I-96 shooting suspect Raulie Causteel formally arraigned; enters not guilty plea to terrorism charge

HOWELL, MI (WXYZ) - Standing before a camera in Livingston County Jail, Raulie Casteel pleaded not guilty to charges that he is a terrorist.    

Causteel was wearing an orange prison suit, and said very little.  He referred to a judge as "your honor," and declined to have the laundry list of new charges read to him in open court.   

Authorities say that he is the I-96 shooter who, for weeks, terrorized drivers with 24 random shootings that spanned four counties, injuring one.  

Attorney General Bill Schuette charged Casteel with one count of terrorism—punishable up to life in prison. Schuette also charged him with assault with intent to murder, and several weapons charges.  The terrorism charge is rare. This is only the second state charge that the AG’s office is aware of.

Schuette’s is leading the prosecution for shootings that took place in Ingham, Livingston and Shiawassee counties.  Oakland County is handling its own prosecution, and last month charged Casteel with 60 counts stemming from those shootings