The City of Port Huron held a significant meeting on January 13, 2025, where discussions centered around the controversial Tema Jinkensu case, which has raised questions about wrongful convictions and community safety.

The meeting began with remarks from Nolan Finley, an award-winning editor, who highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding Jinkensu, an individual convicted in the 1986 murder of Scott Mecklen. Mecklen was killed in what prosecutors described as a jealous rage, as he was engaged to Jinkensu's ex-girlfriend. Notably, the murder took place at Saint Clair County Community College, and the case has been marred by a lack of eyewitnesses and minimal physical evidence linking Jinkensu to the crime.

Finley pointed out that witnesses have since come forward, placing Jinkensu 435 miles away in Escanaba just hours after the murder. Despite this alibi, prosecutors suggested that Jinkensu could have chartered a private plane to return to Port Huron, a claim that lacked supporting evidence.

In 2010, federal judge Denise Paige Hood acknowledged Jinkensu's wrongful conviction and ordered a new trial. However, this ruling was later overturned on procedural grounds by an appellate court. The judge also noted ineffective assistance of counsel and prosecutorial misconduct during the original trial, which has left a lasting impact on the community.

The meeting also addressed recent violence in the area, including the murder of a young man at the Roche Bar, with community members expressing frustration over the lack of answers and action. Ken Harris, a local resident, called for a special prosecutor to investigate the ongoing issues surrounding these cases.

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere remained tense, with community members eager for accountability and justice. The discussions underscored the need for continued dialogue and action regarding both past and present criminal cases in Port Huron.