By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — Criminal charges related to the July 2010 dog-mauling death of a five-year-old boy will resume Oct. 21, with testimony expected to continue next month before a trail date is determined.
Debralynn C. Holland, 29, and Earl Dwayne Adkins, 35, face manslaughter and additional charges connected to the death of Holland’s son, Kyle, who was mauled to death by a dog belonging to Adkins. Last month, testimony before 25th District Court Judge David Zelenak included reports from the Wayne County Medical Examiner, investigating officers and witnesses.
Holland and Kyle began living with Adkins in the 1500 block of Empire Street 10 days before the incident. The 90-pound dog that attacked the boy, one of two in the house, was believed to be a wolf-hybrid dog, illegal to own in Michigan.
Friday, Zelenak adjourned the hearings due to the excused absence of Holland’s attorney. Additional testimony will be heard on Oct. 21 and on Nov. 4.
Holland faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony, and second-degree child abuse, a four-year felony. Adkins is charged with owning a dangerous animal causing death, a 15-year felony.
Last month, Wayne County Medical Examiner Dr. Carl Schmidt testified that the boy suffered more than 80 puncture wounds and 250 abrasions, and portions of his body had been chewed off or eaten by the animal.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)