COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The case of a Coldwater man who was facing three charges in connection with the death of his infant daughter has been dismissed by Branch County Prosecutors based upon new information obtained during the ongoing investigation and further developments in the case.
28-year-old Coleman Ray Royer was facing charges of Homicide-Felony Murder, First Degree Child Abuse and Second Degree Child Abuse. The Coldwater Police Department began an investigation into the death of Royer’s five-month-old daughter Luna in February of 2019.
Based upon the information known at that time, the acting Prosecuting Attorney charged Royer and he surrendered to authorities in October of 2019.
The case was bound over to Branch County Circuit Court in December of that year after District Court Judge Brent Weigle determined there was enough probable cause.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the case did not get to trial. Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien said in a statement on Tuesday that his office and Coldwater Police take the responsibility of a “rightful” conviction very seriously. He stated, “based upon that commitment and after an extensive review of the entire case spanning hundreds of hours, this Office has made the difficult decision to dismiss the charges at this time, reserving the ability to reissue charges in the future.”
“Based upon this Office’s review of the scientific/medical evidence gathered in this case, various witness statements, digital evidence obtained by the investigating agency, and the possibility that another person may be at fault for the death of the victim, this office is left with the opinion that this case should not be presented to a jury until a single suspect can be determined.”
He added, “our office, in conjunction with the Coldwater Police Department, remains committed to bringing justice to the victim in this case and will continue to investigate this matter.”
If anyone has information on this case, you’re asked to contact the Prosecutor’s office or Coldwater Police.
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