By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The preliminary examination for a Dearborn couple charged with child abuse after a toddler shot two other toddlers in a daycare setting has been moved to Dec. 1.
The change came following requests from attorneys for time to review video and case information.
Timothy and Samantha Eubanks were in attendance during a probable cause conference on Nov. 8 where 19th District Court Judge Gene Hunt approved the extension.
Both the defense and prosecution will take the time to obtain and review videos, statements from all parties involved and determine the final list of witnesses which could be 12 or 14.
A preliminary exam will now take place in front of Hunt at 9 a.m. on Dec. 1 in the 19th District Court.
The Eubanks were arraigned Nov. 2 on child abuse and felony firearm charges following the shooting at their home daycare Sept. 27.
Both face six counts of second-degree child abuse for the several loaded firearms within reach of their six children ages 3 to 15.
Additionally, Samantha Eubanks was charged with six counts of second-degree child abuse for leaving the loaded weapons within reach of the children she was looking after inside the house.
Each second-degree child abuse count has a maximum of 10 years in prison, so she could face 120 years and Timothy Eubanks 60 years.
Samantha Eubanks also was charged with two counts of felony firearm, each which comes with a mandatory two-year prison sentence.
Bond for each was set at $20,000, 10 percent. Along with bond the couple has to surrender their passports, cannot travel outside the state, must have no contact with the victims and their families, cannot posses any weapons and are only allowed supervised visits with their six children.
The Eubanks own the house in the 3600 block of Harding where their 3-year-old son allegedly shot two other 3-year-old boys.
The two toddlers are at home recovering, but will need long term care, Police Chief Ronald Haddad said during a Nov. 2 press conference.
Police and fire responded to the house at 10:30 a.m. on the report of a shooting where one toddler allegedly shot two other toddlers in the face and shoulder, respectively.
A primary investigation revealed the possibility both boys were injured from a single shot when the gun discharged.
Samantha Eubanks was watching six children ages four months to 3 years inside the house, including her own. The unsecured handguns were in the upstairs bedroom where the Eubanks’ son gained access, police said. Other weapons in addition to the gun were recovered by police.
According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the house is not licensed as a home daycare.
The Eubanks’ children are now staying with relatives.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)