MOUNT CLEMENS, Michigan — A 25-year-old man of Albanian origin accused of attempting to kidnap two minor girls in Michigan caused tension during a court hearing after allegedly making an offensive gesture toward the victims' families and withdrawing at the last moment from a planned plea agreement.
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Endi Bala appeared before the court in Mount Clemens for proceedings related to incidents that allegedly occurred in August 2024. He was expected to enter a "no contest" plea, meaning he would not contest the charges without formally admitting guilt, but changed his decision shortly before the hearing began.
During the court appearance, Bala reportedly behaved disruptively, repeatedly interrupting proceedings. According to U.S. media reports, his own attorney eventually told him to remain silent during the hearing.
The situation escalated as Bala was being escorted out of the courtroom. According to reports, he turned toward the families of the alleged victims and showed them his middle finger, provoking an angry reaction from relatives who questioned why such behavior was allowed while they were warned against responding.
The mother of one of the girls, Coryne Childers, reportedly expressed frustration over the incident, saying the accused appeared able to provoke the victims' families while they faced possible consequences if they reacted.
Bala is also accused of making an inappropriate remark toward Alecia Swejkowski, the aunt of one of the girls. Reports state that after she mentioned the next hearing would coincide with her son's birthday, Bala allegedly responded sarcastically: "Happy birthday to your son."
Two Alleged Kidnapping Attempts Within 45 Minutes
According to prosecutors, Bala allegedly attempted to abduct two girls — 7-year-old Olivia and 15-year-old Alexis — within a period of approximately 45 minutes.
Authorities allege that the first incident involved 15-year-old Alexis, who was walking near Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. Prosecutors say Bala grabbed her by force, but she managed to escape after a passerby, Paul Billiter, heard her screams and intervened.
Shortly afterward, prosecutors allege that Bala approached Olivia while she was riding a bicycle with her aunt in Sterling Heights. He allegedly grabbed the child and attempted to force her into his vehicle. The girl's aunt reportedly fought to protect her, while another driver blocked Bala's car, allowing the child to escape.
Bala faces charges including kidnapping and child enticement, offenses that could carry a sentence of up to life in prison if he is convicted.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 24, while the trial is expected to take place in October.
Earlier evaluations included a psychiatric assessment suggesting Bala may have been legally irresponsible at the time of the alleged offenses. However, the court later determined that he was competent to stand trial and rejected efforts to declare him not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against Bala have not been proven in court.