PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM)- Based on newly discovered evidence, the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office is now charging a White Pigeon man with open murder in the death of Decatur woman last September.
29 year old Colby Martin was arraigned on the open murder charge in Van Buren County District Court Wednesday. He was ordered held without bond.
Martin was originally charged with manslaughter with a motor vehicle, concealment of death, and failure to stop at the scene of an accident after detectives said 64 year old Melody Rohrer was hit and killed by while jogging in Hamilton Township near Oak Shores Campground September 20, 2021.
Martin reportedly struck Rohrer with his vehicle, then disposed of her body in a secluded area in St Joseph County. Martin was taken into custody the following day.
Melody Rohrer was last seen walking in the 84000 block of County Road 215 in Hamilton Township Sept. 20, 2021 (courtesy of Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office)
Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott Thursday said investigators discovered additional evidence and information, which was presented to the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office, who then authorized the open murder charge.
Martin is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference on the updated charges in Van Buren County District Court March 9, 2022.
Rohrer was a grandmother of four and a retired Bronson Methodist Hospital nurse.
