‘Unpredictable, bizarre behavior’: Man charged with murder in fatal apartment break-in

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A man who broke into a neighbor’s home naked and stabbed a woman to death has been charged with murder.

Anthony Flanagan, 40, was arraigned on Saturday, Sept. 14, by 15th District Court Judge Tamara Garwood on charges of murder, assault with intent to murder, first-degree burglary, second-degree cruelty to animals, assault with intent to inflict great bodily harm by strangulation and assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm. Flanagan is accused of killing Susan Erica Hammerton, 81.

If convicted, he faces a life sentence in prison.

Read more: Police name 81-year-old woman killed in burglary near Ann Arbor

Flanagan broke into Hammerton and her husband's home in the 1900 block of Breckland Drive around midnight on Friday, Sept. 13. The man reported being awakened by screaming and finding Flanagan standing naked inside his home, said Washtenaw County Assistant District Attorney Nicole Hughes.

Then Flanagan started hitting Hammerton.

When the 82-year-old man thought Flanagan was gone, he tried to save his wife, Hughes said. Flanagan then returned with a knife and stabbed the couple and their dog.

Flanagan went on a “crime spree” in the area and attempted to break into numerous homes, Hughes said.

“While he was actively attempting to enter another home and yelling words such as 'release my family,' the resident of that home called 911 and police were able to arrive on the scene and arrest Mr. Flanagan,” Hughes said.

Hammerton died during emergency surgery. Her husband and dog are expected to survive.

Flanagan, of Ann Arbor, was visiting his mother and brother shortly before the incident, he said during the arraignment. According to the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety, he had an argument with his family before the murder.

He did not know the couple, police said.

“I would argue this is a mental health issue,” said Kenneth Overwater, a Washtenaw County public defender.

Garwood denied Flanagan's bail, citing concerns for public safety, and referred him to mental health services.

“There was unpredictable, bizarre behavior that resulted in several people being injured and someone dying,” Garwood said.

Flanagan is being held in the Washtenaw County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on September 26.

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