Ex-music director tied to church death threats. Former employee faces 3 terrorism-related charges

[Ian David]

Ex-music director tied to church death threats
Former employee faces 3 terrorism-related charges for e-mails to parishoners

By John Michalak
Daily Tribune Staff Writer

TROY -- A displaced music director at the Evanswood Church of God faces four terrorism-related charges over e-mail threats to conduct a "Columbine or Virginia Tech type killing" aimed at 13 church members, police said.

Roy Owen Yaryan, 56, of Rochester Hills, was arraigned Tuesday and is held in lieu of $750,000 cash bond pending his preliminary exam in Troy's 52-4 District Court.

Troy Police Lt. Gerry Scherlinck said Yaryan sent out e-mails under the name of Evanswood Church of God Pastor A.C. Phipps while describing himself as having a Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.

"The e-mail indicated the recipients were about to see his Mr. Hyde side, as he was planning a Columbine or Virginia Tech-type killing at services the follow Sunday (April 29)," Scherlinck said.

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