Man Charged In Connection With 2006 Murder Of 86-Year-Old Woman

LAPEER COUNTY (WWJ) -  A man from Michigan's Thumb is facing charges in connection with the 2006 murder of a Lapeer County woman.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Paul Snider reports that the charges filed against the man do not include murder.

Not yet, anyway, as the investigation into the killing of 86 year-old Marie Warren is continuing.

For now, authorities are charging Frank Choate with home invasion, possession of stolen property and obstruction of justice. He's also facing weapons charges.

Warren was found dead in October of 2006. She had been beaten to death and her fingers and thumbs had been cut off.

A woman who identified herself as being engaged to Choate says authorities have the wrong man. "He's got a heart of gold, he wouldn't do this," she says.

Choate is due in court Tuesday.