A 59-year-old man from the Zeeland area has been sentenced to more than three decades in prison for the killing of his longtime partner, bringing a tragic case to a close more than two years after the crime.
Sentencing Details
Randall Grinwis received a prison sentence of over 32 years on March 30 after being convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Donna Hyma, 63.
The sentencing took place in Grand Haven, following a lengthy investigation and legal proceedings.
Details of the Crime
Hyma was found dead in her home in Zeeland Township on January 1, 2024. Authorities later determined that she died from asphyxiation.
Grinwis, who had been in a long-term relationship with the victim for around 20 years, was later located and arrested in Las Vegas.
Family’s Emotional Statement
During the sentencing hearing, Hyma’s daughter, Lisa Vanderyacht, shared an emotional statement describing the deep sense of betrayal felt by the family.
She told the court that her family had trusted Grinwis, emphasizing that the relationship appeared normal despite occasional arguments. According to her, nothing about the day of the incident suggested it would turn deadly.
Conflicting Accounts of Surrender
Defense attorney Phil Sielski argued that Grinwis turned himself in due to overwhelming guilt and remorse.
However, prosecutors disputed this claim, stating that financial difficulties — including gambling losses — likely motivated his decision to surrender. They alleged he might have continued evading authorities if not for running out of money.
Additional Charges and Restitution
In addition to the murder conviction, Grinwis was also found guilty of a larceny-related offense after items were reported missing from the victim’s home.
The court ordered him to pay $5,445 in restitution, which includes funeral expenses.
A Case Marked by Loss and Reflection
Grinwis did not address the court during sentencing. The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the long-lasting emotional toll on victims’ families.