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KALKASKA – A Kalkaska man was arrested while out on bond for threatening a woman he was arrested for assaulting days earlier.
According toa Michigan State Police statement, James Murden, 43, of Kalkaska, was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic assault that occurred at a residence on Dresden St. in Kalkaska on June 13, 2026.
Murden was arrested again on June 16 after allegedly violating his bond conditions by contacting the victim and threatening her.
Preliminary investigation indicates that on the evening of June 13, troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Postresponded to a report of a physical altercation at the residence. Nurse allegedly broke the victim’s phone, preventing her from calling for help,and physically assaulted her. The victim was evaluated at a local medical facility for her injuries.
Murden was initially arrested and charged with domestic violence and attempted interfering with electronic communications. He was lodged in the Kalkaska County Jail.
On June 16, troopers learned that Murden, who had been released from jail, was contacting the victim and allegedly making ongoing, credible threats to her life. The repeated and unwanted contacts were made byphone, social media, and in person.
A search warrant was obtained and executed at the Dresden Street residence and on Murden’s vehicle. During the search, troopers locateda .270 caliber bolt-action rifle and ammunition in his vehicle, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in both the vehicle and residence, and a pellet rifle.
Murden was arrested on new charges and was lodged at the Kalkaska County Jail.
Murden was arraigned on June 17 in the 87-B District Court in Kalkaska County on the following charges:
- One count: Witness-Intimidating-Committing Crime/Threatening to Kill or Injure
- Two counts: Controlled Substance – Possession of Methamphetamine/Ecstasy
- One count: Stalking – Aggravated
- One count: Weapons – Dangerous Weapon – Carrying with Unlawful Intent
- Two counts: Computers – Using to Commit a Crime
- One count: Weapons Felony Firearm
- One count: Telecommunications Services – Malicious Use – Domestic Relationship
- One count: Operating While License Suspended, Revoked, Denied
- One count: Weapons – Firearms-Improper Possession of a Firearm in or Upon a Motor Vehicle
Murden was given a $100,000 10% cash or surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8 at 1:30 p.m.
