Michigan Couple Accused Of Torturing, Starving 5-Year-Old Girl Stand Trial
PORT HURON (WWJ/AP) - A trial is underway for a Michigan couple accused of abusing, torturing and starving the man's 5-year-old daughter to death.
Jurors on Wednesday heard from witnesses including police officers and Port Huron Firefighter Steven Conard, who testified that Mackenzie Maison was "extremely pale" when she was carried from her home to paramedics in May.
Andrew and Hilery Maison are charged with child abuse, torture and murder. They're also charged with abuse related to Mackenzie's younger sister.
The Times Herald of Port Huron reports St. Clair County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Mona Armstrong told jurors it's "a case about suffering, unimaginable suffering."
Assistant Prosecutor Mona Armstrong said Mackenzie weighed 25 pounds at the time of her death, and was also suffering from pneumonia and a genital infection. Her 3-year-old sister, who weighed 17 pounds, is recovering in foster care.
Armstrong described both as "severely neglected" and "severely malnourished," having been denied food over the course of "weeks to months."
Michael Boucher, Hilery Maison's defense lawyer, said the children's health problems predated their time with their stepmother. Her two biological children, who were found to be healthy, were removed from the home.
Andrew Maison's attorney, Frederick Lepley, says his client is a hard-working father who loved his kids.
"It's heartbreaking," Prosecutor Mike Wendling told The Associated Press. "It's not the type of case any prosecutor wants to handle, but it has to be handled."
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