Preliminary exam set for Port Huron Twp. man charged with open murder

A preliminary examination has been set for a man charged with open murder after the body of a woman was found at a Port Huron home. 

Dustin Tucker, 27, of Port Huron Township, appeared before St. Clair County District Court Judge Mona Armstrong for a probable cause hearing Tuesday morning. 

David Heyboer, Tucker's attorney, said he was waiting for additional evidence in the case. 

A preliminary examination hearing is set for 1 p.m. on June 30. 

Tucker is charged with open murder, second-degree arson and unlawful imprisonment.

He is being held without bond. 

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The Port Huron police and fire departments responded to the 1800 block of Division Street at 8:16 a.m. on May 29 for a fire investigation. The caller reported smoke in the home and a body. 

Read more: Slain Port Huron woman described as 'funny, exciting, full of joy'

Danielle Smith, 28, of Port Huron, was found dead at the scene, the Port Huron Police Department has said. 

Later that same morning, Port Huron police executed a search warrant in the 2400 block of Hopps Road in Port Huron Township. Tucker, who lived at the home and was in a dating relationship with Smith, was arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County jail, the police department said. 

Smith's sister, Autumn Smith, described her as a beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend and coworker.

“We are struggling as a family to cope with such a profoundly devastating loss,” she said in an email. “My sister leaves behind a heartbroken young child.”

Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or at lfitzgeral@gannett.com.