BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN) – A 25-year-old Bedford Township man is facing open murder charges in the case of his missing girlfriend.
Derek Depree Horton was arrested following the disappearance of his 27-year-old girlfriend Amber Griffin.
The 27-year-old woman was reported missing last week from the couple’s home at Creek Valley Mobile Home Park in Bedford Township. Detective Sgt. Joel Case said Monday morning that police believe she is dead.
Detectives reportedlyfound blood and other evidence suggesting Griffin was beaten at a house on Oneita Street sometime last Monday.
Police said the couple has a history of domestic violence.
Both Horton and Griffin’s mother reported her missing last Wednesday, and Horton told police he last saw her Monday.
Horton was arrested Friday on charges of domestic assault and interfering with a call to 911. The homicide charge was authorized Monday.
In the meantime police are seeking help as they continue the search for Griffin. A Michigan State Police helicopter was called in Saturday along with cadaver dogs and members of Battle Creek Search and Rescue who joined with Battle Creek police and the woman’s family to search several areas.
Anyone with information is asked to call Battle Creek Police dispatchers at (269) 781-0911 or Silent Observer at (269) 964-3888.
