Autopsy: Detroit Girl Was Stabbed In Heart, Had Bite Mark
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - An autopsy report says an 8-year-old Detroit girl who authorities say was killed by her mother was stabbed in the heart and had a bite mark on her body.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office report obtained Thursday by the Detroit Free Press says Tameria Greene also appeared to have been "poorly nourished."
The report says the young girl had injuries on her left arm "consistent with a bite mark." It also says she had abrasions on her head and right shoulder, as well as small scars on her arms and legs.
Police say Tameria was found dead in her home on Larned Street, near downtown Detroit, on Dec. 30. Her mother, 26-year-old Semeria Greene, has been charged with first-degree murder. A judge on Wednesday ordered a mental evaluation for her.
Investigators say at least one of Tameria's siblings witnessed her death. Her 4-year-old brother told authorities his mother "had a big knife and cut his sister and his mother killed Ti-Ti." According to court documents, the young boy also continues to re-enact Tameria's death.
A neglect case against Greene began in October, after Tameria was found to have bruises and bite marks on her body. A court official who was asked to remove Tameria and the other children from the home, however, turned down the state's request because he believed there was no immediate danger.
"They're in no more danger today than they were yesterday. And no one came to court yesterday to ask for the children to be removed," Richard Smart, a referee in the family division of Wayne County Circuit Court, said on Nov. 23, referring to Tameria and her four siblings -- all boys ages 7, 4, 2 and 1.
Smart told the department that it could appeal his decision to a judge, but the state declined. Instead, the removal request was set for a January 24 trial. Five weeks later, Tameria was found dead.
The state now wants to end Greene's parental rights to her other children, who are currently in the care of Child Protective Services.
Read more about the Greene case, here.
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