ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Nearly two months after a mistrial, the case against a Delta County man who shot his former father-in-law has been dismissed without prejudice.
Jacob Cronick stood trial in early March for non-fatally shooting Eric Parrotta. In January of 2024, Cronick’s ex-wife and four men, including Parrotta, arrived at his home to collect her property. Cronick told Parrotta to leave several times, and the men got into a verbal argument.
Cronick testified that he was afraid of Parrotta due to past confrontations. Parrotta knocked Cronick’s phone out of his hands during the argument, at which point Cronick said he thought Parrotta intended to kill him. Cronick then pinned Parrotta against the hood of a vehicle. In video footage of the incident, other men can be heard saying the phrase, “Put him to sleep.” Cronick testified that he believed he was “about to be killed.”
When Cronick broke free of the physical struggle, he grabbed his gun from inside his vest, walked toward the other individuals, and pushed past three of them as he advanced toward Parrotta. He described his vision as if there were a sheet over his eyes.
Video shows Parrotta stretching out his arm. According to Cronick’s testimony, he believed Parrotta was aiming a gun at him. Cronick shot Parrotta in the abdomen, leading to a three-day hospitalization.
The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision in the case. Therefore, the judge declared a mistrial on March 8, 2025.
On April 25, 2025, the Delta County Circuit Court informed WZMQ 19 that the case against Cronick had been dismissed. County Prosecutor Lauren Wickman submitted a motion of nolle prosequi on April 24.
“Following the jury trial, with the outcome of a hung jury, that required the Court to declare a mistrial, the People diligently pursued information to make a decision on how to proceed forward,” the document states, listing Wickman’s reason for dismissal. “With this information, the People considered all options, thoughtfully and thoroughly. After such careful consideration, the People have decided to not pursue the matter to trial again.”
When asked for a statement on the dismissal, defense attorney Michael Boyle told WZMQ 19, “I believe this was the appropriate resolution and I am thrilled for Jake and his family to begin the next chapter of his life.”
WZMQ 19 also reached out to Wickman for comment and will update this story if she responds.
