SOUTH HAVEN (WKZO AM/FM) — The Van Buren County man who allegedly allowed his son to use illegal drugs over a two year period contributing to his overdose death two years ago in Hartford has now been arrested and charged.
Michigan State Police kept the investigation into the death of 16-year-old Cole Birkhead of Hartford open as they continued to gather evidence. At the time he was taken to Bronson Methodist in Kalamazoo, but he could not be resuscitated.
They finally had enough evidence to obtain a warrant this week, charging 48-year-old Gary Birkhead of Bangor with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in South Haven District Court. Birkhead told the judge that he is not guilty.
The investigation continues, according to State Police D/Sgt. Scott Ernstes at the Paw Paw post.
Bond for Birkhead was set at a million dollars.
