A Michigan man accused of attempting to abduct two girls reportedly made a crude gesture at their families in court as he reversed his decision to enter a plea deal. Endi Bala, 25, appeared in a Mount Clemens courthouse in August 2024 for charges stemming from alleged attempted kidnappings.
Bala had been expected to plead no contest but unexpectedly changed his mind, according to reports. When asked by the presiding judge if he wished to enter a plea, Bala responded, "No." His attorney stated that Bala had reconsidered after a conference in chambers. Throughout the hearing, Bala was reportedly disruptive, prompting his attorney to tell him to "shut your mouth" and the judge to warn him against communicating with gallery members.
As Bala was being escorted out of the courtroom, he allegedly made a gesture at the girls' families. "Unbelievable," said Coryne Childers, one of the girls' mothers. "How is it OK for him to turn and flick us off, smile at us, yet if we say one thing, we’re threatened, we’re going to get kicked out of court?"
Bala, originally from Albania, faces charges of kidnapping and child enticement for allegedly attempting to abduct a 7-year-old and a 15-year-old within a 45-minute period in August 2024. He allegedly forced the 7-year-old into his car on Clinton River Road, but a bystander intervened, and the child escaped. Bala then allegedly approached the 15-year-old on her bicycle, grabbed her, and attempted to force her into his car. Her aunt intervened, struggling with Bala for the child's safety until another motorist blocked Bala's vehicle, allowing the girl to escape.
Bala was declared competent to stand trial, despite a previous psychiatric evaluation suggesting he was "legally insane" at the time of the alleged offenses. A judge had previously rejected a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Bala has been held in jail for nearly two years and has faced separate accusations of vandalism while incarcerated, including allegedly putting feces on a cell phone, smashing a tablet, and flooding his cell.
Bala's pre-trial hearing is scheduled for August 24, with a potential trial date set for October. The victims' families have expressed a desire for the legal proceedings to conclude promptly. Lori DeMars, the grandmother of one of the victims, stated, "Let’s just go to trial in October and be done with it because these are just games he is playing."
Immigration Custom Enforcement has reportedly informed the families that Bala faces deportation after serving any potential prison sentence. However, one of the victims' aunts has called for a life sentence, expressing concern that he should not harm any more children.