FLINT – Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed a Grand Blanc Township man’s murder conviction agreeing that he received a fair trial in the killing of his girlfriend.
In 2021, David Allan Reed, 53, was convicted by a jury in Genesee County Circuit Court for the February 11, 2018 strangling death of 53-year-old Ranee Marie McKelvey. After killing McKelvey, Reed tried to burn down her house with her lifeless body and dog in it. Reed was found guilty of second-degree murder, preparing to commit arson to a dwelling, and third degree animal cruelty.
According to testimony at trial, the victim’s niece and a neighbor were doing a welfare check on her after she had failed to show up for work. Upon entering the home, they noticed an overwhelming smell of natural gas and there were candles burning in the house. They found McKelvey deceased and face down on her bed with her dog sitting by her side.
Reed and McKelvey had been living together for a few months at the time of the murder. Reed told police that he accidentally killed McKelvey while practicing self-defense techniques on her and the gas leak in the home must have occurred when he moved the gas stove in order to get better access to the refrigerator in order to defrost it.
Reed was sentenced to serve a concurrent term of 50 to 100 years for second degree murder, 15 to 30 years on the arson charge and 4 to 15 years for torturing of an animal.
“It was a grievous crime and I’m pleased Reed will remain incarcerated for a very long time for his actions,” said Prosecutor Leyton after the Appeals Court’s decision was issued.
