FBI Joins Dragnet for Warren Woman’s Suspected Killer

WARREN, MI--The FBI has joined with local law enforcement authorities in the search for Anthony Iannotti, 34, who is wanted in the beating death of a 62-year old Warren woman, according to media reports.

FBI public affairs spokesman Timothy Wiley told The Macomb Daily that federal authorities are working with the Warren police and the Macomb County sheriff’s investigators in the case.

“We are deploying more resources to assist in whatever area we can for Warren police, as they remain the lead agency in this investigation,” Wiley said.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith authorized multiple charges against Iannotti on Monday: first-degree homicide, a life felony; felony murder homicide, a life felony; unlawful driving away of an automobile, a five-year felony; and larceny in a building, a four-year felony.

Donna Lawrence’s body was discovered Wednesday, Aug. 10, on her kitchen floor by family members, who went to her residence to check on her after neighbors reported a man in her apartment.

The man, who witnesses identified as Iannotti, was seen banging on her windows, and then leaving Lawrence’s apartment a short time later in her 2002 blue Daewoo Nubira station wagon.

Witnesses told WWJ/CBS Detroit that Lawrence’s apartment had been ransacked, and that her car and purse were missing. Lawrence’s car was recovered four days later in Royal Oak Township, but it is not known if her purse was found.

Michigan Department of Corrections records indicate that Iannotti has a history of fits of rage, and also has a lengthy criminal history, which include convictions for assault with intent to do great harm, aggravated stalking and fleeing police.

In his latest run-in with law enforcement officials on July 1, Iannotti was charged with domestic violence after he allegedly attempted to strangle Cassandra Hokanson, his ex-wife.

He was released on bond on Aug. 10, and is believed to have murdered Lawrence in her home the same day.

Hokanson, who told authorities she is fearful for her own safety, has been staying at her parent’s home in nearby Shelby Township.

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts, who is close to the investigation, says Iannotti was reportedly seen lurking near Hokanson’s home at about 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 13.

Hokanson’s father allegedly fired a couple of rounds at him — but didn’t hit him — and he disappeared into a wooded area,” Fouts said.
Since that incident, the Hokanson family has gone into hiding, the Macomb Daily reported.
Meanwhile, residents near the family home in Shelby Township say they aren’t worried about being attacked.

“This is a super quiet neighborhood, but he’s not after anyone else,” said Ron Fleming, who lives on Jamestown.

Iannotti is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him, or knows of his whereabouts, is advised to call 911 rather than approach him directly.

Image credit: Warren Police Department