Judge orders to secure documents in Jabalee case

Christine Ferretti / The Detroit News

Mount Clemens -- A Macomb County Circuit Court judge today ordered prosecutors to secure all FBI documents relevant to the case against a Clinton Township man accused in the 2006 slaying of his parents to allow the man's attorney to prepare for trial.

Judge Richard Caretti made the ruling during a pretrial hearing this morning for Ronald F. Jabalee, 41, who is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the Oct. 7, 2006, death of his parents, Ronald G. and Christine Jabalee.

Jabalee's attorney Stephen Rabaut said he's still waiting for various FBI reports, including a polygraph test conducted for Jabalee. Rabaut said he is also awaiting documentation about what may have been seized from computers at Jabalee's home and business.

Caretti set another pretrial for Dec. 9.

Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Steven Kaplan said in advance of the next hearing he plans to file a motion seeking the admission of testimony from an FBI behavioral scientist at trial. The witness has reviewed photographs and autopsy and police reports and concluded the crime was domestic in nature and not perpetrated by a stranger.

Jabalee was indicted June 26 by a grand jury in the Oct. 7, 2006, slayings.

Police say they noticed and began documenting Jabalee's concerning behaviors shortly after the slayings, but sealed transcripts to prevent authorities from releasing specifics on what prosecutors are calling "financial motives."

The Jabalees, both 58, were found beaten and stabbed to death in the garage of their New Baltimore home. Next to their bodies was a blood-scrawled message police believe was written in an attempt to identify their killer.

Jabalee is out on bond awaiting trial. He is fitted with a GPS tether, must report for daily drug testing and is prohibited from speaking with various relatives and a neighbor, all of whom may be called as witnesses at trial.

Officials anticipate the trial will begin early next year.

cferretti@detnews.com (586) 468-0343