Court of Appeals affirms convictions in girl's death

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court has affirmed the convictions and sentences of a southwestern Michigan couple whose daughter died in a fire while restrained to her bed. The court found nothing last Friday to upset the case against Anthony and Marsha Springer of Centreville in St. Joseph County. They were acquitted of murder but convicted of torture and child abuse. The Springers were charged in the 2008 death of 16-year-old daughter Calista. Anthony Springer said his daughter had special needs and could be a danger to herself. He said the tethering was necessary. The appeals court says jurors had approval to ask questions during the trial and discuss evidence before the trial ended. Anthony Springer was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison. Marsha Springer got about 19 years. Published: Tue, Sep 18, 2012