ST. JOSEPH (WKZO-AM) — The parents of a 16-year-old who died in a fire while chained to her bed in St. Joseph County in 2008 may get a new trial.
The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered the St. Joseph Circuit Court to reexamine whether Anthony and Marsha Springer received competent representation from their attorney.
Both parents said they chained Calista Springer to her bed for her own good. Her parents claim she would wander at night and get into trouble, and restraining her was the only way to control her.
They also claim child protective service officers were aware they were doing it.
When she died, both were convicted of abuse and torture and sentenced to long prison terms.
A hearing will be set on the issue. In the meantime, the Springers will remain in prison.
– John McNeill
