Roommate charged in murder sparked by money spat

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) — The roommate of a Benton Harbor man found dead in the basement of his home is now charged with murder.

Jerry Lee Osler, 60, was arraigned Monday on charges of first-degree murder and concealing the death of 57-year-old Sylvester Booth.

Benton Harbor public safety officers found Booth’s body in his Lake Street home shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday. However, investigators say Osler confessed to stabbing Booth four or five days earlier.

Officers say Booth had a single stab wound to the chest. They found a knife blade and knife handle near his body.

Osler was arrested at the scene. Detectives say he confessed to stabbing Booth during an argument over money.

A judge Monday set Osler’s bond at $250,000 cash or surety with the condition that he wear a GPS tether if released.

Osler’s next court hearing is scheduled for March 13.

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