A man from Michigan, Endy Barra, is facing attempted kidnapping charges after he reportedly behaved disruptively in court, even verbally assaulting the families of the victims. Barra, 25, was expected to plead no contest in Mount Clemens court for trying to abduct two girls, ages 7 and 15, but then unexpectedly withdrew from the plea deal.
Originally from Albania, Barra attempted to kidnap Olivia and Alexis within a span of about 45 minutes. He had indicated his willingness to plead but changed his mind just before entering the courtroom.
“You don’t want to enter a plea today?” asked Judge Matthew Szabo. Barra simply shook his head. His lawyer, Samuel Bennett, explained that after a discussion in the chambers, Barra decided against the plea for the moment.
Throughout the court proceedings, Barra was reported to be disruptive, with his lawyer even urging him to “shut up.” Judge Szabo reminded him not to communicate with anyone in the gallery, yet Barra allegedly made hostile gestures toward the families as he was escorted out.
Colleen Childers, Olivia’s mother, expressed her disbelief at Barra’s behavior, questioning how he could act so casually while facing such serious charges. She said, “How is that okay?” This sentiment was echoed by Olivia’s aunt, Alecia Swaykowski, who noted a sarcastic comment Barra made regarding her son’s birthday during the hearing.
Barra faces severe charges—kidnapping and child enticement—which can result in a life sentence. It’s alleged that he forcibly tried to get Alexis into his car after she rejected his advances on Clinton River Road. A bystander named Paul Billiter intervened, allowing the girl to escape, describing her as “screaming” and terrified.
In a separate incident, Barra reportedly tried to force Olivia into his car while she was riding her bicycle. Swaykowski, who stepped in to help Olivia, recounted a struggle for control of the steering wheel during the attempted abduction.
The pretrial hearing is set for August 24, with a possible trial date in October. Families have requested the judge to expedite the process. Although Barra has been deemed competent to stand trial, a psychiatrist previously described him as “legally insane” at the crime’s time, although this defense was rejected by Judge Szabo.
Alexis’ grandmother, Lori Demers, expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing that it seems like Barra is treating the legal proceedings like a game. She remarked on his behavior in court, likening it to that of a “two-year-old.”
Barra has been incarcerated for nearly two years and has faced additional charges for vandalism while in custody. It’s been reported that he caused damage to an inmate’s property.
After serving his sentence, there’s a possibility of deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but Swaykowski is advocating for a life sentence, stating, “I don’t want him to harm any child here, or in Albania.”
