KALAMAZOO, Mich – A man from Battle Creek is facing four charges in connection with the death of a woman over the weekend.
Christopher Oros, who detectives say confessed to murder, was arraigned Tuesday in Kalamazoo County District Court, charged with killing Marie Elizabeth McMillan.
McMillan’s body was found Saturday after Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers responded to an apartment fire.
Investigators say the fire was started around 8:30 p.m. Saturday in McMillan’s bedroom at the Clayborne Court Apartments.
During an autopsy, it was determined McMillan had been stabbed several times.
Officers developed a suspected named ‘Chris’ after speaking with other residents of the apartment complex who said ‘Chris’ was going door-to-door, begging for money.
One of the residents allowed ‘Chris’ to use their phone and wrote down the number he called.
Detectives tracked the number to Christopher Oros.
While interviewing Oros’ girlfriend in Battle Creek, investigators say they were notified Oros was headed toward the area because of a ping on his cellphone.
Battle Creek police, who were asked to assist in arresting Oros, attempted to make a traffic stop, which Oros ignored. After parking, Oros ran away, but was eventually arrested.
Investigator say Oros waived his Miranda rights and eventually confessed to the killing.
He is now facing charges of open murder, felony murder, arson and second-degree home invasion.
The family of Marie McMillan released the following statement to Kalamazoo Public Safety:
“We, the family of Marie McMillan are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our loved one. We will miss her kind and generous heart. Marie was a loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. She was artistic, and her poetry, writing and drawings will always remain a part of us. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for their diligence and dedication in the investigation of our loved ones death. We ask that our privacy be respected during our time of grief.”
