Judge: Charges may be upgraded to murder in baby’s death
LANSING (AP) — A judge has approved a request from prosecutors to upgrade charges to murder against a Michigan couple who allegedly refused to seek medical treatment for their baby because of their religious beliefs.
Joshua and Rachel Piland of Lansing had been awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges. The Lansing State Journal reports, however, that Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo last Thursday gave prosecutors permission to file murder and child abuse charges.
Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor Bill Crino says the request was due to “significant factual changes” from medical reports and other information.
The baby, Abigail, died of jaundice after an at-home birth in 2017. The Pilands declined to take her to a doctor, saying the child’s health was in God’s hands.
Federal court keeps lawsuit alive in wrongful conviction
KALKASKA (AP) — A lawsuit can go forward against two people accused of violating the rights of a northern Michigan man who spent 16 years in prison for murder before he was exonerated.
A federal appeals court says Greg Somers and Mark Uribe don’t have immunity. They worked for the state police and had key roles in the interrogation of Jamie Peterson.
Peterson was convicted in the 1996 rape and slaying of Geraldine Montgomery in Kalkaska County. He was released from prison in 2014 after DNA tests showed he didn’t attack the 68-year-old woman.
The appeals court said last Thursday that Kalkaska County and former Sheriff David Israel have immunity in the lawsuit.
Peterson also sued the village of Kalkaska and a police officer. He settled with them for $525,000 last year.
Kentucky schools working on ‘In God We Trust’ display
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Schools across Kentucky are working to fulfill a new state law requiring the national motto “In God We Trust” be displayed in a prominent place before classes begin.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports some school districts have put up plaques while someplan to use artwork in common areas. Others are still working out details.
The American Civil Liberties Union opposed the bill, saying the motto “has the appearance of endorsing religion.”
ACLU Communications Director Amber Duke said last week that parents or students who feel their rights have been violated should contact the organization.
Bear attempts theft of pot dispensary dumpster in Colorado
LYONS, Colo. (AP) — A surveillance camera filmed a bear attempting to take and open a dumpster at a Colorado marijuana dispensary.
The Daily Camera reports that Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region posted the video on its Twitter account.
An agency spokesman said the bear was captured on video at The Bud Depot in Lyons late one recent night. The video shows the bear pulling the large metal trash bin out of an enclosed area and unsuccessfully attempting to open its top lid in the town 44 miles northwest of Denver.
“It tries to take the bear resistant dumpster home with him, but cannot,” the Parks and Wildlife social media post says. “No reward for this bear.”
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