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Jury convicts accused in 2021 double murder case in Alpena

Brad Srebnik, 36, guilty of two counts of first-degree premeditated homicide
SooLeader Staff
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NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL
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LANSING – An Alpena County jury on Thursday found Brad Srebnik, 36, of Alpena, guilty of two counts of first-degree premeditated homicide and three other felonies for the 2021 murders of Abby Hill, 31, and Brynn Bills, 17, following a nine-day trial in the 26th Circuit Court, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski announced.

Joshua Wirgau, 35, of Alpena, who was additionally charged for his role in the murders, pled guilty in November to one count each of Disinterment and Mutilation of a Dead Body, Felony Accessory After the Fact, and Involuntary Manslaughter.  Wirgau’s plea agreement came with a sentencing agreement requesting 15-30 years’ incarceration, and as a condition Wirgau agreed to cooperate with the prosecution in the trial of Srebnik.  Wirgau did so, testifying to the Court on Jan. 30, the second day of the trial.

Brynn Bills, then 17 years old, was picked up by Abby Hill in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2021.  Srebnik murdered her shortly after and with the help of Wirgau and Hill, buried her body in Wirgau’s backyard.  On Sept. 25, 2021, Srebnik, Wirgau, and Hill were dropped off in a remote area of Alpena to camp, where Srebnik murdered Hill by gunshot to keep her from revealing information about the murder of Bills.  Hill’s body was discovered there on October 15th of that same year.

The jury today found Srebnik guilty of:

  • One count of first-degree premeditated homicide for the murder of Brynn Bills, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole;
  • One count of first-degree premeditated homicide for the murder of Abby Hill, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole;
  • One count of disinterment and mutilation of a dead body for the burying of Brynn Bills, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ incarceration;
  • One count of felony firearm – second offense, using a firearm in the commissioning of a felony, five years’ incarceration consecutive to any underlying charges; and
  • One count of felon in possession of a firearm, a felony with a maximum sentence of five years’ incarceration.

“The murders of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill shocked the community, and it is our hope that these convictions may bring some peace and healing to the friends and family of these two young women whose lives were tragically cut short,” said Nessel. 

“I am thankful to have a great partnership with the Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski and the Michigan State Police in prosecuting these heinous crimes, and I appreciate this jury’s verdict to bring justice upon the defendant.”

"I'd like to thank the family members and loved ones of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill who have been through this long process with us,” Alpena County Prosecuting Attorney Cynthia Muszynski said. 

“The success of this case is directly attributable to the expertise and resources of the Attorney General's Office and the Michigan State Police. With these verdicts, justice has finally been achieved for these young people and they will go a long way in helping these families and this community begin the healing process."

“MSP investigators are hopeful this verdict starts to heal the wounds inflicted on this community and provides some degree of closure to the families and loved ones of Brynn and Abby,” stated Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP.

Sentencing dates have not yet been set.

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