Michael Corrado Death: What Happened to Walter Triplett Jr.? Netflix’s I Am A Killer Revealed
Michael Corrado Death: What Happened to Walter Triplett Jr.? Netflix’s I Am A Killer Revealed
On April 30, 2009, Michael Corrado, a 22-year-old from suburban Detroit, tragically lost his life after becoming an innocent bystander in a violent brawl. His death has since been explored in detail on Netflix’s I Am A Killer: Defense of Another, shedding light on the shocking circumstances that led to his untimely passing and the subsequent legal consequences for the man who caused it.
Michael Corrado: A Young Life Cut Short
Michael Corrado’s life was on a promising trajectory. Born and raised in suburban Detroit as the eldest of three children, Michael took full advantage of the opportunities before him. Even as a teenager, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, owning and operating a business. After graduating high school in 2004, he briefly attended college before deciding to pursue career opportunities instead. In 2007, Michael moved to Eastlake, Ohio, where he worked as a manager at a Wireless Toyz store. His success in business even earned him a feature in Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Though his engagement ended in 2008, Michael maintained a solid support system and built a life for himself in Ohio. But on the evening of April 30, 2009, everything changed. What started as a typical night out would end in tragedy for Michael.
The Tragic Incident: A Brawl Gone Wrong
Michael was at a bar in Eastlake, Ohio, when a fight broke out between several patrons. As tensions escalated, many people left the bar, trying to escape the chaos. Unfortunately, Michael was caught in the crossfire. As he stepped outside to avoid the conflict, he was struck in the face by an unidentified assailant. The punch sent him crashing to the ground, causing severe head injuries.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Michael passed away 19 hours later from his injuries. His death was ruled a homicide, and the man responsible for the assault, Walter Triplett Jr., was arrested shortly after the incident.
Walter Triplett Jr.’s Defense: Protecting His Sister
According to Walter Triplett Jr., the violence that led to Michael’s death was not intentional. Triplett, who had been with his twin sister, Wiltonya Triplett, at the time, claimed that he was acting in defense of her. Walter testified that Wiltonya was trying to break up the brawl when two men began to approach her aggressively. When one of the men appeared to threaten his sister, Walter intervened, believing that he was protecting her from harm.
Triplett’s actions, he said, were motivated by a desire to keep his sister safe and not by any malicious intent toward Michael. In court, he expressed deep remorse, stating that he never meant for anyone to get hurt, let alone cause a death.
The Legal Outcome: Conviction and Sentencing
While Walter Triplett Jr.’s defense suggested that his actions were not premeditated, the legal system still held him accountable. Although the jury was unable to reach a verdict on involuntary manslaughter charges, he was convicted of felonious assault, which led to his 18-year prison sentence.
The prosecution argued that, despite his intent to protect his sister, Triplett’s actions were reckless and resulted in Michael’s tragic death. Walter’s past legal issues, which included multiple arrests since he was 16, also weighed heavily in the sentencing. Despite efforts to turn his life around—he had recently become a father—his criminal history and the violent nature of the incident led to the maximum sentence of 18 years in prison.
The Aftermath: A Life Altered Forever
For Michael Corrado’s family and loved ones, his sudden death has left an irreplaceable hole. A young man with so much potential and promise was taken away in an instant, leaving behind only memories of what could have been.
As for Walter Triplett Jr., his conviction serves as a painful reminder that even actions driven by good intentions can have catastrophic consequences. Despite his remorse and claims of self-defense, the legal system ultimately held him responsible for the death of Michael Corrado, a young man who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Netflix’s I Am A Killer: Defense of Another offers a detailed look into the events that led to Michael’s death and Walter Triplett Jr.’s conviction. The documentary dives deep into the emotional and legal complexities of the case, offering insight into both the victim’s and perpetrator’s perspectives.
While nothing can bring Michael back, his story continues to resonate, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact of one split-second decision.