Battle Creek, MI: Man charged in stabbing death

Walls, 43, was woman's boyfriend Trace Christenson The Enquirer Despite his denials, Reginald Walls was charged Thursday with murder in the death of his girlfriend. Walls, 43, was arraigned in Calhoun County District Court on a charge of open murder and of being a four-time habitual offender in the weekend stabbing death of Angela Brown. Asked by Magistrate Earl Brutsche during the arraignment if he understood the charges, Walls said, "Yes, but I didn't do it." But Battle Creek police said he is the man who attacked Brown, 39, about 9:45 p.m. Saturday near Capital Avenue Northeast and Wabash Avenue, stabbing her several times in the neck and chest. She died about an hour later at Battle Creek Health System. Witnesses said a person dressed in dark clothing walked away from Brown after she fell to the pavement. He was taken into custody Monday on a parole detainer. Based on witnesses and a statement by Walls, detectives said, a warrant was issued Wednesday by the Calhoun County prosecutor's office. Walls faces up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. Detective Sgt. Carter Bright said police believe the killing was premeditated. According to court records, Walls has convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, retail fraud and burglary between 1993 and 1996. He has been on parole since July 2008 after entering a plea for uttering and publishing. Friends said the couple had a nearly 10-year relationship and police reported some prior domestic violence incidents between the two. Brutsche told Walls a preliminary examination is scheduled for Sept. 1 and then ordered him held without bond. Trace Christenson can be reached at 966-0685 or tchrist@battlecr.gannett.com.