(WWJ) – A Macomb County mother has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, who froze to death back in January.
Derricka Fleming was arraigned Wednesday on one count of involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office says Fleming, 24, put her 5-year-old son to bed on Monday, Jan. 23 at their Clinton Township apartment and then went upstairs to visit with a neighbor and left him unattended.
At some point the boy got out of bed and exited the apartment, in the area of Harper and 15 Mile. Police began searching the area near the Saravilla Apartment complex after Fleming noticed her son was missing the next morning.
He was eventually found in a nearby park and was pronounced dead at the hospital. It was not clear how long he spent outside.
Fleming’s bond was set at $100,000.00 cash/surety and upon release she must wear a GPS tether. Her next court date is scheduled for June 12.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said the charges against Fleming “reflect the gravity of the situation and the responsibility she bears in the death of her son.”
“The evidence suggests a severe breach of parental duty and neglect that led to this devastating outcome,” Lucido said.
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