By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — A trial remains likely to determine if a 5-year-old boy was the victim of manslaughter when mauled to death by a dog in July 2010, but a preliminary examination of the circumstances continues in Lincoln Park’s 25th District Court.
The most recent hearings before District Court Judge David Zelenak on Dec. 2 and Monday included testimony by investigating officers. Another session is scheduled for Monday, and may continue in January 2012 before the matter is bound over to circuit court.
Debralynn C. Holland, 29, and Earl Dwayne Adkins, 35, face potential charges including manslaughter for the death of Holland’s son, Kyle. In July 2010, Holland and Kyle moved in to Adkins’ home in the 1500 block of Empire Street. A few days later, according to investigators and Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Raj Prasad, the boy was left unattended with “Chase,” a 90-pound dog alleged to be a wolf-hybrid.
Previous testimony included reports from representatives of the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s office, who stated that Kyle suffered more than 80 puncture wounds and 250 abrasions during the attack.
Holland faces a possible 15-year prison sentence if tried and convicted of involuntary manslaughter; Adkins may be charged with owning a dangerous animal causing death, also a 15-year felony. Additional charges include marijuana-related crimes as a reported 19 plants were discovered in or near the property when police responded to the 911 call reporting Kyle’s death.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])