Muskegon, MI – A 55-year-old mother has been arrested following the death of her 11-year-old adopted daughter. Sherry Leak is charged with one count of manslaughter in connection with the incident.
Emergency services responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the Clover Estates Mobile Home Park. Upon arrival, responders found the girl without signs of life and efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.
Leak was taken into custody at the scene by police as they began their investigation. The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office reported that an autopsy on the child was conducted, and further details about the incident will follow.
A 911 call made by Leak indicated that there had been a physical altercation prior to the child’s death. According to Deputy Police Chief Gregory Poulson, the mother attempted to restrain the daughter during the incident.
During her arraignment in Muskegon County District Court on Tuesday morning, prosecutors outlined allegations against Leak. Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts stated that evidence suggests Leak’s actions directly resulted in the girl’s death.
Further investigation is ongoing, and Child Protective Services has filed a petition to remove parental rights from Leak concerning her surviving twin daughter. The surviving child is reported to have been hospitalized after Mialah’s death.
Leak remains in the Muskegon County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. She is scheduled for a court appearance on December 9 for further proceedings.
Neighbors have commented on the contentious relationship between Leak and her daughter, noting frequent altercations. Some have expressed concerns regarding the family’s dynamics within the mobile home community.