Man convicted of manslaughter in Ann Arbor stabbing

A jury in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has found Ronnie Magbray, 28, guilty of manslaughter in connection with the fatal stabbing of a transgender woman, Amira O’Neill. After about 13 hours of discussions, the jury reached its decision on March 20, 2025. Magbray was also found guilty of three charges related to obstructing police. He could face up to 15 years in prison. Judge Arianne Slay is set to sentence Magbray on May 23. He declined a plea deal that would have ensured a sentence between six to 15 years if he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Magbray's defense attorney stated that he understood the verdict and would be alright with it. Initially, Magbray faced a charge of open murder, which could have led to a life sentence. The stabbing occurred on July 6, 2023, during a meeting between Magbray and O’Neill outside an apartment complex in Ypsilanti. There were two eyewitnesses to the incident. They testified that O’Neill appeared to approach Magbray with a broken pipe, which led to the fatal altercation. A friend of Magbray, Benjamin Keough, described trying to intervene but was unable to control the situation. O’Neill was known for her generosity in the community. Her sister remembered her as someone who would help others without being asked. The family described her as a well-loved figure in Ann Arbor.