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| David Tyll |
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| Brian Ognjan |
A small, hard-drinking town, one much like the one I reside in, kept a secret for years - 18 years to be exact. What happened? Something that will chill you to the bone. Here is the story of David Tyll and Brian Ognjan.
These two friends travelled from the suburbs of Detriot in 1985 to Mio, in northern Michigan, for a nice relaxing weekend of deer hunting. Their fates would come to light as this did not turn out to be any "normal" hunting trip.
When they never returned from their trip, their families suspected foul play because they were responsible men who would not follow through with some of the rumors - like leaving their families to begin new lives. Although the families were right, it took the police 18 years to figure out the truth behind the lies.
Here's the story: The men were seen extremely intoxicated in a bar by a bunch of locals. Barbra B. just happened to be in the bar. She was a town drunk and had had more than a few drinks that night. However, eighteen years later, when talking to police, she assured them that she held her alcohol well and knew everything that happened that night. Also, in the bar were the Duvall brothers - Raymond and Donald - also known as Coco and Jr. Barbra over heard them talking about beating the stumbling hunters to death and feeding them to their pigs because, "pigs have to eat too." That night, Barbra and a friend she was with at the bar left and stumbled home to her friend's house. Once they got there, they heard noises outside so they peaked to see what was going on. They were pleads for help... coming from David Tyll and Brian Ognjan. Coco and Jr. had baseball bats in their hands. According to Barbara, Coco swung the bat, first at David Tyll, and "his head just disappeared." Brian got away but it didn't take long for them to catch him. They stood him up and said, "Look, he peed his pants." Then, they swung at him resulting in the loss of his life as well.
Barbra and her friend made a beeline for the door, sneaking to her house hoping that the men hadn't noticed they were there. Once they got to her house, there was a beating on her door. Coco and Jr. warned her: "You saw nothing. You heard nothing. The pigs need to eat too." Barbra, scared for her life, vowed to keep their secret.
What will happen next? Check back to find out.
info from investigation.discovery.com
I'd love to see what you come up with for a part two, since you pretty much covered everything in part one. Mio should not be defined by this incident. Just because a few bad apples reside in a town (these two, for the record, lived in Skidway Lake, not Mio) doesn't make the entire town bad. There are plenty of gruesome murders in bigger cities in Michigan - Detroit, Flint, and even Saginaw - but since this one happened in a small town it becomes big news? Yes, it's a great tragedy, but so are the thousands of other murders that go unsolved for decades. The sad part about all of this is that books based on this story are now reading materials for Universities. Whenever someone from Mio has to explain to someone from "down state" where they are from, the look they get are of total fear (or blank expressions from those who have no idea where Mio is). It has gone way beyond a couple of guys getting murdered. It has caused an entire generation of Mio's children to be looked down upon by people who don't know any better and don't want to learn.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the luck in the world with your studies, and just the fact that you're mentioning this murder tells me that you're interested in what you're doing, so I do hope you get to accomplish all of your dreams. But please, before doing a half-baked story regurgitating dialogue used from I.D. (we've all seen it), do some research on the area the murder occurred in, give some background or insight, and don't make it seem as if the entire town is bad (still, even 11 years after the case was solved). We have our own issues still, and this need not be one of them.
I've never seen or read anything about them being from Skidway Lake.
ReplyDeleteYou're correct, most was covered in this write up.
They were from skidway lake,my mother grew up in mio,and most of her family still resides there
ReplyDeleteThey moved North from Monroe but went back and forth. Darker than Night is the book about it that is helping me connect the dots. I was in Annie's Bar, their hangout, in the late 80s and I think I ran into them. I also remember the unmarked cars just before they got Coco. I drove past his East-side Monroe home every day on my way to work.
ReplyDeleteFor a time they lived in a shack with a dirt floor in curtisville...my parents were friends with them..when I was in my young teens we went to a couple of their pig roasts..I played with their pit bulls...yes they were roughnecks and not somebody you wanted to cross but they weren't the monsters that the book darker than night made them out to be..we had a cabin in south branch and still have property, we spent a lot of time there and visited them frequently
ReplyDeleteSomeone who would beat someone to death with a bat is a monster the book was right MONSTER'S.
DeleteI totally agree. They are monsters in every sense of the word!
DeleteI totally agree. They are monsters in every sense of the word!
DeleteI totally agree. They are monsters in every sense of the word!
DeleteI totally agree. They are monsters in every sense of the word!
DeleteI bet that roast pig had a very special flavor!
DeleteIf you think that these two brothers who beat two innocent men to death are not monsters as portrayed in the book Darker Than Night, you are just as sick and demented as they are.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know if they are monsters? Do you personally know them? Just because the book says they are monsters, doesn't mean anything. A book has a story to sell. These people have been convicted of murder based on a town drunk & drug user 18 years after the crime was committed. It's not anyone's place to judge whether these two guys are monster's or not just because the book says they are. Unless you have all of the actual facts, or personally know them, how would you know if they're monsters? You are not God, it's not your place to judge anyone. Reading a book doesn’t provide you with anything but a story that was "based" on a true event.
DeleteHow do you know if they are monsters? Do you personally know them? Just because the book says they are monsters, doesn't mean anything. A book has a story to sell. These people have been convicted of murder based on a town drunk & drug user 18 years after the crime was committed. It's not anyone's place to judge whether these two guys are monster's or not just because the book says they are. Unless you have all of the actual facts, or personally know them, how would you know if they're monsters? You are not God, it's not your place to judge anyone. Reading a book doesn’t provide you with anything but a story that was "based" on a true event.
DeleteHow do you know if they are monsters? Do you personally know them? Just because the book says they are monsters, doesn't mean anything. A book has a story to sell. These people have been convicted of murder based on a town drunk & drug user 18 years after the crime was committed. It's not anyone's place to judge whether these two guys are monster's or not just because the book says they are. Unless you have all of the actual facts, or personally know them, how would you know if they're monsters? You are not God, it's not your place to judge anyone. Reading a book doesn’t provide you with anything but a story that was "based" on a true event.
DeleteMONSTER'S...........................................................
DeleteApparently a jury of 12 of their peers decided they were monsters as well. Hence the reason they are serving life sentences in prison for 1st degree murder. I'm sure that in addition to the testimony of the "town drunk" and "drug user" there was irrefutable evidence that pointed directly to both of them. Unless you were present at the trail, I really don't think you have any room to talk. Truth be told you are not God either, so how would you know the true nature of those animals? If you have all the actual facts, then maybe you should come forward and tell the public what you know and if you don't then I don't think it's your call to make judgements either.
DeleteThese two knuckle headed brothers,are in prison because their own big mouths put them there. I just read the book, and the entire time in the book they put more effort into telling people to dummy up or else. When they should've practiced what they preached. And I still never heard what the hell they killed them over did anyone ever hear for certain what it was over? Secondly if they had to call for back up, then they must not have been that tough, other wise why call for back up? It was two on two. Bottom line on this whole thing is the Duvall clan obviously didn't get enough attention from Mommy and Daddy growing up and thought right from wrong. And to the others who helped out the moron twins in violent crime. Don't sleep well at night & keep looking over your shoulder, because the law will get your sorry ass'es one day. To Brain & David's family I'm truly sorry for your loss, nobody should be put through that he'll. To the city of Mio & surrounding area I feel bad for you folks, I've been through your town it's a nice place, hopefully you guys won't let the actions of some pieces of trash tarnish your town, and keep ya's in fear. It's your town take it back!
DeleteThese two knuckle headed brothers,are in prison because their own big mouths put them there. I just read the book, and the entire time in the book they put more effort into telling people to dummy up or else. When they should've practiced what they preached. And I still never heard what the hell they killed them over did anyone ever hear for certain what it was over? Secondly if they had to call for back up, then they must not have been that tough, other wise why call for back up? It was two on two. Bottom line on this whole thing is the Duvall clan obviously didn't get enough attention from Mommy and Daddy growing up and thought right from wrong. And to the others who helped out the moron twins in violent crime. Don't sleep well at night & keep looking over your shoulder, because the law will get your sorry ass'es one day. To Brain & David's family I'm truly sorry for your loss, nobody should be put through that he'll. To the city of Mio & surrounding area I feel bad for you folks, I've been through your town it's a nice place, hopefully you guys won't let the actions of some pieces of trash tarnish your town, and keep ya's in fear. It's your town take it back!
DeleteAmen Carolyn, my thoughts exactly. They then dismembered these two INNOCENT hunters and fed the remains to pigs they kept on the property! Yeah, monsters they are. They are in prison where they belong.they were nothing more than bullies.
DeleteAmen Carolyn, my thoughts exactly. They then dismembered these two INNOCENT hunters and fed the remains to pigs they kept on the property! Yeah, monsters they are. They are in prison where they belong.they were nothing more than bullies.
DeleteWell I family that personally know these brothers and they are efin MONSTERS!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThats right.
DeleteThey are monsters. Wake up.
ReplyDeleteI know the type of people the Duvall brothers are. Losers who live up north barely making a living, poaching deer, drinking their problems away. Two guys from downstate show up at "their" bar with money to actually pay for their drinks. They get pissed off and decide to right their wrongs by killing two innocent guys just out having fun.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Them losers seen two guys that actually have a life a job and money they hated them because they seen what they would never or could never be. They will burn in hell forever see how they like that.
DeleteThey are sick lazy loser Bastard thugs. I'm glad they're rotting in jail!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Duvall brothers are a waste of humsn flesh. They should do the world a favor and kill themselves.
ReplyDeleteI hope Bubba took care of their asses.
DeleteI wanted to punch that lady Michelle Bissell for her comments about "MONSTERS', Kudos to Carolyn and others comments. I have a personal experience (knowing a close friend who was murdered) so it affects me very deeply. It completely changed my life and I have never been the same ever since. TO YOU MICHELLE, FOR YOU TO MINIMIZE THESE TWO MONSTER BROTHERS MAKES YOU ONE OF THEM, A MONSTER, YES THATS YOU!! I feel that I have a place to say how I feel based on MY experience of being very close to a special friend who was taken from us only because she is such a beautiful human being. She was a wonderful teacher whom I worked with. The guy was convicted BASED ON BEING A DRUG ADDICT WHO KILLED FOR A MEASLY 20 DOLLARS SO HE COULD FEED HIS HABIT. It devastated me hearing that she simply got a cup of coffee and got in her car, this MONSTER completely surprised her from behind and slit her throat. I think I've said enough, at least I vented. Michelle, thank you for helping me to unload in a healthy way. Thank you to those who heard me out...
ReplyDeleteThe Duvall Brothers are low life hillbilly punks who needed an ass whooping years ago.I would love to have the chance to meet them in "the yard." Unfortunately,someone from Mio or another town should have disposed of these pussy pieces of crap long ago! I think this Michelle Bissell is married to one of them.....she looks like the type.....
ReplyDeleteTo Michelle Bissell: My dear, either you're a troll, or you're a disturbed person in extreme denial, or you're every bit as twisted as these two convicted killers. Beating two innocent victims to death is indeed monstrous.
ReplyDeleteI just watched a movie on ID channel about this and they said that they called their brothers to come and help hold them while Coco and Jr hit them with a bat. Why weren't the other brothers also charged?
ReplyDeleteTook years just to get these two. I think one of the others that is suspected to have participated is dead. The case isn't closed on any others but probably won't happen at this point unless one of the Monster brothers squeals.
DeleteTook years just to get these two. I think one of the others that is suspected to have participated is dead. The case isn't closed on any others but probably won't happen at this point unless one of the Monster brothers squeals.
DeleteMy parents cabin was just over the hill from where these guys lived on Curtisville Road. I remember going there with my father (he wanted to hire J.R. to do some kind of work on my parents cabin) and meeting J.R.'s then wife (girlfriend) Eileen and their little daughter "Pebbles". Although we didn't know it at the time, these guys were bad news. At some point, they threatened to beat up my Uncle. My father heard about this and had some words with them. After that encounter, my parents cabin was robbed a few times. Some time later, Eileen was found dead in a ditch. My brother was called to testify but claimed he was drunk and fell asleep that night at Chets place and didn't know anything. Well, we all know who killed Eileen, even though her then husband is doing time for the murder. She knew about the hunters and threatened to tell the police. It's all 've r y sad and brutal. The peaceful feeling I used to get going up there is gone. The tainted that area with their brutality. Most of you are correct...they are MONSTERS!
ReplyDeleteI have read the book darker than night, once I started I couldn't put it down. Who saw the id movie, I cant seem to find it can you post the link.
ReplyDeleteThere were a few shows that covered their murders. http://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/sins-and-secrets/videos/sins-secrets-horrific-crime-haunts-mio-michigan.htm
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Mio/dp/B007PYFHMA
another rotten apple
http://www.sophocles.com/duval/page15.html
http://unsolvedmysteries.wikia.com/wiki/David_Tyll_and_Brian_Ognjan
Deletehttp://www.aetv.com/shows/cold-case-files/season-3/episode-19
You're really pretty.
ReplyDeleteThese two igorant, inbred, lowlife bastards only got away with this crime because the whole town was scared of them. One of the hunters beat one of the duvall brothers up and he ran to his brother like a punk! I really hope they are being raped Dailey in prison.
ReplyDeleteAs an outsider that just moved to Mio, I was shocked to read about these gruesome murders. Mio is in a beautiful area and most of the folks I've met are nice as hell. Mio's biggest problem is alcohol abuse. Not heroin, meth, or crime in general (got this from a rehab counselor friend). It is much like any other small town that has any bars. There will be an occasional fight and perhaps other sore, weak, losers. I wonder what would happen to the monsters if they were let out, god forbid. No doubt the law will screw up and set them free someday. Having just moved to MI I was pulled over by a state trooper on trumped up charges because I still had out of state plates. If state law enforcement is that corrupt, and it is, why in hell didn't they fake something to put these bad guys away sooner. I'm sure there's an honest state trooper here but my advice is, don't trust a one of them and avoid the traps set all along M33 by staying on I-75. That's screwed up. I'm saying Mio is a good place with a bad story but that shouldn't stop you from visiting. Your worst nightmare should be state law enforcement. Sorry to the good ones, I know you're out there. I'm just saying the people of Mio are far more trustworthy than our state law enforcement officers. Again. Sorry to offend. BTW, local law enforcement officers were awesome but couldn't help me once a state trooper was involved. I have MS and moved here to find peace. Now I'm afraid to drive anywhere on M33 but not because I'm afraid of the good people of Mio. Seriously, stay off M33 as much as possible. It is riddled with hidden state cops just itching to get the state some revenue.
ReplyDeleteTruth hurts, don't know where you always see state boys at because the only place I see them is on I75. I go up M33 often as I have family in Mio.
ReplyDeleteTruth hurts, don't know where you always see state boys at because the only place I see them is on I75. I go up M33 often as I have family in Mio.
ReplyDeleteIf you do the speed limit on m33,as anywhere else,you should have no problem.most state troopers are very flexible.,and I travel m33 all the time
ReplyDeleteThe Duvall brothers are just like any white trash in any small town in America. Tough when they're together in numbers. One on one they aren't much. Animals have more spine and more honor. They're losers. I hope they fit in jail forever. And if they get out they should be taken care of.
ReplyDeleteThe woman who lived in the trailer next to the bar they were at told the men she was going to tell on them and they threated to kill her boyfriend and her family so she shut up in fear. About 10 years later, she saw them about to beat someone else up and screamed she was going to tell on them and they went into her home and killed her dogs and cats to let her know they were serious so she kept her mouth quiet and had to live with this her whole life. when they were brought to jail on other charges she ran to the police to tell them if they would protect her (not let them out) she would tell them everything she saw. The truck was probably diassembled for parts seeing how that how they made their money and then probably buried somewhere on one of the properties. Which is more common than you think in rural up north.
ReplyDeletethe argument was over the 2 men who were killed were on public property hunting and shot a deer - the Duvalls came in and said that's not your deer and pointed their guns at the men, so the two men backed up and backed off - later that evening all of them ended up at the same bar and the two men said oh, we're going to kick your ass, now that you don't have your guns with you, and the Duvalls said oh yeah, lets take it outside - and as they were walking to a clearing one of the men grabbed their baseball bat from their truck and hit one of the men from behind before they knew what hit them.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I heard too. That it was all over a deer
DeleteThat's what I heard too. That it was all over a deer
DeleteThey made a movie about this type of backwoods Americans in the 1970's, y'all should watch it if you haven't yet, it's called Deliverance.
ReplyDeletenothing but backwoods loser inbreeds, but those young hunters should have known something was up with these low life, and more people were involved and didn't want to be caught, and the witnesses were so scared of the duval brothers i have been up there a few times when you go in a bar you are on display and starred down as with most small towns you know your not welcomed up there!
ReplyDeleteI lived in Mio, moved there as a small girl a few years after this happened.
ReplyDeleteMy ENTIRE LIFE the "rumor" was always they chopped them up and fed them to the pigs and hid their car in the state forest behind Mt. Mio ski hill (est area).
I was 11 and knew this to be truth- how did it take the police 18 years!?
Apparently they started the night at Lost Creek Ranch where they made some offhand remarks about northern hillbillies living in the north. Nothing directed at anyone just sort of how we would call out of town people flatlanders. The brothers took offense to this so the 2 men left the bar and went to the Saloon in town. The brothers followed them, kidnapped them and it ended with the pigs.
It didnt take the testimony of the local town drunk- the police could ha e asked any of us on the school yard and got the whole account timeline included. It was just there was zero evidence to make the rumors facts.