Battle Creek man arrested for shooting roommate - Examiner.com

As the murder rate in Battle Creek increases from last year, another resident has been murdered, approximately one week after the arson murder of an 8-year old girl, also from Battle Creek. A man allegedly shot his roommate early Thursday morning, Dec. 6, 2012.

Robert James Reno, 30, has been charged with shooting and killing his roommate, Ian Michael Millard, 24. They shared a residence at 178 Vale St. Reno's father also lives at the residence and was asleep when a fight broke out between his son and Millard. He left the residence before the shooting occurred.

Millard died at the scene after receiving a single gunshot to the chest. According to Detective Sgt. Jim Martens of the Battle Creek City Police Department, Reno called 911 at 1:38 a.m., right after the shooting occurred. He remained at the scene of the shooting and was taken into the police department for questioning. He was arrested later in the day and charged on the following charges:

• Open murder
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
• Being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Reno has also been charged as a habitual offender because if prior convictions of marijuana delivery (2002) and attempted resisting and obstructing police (2010).

Several witnesses were taken into the Battle Creek City Police Department for questioning and refused to comment as they left the building.

Allegedly, the problem started at Fire & Ice Bar and Grill, 1745 E. Columbia Ave., where Millard was fighting with several people and had to be escorted home by bar staff. The bar was across the street from the residence where Reno and Millard both lived.

Once home, an argument erupted inside the home between Reno and Millard, which ended in the driveway with Millard being shot dead in the driveway.

People who knew the men are shocked at the events that have taken place. Millard's aunt remembers him fondly,

It is sad. It is heartbreaking and senseless...He (Millard) was a very friendly person. When you saw him again, you just picked up where you last left off. There was never an awkward moment. He just bubbled with personality.

The suspect's mother, Janice Reno, is upset her son has been charged with the murder, because he was the one who called 911 and performed CPR while waiting for help to arrive. She believes her son has been targeted because of his prior criminal record and claims,

They are hanging him out to dry because of his record.

Reno pleaded not guilty on Friday, Dec. 7, at Calhoun County District Court, and has asked for time to retain a private attorney. Preliminary examination is scheduled for Dec. 20.