article courtesy of Morning Sun

A Midland County man has been convicted of first degree murder in the 1991 cold case death of a woman from Lee Township, which is approximately eight miles east of Oil City.

The defendant Michael Todd McIntyre, 52, from New Hudson, was found guilty by a Midland County jury of the murder of Diane Ross, the mother of his ex-girlfriend.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14 before Midland County District Court Judge Stephen Carras.

“I would like to thank Prosecutor Brooks, Attorney General Schuette and the detectives that have put in so much time on this case, Detectives Scott Holzinger and Brent Benzing,” said Scott Stephenson, Midland County Sheriff, in a news release. “Without Detectives Holziner and Benzing, Mr. McIntyre would still be a free man.”

Ross, then a 43-year-old double amputee, was beaten by McIntyre in her home in the early morning hours of Aug. 7, 1991.

She died several hours later from her injuries.

Ross’ then-five-year-old grandson was present at the time of the murder and sought help for his grandmother following the crime. The case went unsolved for 25 years.

In 2014, the Department of the Attorney General was asked to join the investigation after a review of cold cases by Stephenson revealed new evidence pointing investigators toward a suspect and which resulted in the murder conviction.

At the time of the murder, the victim’s daughter had recently broken off a relationship with McIntyre. He was interviewed by police about the murder of Diane Ross in 1991.

Also in 2014, after a review of pending cold cases, additional witnesses were located and interviewed and physical evidence was submitted for further review.

It was after this investigation that charges were brought against McIntyre.

In March of last year, Schuette, Brooks and Stephenson formally charged McIntyre for the murder of Diane Ross.

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“After this individual escaped prosecutors for more than two decades, credit must be given to the Midland County Sheriffs Office, Prosecutor’s Office and Assistant Attorney General Oronde Patterson for their diligent work in securing today’s conviction,” said Schuette. “The dedication and skill of our local law enforcement are some of the reasons I am proud to call Midland County home.”