Neighbors Testify In Case Of Drowned Toddlers
DETROIT (WWJ) - Neighbors of an Allen Park dad accused of drowning his two young children in the bathtub last October testified against him, Tuesday.
WWJ's Florence Walton reported that, wearing a black suit and black eye, 27-year old Steven Nicholson took notes and, at times, shook his head as witnesses from this apartment complex described him as an abusive dad.
Neighbors testified that Nicholson often cursed and rushed this kids along, and repeatedly left them in his van alone.
Some also testified that they heard arguing coming from Nicholson's apartment the night that the children died.
One neighbor testified that Nicholson was a good dad, struggling to raise two children on his own.
Nicholson's attorney said his client fell asleep and may have been negligent, but contends that the deaths of 15-month Ella Stafford and 13-month old Jonathon Sanderlin were accidental.
Also testifying Tuesday was Jonathon's mother, who told the court she received an e-mail from Ella's mother, warning her that Nicholson was abusing the children.
Sarah McGee also testified that she contacted Allen Park police who accompanied her to Nicholson's apartment. She said she was not allowed remove any of her son's clothing to check for signs of abuse. That was the last time, she said, that she saw her son alive.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner has said it's possible, but unlikely, that the children could have turned on the water and entered the bathtub on their own.
