KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The mother of the 4-year-old Kalamazoo girl who was found dead on Saturday has been temporarily relieved of custody of her other children after it was revealed in court that Kharisma Richardson had been abused before her death.
Court documents revealed that the toddler had been punched, beaten with a belt and suffered burn injuries. It was alleged by Child Protective Services during the preliminary custody hearing that Daveeta Walker told police that she considered it corporal punishment.
CPS is asking the court that Walker be stripped of her parental rights. Future hearings will be scheduled to determine permanent custody.
The three children removed from the apartment on Douglas Avenue have been staying with family members.
WWMT-TV reports that a child abuse charge had been submitted to the prosecutor’s office, but Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein said it was denied pending the outcome of the autopsy.
No direct charges have been filed for the death of the child so far.
