Coulier accused of smashing girlfriend’s phone

Coulier

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — Mark Anthony Coulier, who twice stood trial for the 2000 murder of his estranged 30-year-old wife, Joyce Douglas-Coulier — but the case was dismissed both times — was arraigned last month in 78th District Court on a two-year felony of interfering with electronic communications.

The 54-year-old, whose address is currently listed as 165 S. 56th Ave., Mears, was arrested June 19 by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, and his bail was set at $5,000/cash/surety/10 percent cash. He posted $500 and is currently free on bond, according to his court file.

The incident occurred the evening of May 18 at a residence on Buchanan Road in Benona Township, according to the police report. His girlfriend told police that she was attempting to call 911 because “she felt threatened” after Coulier was calling her derogatory names. “Mark grabbed the phone, wrestling her for it,” the police report states. “He was able to get the phone away from her and smashed it over his knee. She believes he grabbed her in the shoulders and pushed her down to the ground, but she does not really know how she got to the floor. She called for help and at that time her nephew came up to the room and Mark got away from her. He grabbed his McMaster’s whiskey and coke, spilling the coke all over her.”

The report states that she had a scratch on her right chest area, but no medical treatment was sought.

Coulier’s preliminary conference is set for July 20 at 3 p.m.

On Aug. 28, 2000, Joyce Douglas-Coulier’s decomposing body was discovered about 50 yards behind an apartment building in the City of Hart where the couple had been temporarily staying. Police believe the murder occurred a month prior to the discovery of her body, which was lying in a shallow grave.

According to testimony during the trials, the couple had a history of violent fights fueled by alcohol and drugs, which often resulted in Coulier beating his wife.

Now retired 27th Circuit Court Judge Terrence Thomas ruled there was insufficient evidence and dismissed the cold case both times.