The Jeffrey VanVels Trials began on February 25, 2008 to decide VanVels involvement in the July 8, 2007 shooting of Grand Rapids police officer Robert Kozminski. On March 5, 2008 the verdict of first-degree murder was cast, sentencing VanVels to mandatory life in prison without the opportunity for parole. A confession from VanVels, taped by Grand Rapids police during interrogation, was instrumental in the conviction.

• Google News: Jeffrey VanVels Trials
• The Grande Rapids Press: Tired Trial Participants Satisfied Jeffrey Vanvels Found Guilty (March 5, 2008)
  • "Obviously, I would have had more reason to doubt if it had not been for all the statements he made. When you combine that with the evidence of the shot, it showed he was guilty"
• The Grand Rapids Press: Juror with Medical Problem Dismissed (March 4, 2008)
• MSNBC: Vanvels Trial: Crime Scene Recreated (March 3, 2008)
• The Grande Rapids Press: Vanvels' Confession Airs in Court (March 3, 2008)
• The Grande Rapids Press: Fired Officer Takes the Stand in Vanvels Trial (March 1, 2008)
• WZZM News: Vanvels Murder Trial Underway, Police Testify to Prior Encounters (February 29, 2008)
• The Grande Rapids Presse: Jury Selection Continues in Jeffrey Vanvels Trial (February 26, 2008)
• The Grand Rapids Press: Trial in Killing of Grand Rapids Cop Begins (February 24, 2008)