - Dec. 17. 
  • Pierce - Oct. 29 
  • Tate - Nov. 13. 

Police want anyone with information on the crime to call Springfield police at (217)788-8411. Anonymous tips can go to Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at (217)788-8427.