First-degree murder conviction reinstated

KALAMAZOO (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has reinstated a first-degree murder conviction against a man who stabbed a woman 29 times in 2014.

Christopher Oros killed Marie McMillan, but he claimed it wasn’t premeditated. The appeals court reduced the conviction to second-degree murder, saying there wasn’t enough evidence for the higher crime.

The Supreme Court, however, says the Kalamazoo County verdict should stand. In a 5-2 decision last Thursday, the court said Oros had to think about grabbing a knife and “took time for reflection” before stabbing McMillan.

Prosecutors said Oros was going door-to-door as part of a scheme to get money.

In dissent, Justice Bridget McCormack says the law doesn’t allow “shortcuts,” even if they’re tempting. She and Justice David Viviano agreed with the appeals court.