Prosecutor Files Nolle Prosequi, Ending Case Against James Frisbie

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Kent County prosecutors have ended their pursuit of a suspect in one of Grand Rapids region's most enduring cold cases, dropping charges against James Frisbie in connection with the 1981 disappearance of 14-year-old Deanie Peters.

The Kent County Prosecutor's Office filed a nolle prosequi in January 2026, formally terminating the prosecution of Frisbie. The decision comes after years of legal proceedings and a series of court rulings that ultimately undermined the case against him.

Frisbie was originally charged in 2021 with resisting and obstructing police and perjury during the investigation into Peters' disappearance. However, the charges did not allege he was involved in the actual disappearance itself.

Legal Path Led to Case Dismissal

A May 2025 ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals became the turning point. The court determined the district court erred by binding Frisbie over on the perjury charge and found the search and seizure of his cell phone was improper. The Michigan Supreme Court denied prosecutors' appeal of that ruling in October 2025.

Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker told FOX 17 that his office could not proceed following the Court of Appeals' decision.

We cannot move forward with this case under the circumstances, Becker said.

A 45-Year-Long Mystery

This year marks 45 years since 14-year-old Deanie Peters vanished from Forest Hills Central Middle School on February 5, 1981. The case has captivated families and investigators for decades, with no resolution in sight.

In February 2026, FOX 17 aired a special report titled "Where is Deanie?" that opened up evidence collected in the case, hoping to finally answer the question that has plagued investigators for four and a half decades.

Frisbie Says Family Still Under Suspicion

James Frisbie has publicly expressed frustration that the case against him lingered for so long, even after charges were ultimately dropped. He told WOODTV that his family continued to face scrutiny while he was under suspicion.

I had to watch my mom die through this, and my mom not knowing, but my mom knew, as soon as she entered the gates, that she knew everything, Frisbie said.

Frisbie's mother passed away in 2022, while he was still under suspicion in the case. He stated that she appeared to understand the situation as soon as she entered the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.

Investigation Continues

Despite closing this particular case, the Kent County Sheriff's Office continues to actively pursue any information that could help solve Deanie Peters' disappearance.

Investigators encourage anyone with information about the case to come forward. The Sheriff's Office provides multiple ways for tips to be submitted:

• Call: (616) 632-6125
• Online form available through the sheriff's office
• Silent Observer line: (616) 774-2345 or online form

The family continues to search for answers, and the special report aired by FOX 17 brought renewed attention to the decades-old mystery that has defined their lives for 45 years.