Homicide charges have been filed in connection with the death of 16-year-old Calista Springer.

According to a news release from the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, Anthony and Marsha Springer, the father and adoptive mother, have each been charged with one count of Manslaughter and one count of First Degree Child Abuse.

The 3-B District Court has notified them to appear on December 15th at 8:15 a.m. for arraignment.  Judge William Welty will be presiding.

Manslaughter and First Degree Child Abuse each call for a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  If convicted of both, either Defendant would have the right to serve the terms of imprisonment concurrently or at the same time.

The news release notes that “Both Defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and guilt cannot be presumed by the fact that charges have been brought against them.”

The investigation began when Calista was found dead, chained to her bed, after a fire on February 27, 2008 at the home the family shared in Centreville.

The news release says that “Numerous neighbors and citizens with helpful information cooperated with the team of investigators led by Detective Sergeant Michael Scott of the Michigan State Police, White Pigeon Post.  Every avenue of potential evidence was pursued to the absolute limit.  That evidence was the basis for the charges placed against the Defendants.”

For additional information on this story from the Kalamazoo Gazette, click here.

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