BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – A Calhoun County jury has convicted 67-year-old Rose Marie Derrick of Second Degree Murder in the stabbing death of her roommate.
The jury deliberated approximately 4 hours before returning their verdict in the December, 2020 homicide of 61-year-old Walter May.
He was found unresponsive by emergency responders at the apartment he shared with Derrick on College Street.
At the time, Derrick claimed May was having difficulty breathing. He was later pronounced dead.
The day prior, May had been released from the hospital after receiving a stab wound to the chest on December 5.
At that time, May stated he did not know how he had gotten stabbed. First responders observing May on December 14 found no obvious signs of new injury.
But an autopsy found an additional stab wound on May which was covered with a medical dressing.
The second stabbing took place after May was released from the hospital, with that wound being bandaged prior to first responders arriving.
A knife was recovered from the apartment as well as bloody clothing belonging to Derrick.
The blood on her clothing was later found to belong to May. Sentencing is scheduled on November 28, 2022, before Judge John Hallacy.
2nd Degree Murder carriers a maximum penalty of up to Life in prison.
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