Pittsford man arraigned on murder, theft charges

5/30/2001

HILLSDALE - A Hillsdale County man charged in the shooting death of his wife's uncle was arraigned in Hillsdale County District Court yesterday on several charges including open murder and armed robbery.

Michael Howard O'Brien, 21, of Pittsford, Mich., was arrested last week in connection with felony check charges in Lenawee County. He is charged with the murder of Ottis Cole, 64, and for stealing knives and prescription medicine from the dead man's mobile home.

Mr. O'Brien, who will turn 22 tomorrow, is charged with homicide, open murder, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, discharging a firearm in a building, armed robbery, and larceny in a building. He remains at the Lenawee County jail without bond pending a preliminary exam June 6.