Two Disturbing Cases of Child Abuse
Court hearings took place Wednesday in two separate cases where mothers are charged with abusing their children.
Court Hearing For Mom Accused Of Faking Son's Cancer
The Roseville mother who allegedly told friends and neighbors that her son had cancer and eventually died, appeard in court Wednesday morning.
The 47-year-old Carol Schnuphase is charged with telling her Eastpointe church and community that her 12-year-old son had terminal cancer. During that time, the woman allegedly took $7,500 in donations that was raised for her family. To lend credibility to her claim, Schnuphase is accused of shaving the boy's head and eyebrows, and feeding him opiate-laced food to make him seem sick. Eventually, the woman claimed her son died from the cancer, but decided not to have a funeral.
Schnuphase, who gave police three different addresses, is facing charges of obtaining money under false pretences, and child abuse. Wednesday, a request to lower bond was denied and a mental competency exam was ordered. (More on this).
Harper Woods Mother Facing Murder Charges Following Baby's Death
A Harper Woods mother is due in court Wednesday morning to face murder charges in the death of her 8-month-old baby. The abuse allegedly took place in Warren, at a home Toepfer Street, where the suspect, Delniece Williams, had been visiting. Police Commissioner William Dwyer said Williams and her boyfriend took the battered child to the hospital. He was placed on life support, but died hours later.
"They could have gave the baby up, could have gave it to relatives, could have brought it into a police station, or fire station. I mean there's laws protecting babies. I mean there's absolutely no reason for somebody to abuse a baby as they did in this particular case," Dwyer told WWJ Newsradio 950.
Dwyer says the mother confessed to the abuse, after police arrived at the home on Monday night.
The baby had a fractured skull and several broken ribs -- on top of old injuries.
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