Michigan News

Father and stepmother charged with starving children

Pontiac, MI A father and stepmother face serious allegations after their young children were hospitalized with severe malnutrition. Arturo Bazan-Perez and Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo were arrested over the weekend and charged with multiple counts of child abuse and torture.

The charges stem from reports that a nine-year-old boy suffered cardiac arrest due to malnutrition and was admitted to Trinity Hospital. Weighing only 33 pounds upon arrival, he was in such critical condition that he required airlifting to another facility.

Doctors observed that the boy also exhibited signs of liver failure and various injuries consistent with abuse. His 11-year-old brother, also suffering severe malnutrition at 43 pounds, was brought to the same hospital.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the boys had been removed from school in September, with claims of a family move. The children reported receiving less food than their younger siblings, who appeared healthy.

Reports suggest the boys’ windows were secured, preventing them from opening, and glass was painted over, restricting their view. Despite school officials possibly noticing issues when the boys searched for food in trash cans, the parents allegedly interfered by sewing their children’s pockets shut to prevent them from bringing food home.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated that enacting specific legislation could have potentially helped these children earlier. He criticized the current state of child protection in light of the outrageous abuse suffered by the victims.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald described the situation as horrifying, expressing her thoughts for the children as they undergo recovery. As of Tuesday, both victims are reported to be in stable condition.

Bazan-Perez and Bazan Castillo are scheduled for a court hearing on December 4.

Babysitter sentenced to life for fatal attack on toddler

Roseville, MI A 24-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of a 23-month-old boy she was babysitting. Kimora Launmei Hodges received her sentence on Tuesday from Macomb County Circuit Judge Diane M. Druzinski.

The fatal incident occurred in June 2022 when Hodges threw Kyrie Starks against a wall, resulting in severe head injuries. A jury found Hodges guilty of felony murder and first-degree child abuse after a brief deliberation.

Hodges was earlier accused of trying to suppress statements she made during police questioning. An appellate court ruled that one of her statements could not be used in court, but she still faced charges after the child’s death.

On June 22, 2022, police responded to a local hospital following reports of a toddler admitted with severe trauma. The boy’s mother had contacted authorities after she discovered her son in distress after leaving him with Hodges.

That night, Hodges claimed the child had an allergic reaction to soap. Following medical evaluations, doctors revealed the extent of Kyrie’s injuries.

Kyrie’s mother stated that Hodges initially deceived her about the child’s condition. She believed Hodges until informed of the truth by medical staff.

Investigators later reported that Hodges admitted to inflicting injuries on Kyrie. During questioning, she indicated awareness of causing harm but denied acting out of anger.

Initially charged with first-degree child abuse, Hodges faced additional felony murder charges after Kyrie’s passing. The prosecution emphasized her actions led to the tragic death of a young child.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido expressed that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime. He noted the impact of the incident on the victim’s family and emphasized that the justice system aims to protect vulnerable individuals.