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Detroit News....
Caregivers charged with 'unspeakable acts' in starving death of 4-year-old
The aunt and uncle of a 4-year-old boy who starved to death on Mother's Day were charged today with four felonies, three of which carry life terms.
Matilda Jane Brown Gardner, 30, and Randy Steven Gardner, 32, both of Highland Park, were charged with premeditated murder, felony murder, torture and first-degree child abuse.
The first two counts carry a penalty of life without parole, the third is punishable by up to life in prison, and the fourth is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The charges, announced today by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, are related to the death of Robert Byrd, who weighed just 24 pounds and had bruises on his body.
Worthy said it was sadly ironic that the toddler was discovered on Mother's Day in his home in the 200 block of California Street in Highland Park.
"The child in this case suffered unspeakable acts that led to his death," she said.
The Gardners will be arraigned Thursday at noon at 30th District Court in Highland Park.
Five other children stayed in the home, including the victim's 6-year-old brother. The other children, who apparently were unhurt, have been removed from the home by Children's Protective Services.
An autopsy had determined Byrd died from starvation and neglect, and Highland Park Police suspect extensive bruises on his emaciated body also indicate abuse.
"What they deserve to be charged with is first-degree premeditated murder," said Michelle Burnett, sister of the boy's biological father, Anthony Byrd Sr., 31.
The child, who relatives said suffered from sickle cell anemia and his brother, had been in the custody of the couple since 2009, when their father served nine months for felonious assault. The father said he was unable to regain custody after his release. Their mother died in 2007 of a brain aneurysm.
The Gardners have been in police custody since Sunday.
Burnett said the family has been unable to afford to make funeral arrangements. She said donations may be made to the Robert Byrd Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank branch.
Detroit News....
Caregivers charged with 'unspeakable acts' in starving death of 4-year-old
The aunt and uncle of a 4-year-old boy who starved to death on Mother's Day were charged today with four felonies, three of which carry life terms.
Matilda Jane Brown Gardner, 30, and Randy Steven Gardner, 32, both of Highland Park, were charged with premeditated murder, felony murder, torture and first-degree child abuse.
The first two counts carry a penalty of life without parole, the third is punishable by up to life in prison, and the fourth is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The charges, announced today by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, are related to the death of Robert Byrd, who weighed just 24 pounds and had bruises on his body.
Worthy said it was sadly ironic that the toddler was discovered on Mother's Day in his home in the 200 block of California Street in Highland Park.
"The child in this case suffered unspeakable acts that led to his death," she said.
The Gardners will be arraigned Thursday at noon at 30th District Court in Highland Park.
Five other children stayed in the home, including the victim's 6-year-old brother. The other children, who apparently were unhurt, have been removed from the home by Children's Protective Services.
An autopsy had determined Byrd died from starvation and neglect, and Highland Park Police suspect extensive bruises on his emaciated body also indicate abuse.
"What they deserve to be charged with is first-degree premeditated murder," said Michelle Burnett, sister of the boy's biological father, Anthony Byrd Sr., 31.
The child, who relatives said suffered from sickle cell anemia and his brother, had been in the custody of the couple since 2009, when their father served nine months for felonious assault. The father said he was unable to regain custody after his release. Their mother died in 2007 of a brain aneurysm.
The Gardners have been in police custody since Sunday.
Burnett said the family has been unable to afford to make funeral arrangements. She said donations may be made to the Robert Byrd Memorial Fund at any Fifth Third Bank branch.
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