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yesterday

Medical Examiner Describes Extensive Scarring as Judge Denies Bond in Detroit 9-Year-Old’s Death Case

Prosecutors describe injuries consistent with prolonged abuse.

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Sherman D. Jones (left) and Sampaguita L. Jones appeared in court for a preliminary examination in connection with the death of a 9-year-old Detroit boy, who prosecutors say was locked away and abused and then died from untreated pneumonia symptoms. During the hearing, a doctor testified about how trauma and untreated symptoms led to the boy's death. The top center photo shows an X-ray scan of the boy's arm, which was torn from the upper part of his arm at his elbow, and the bottom center photo shows a fracture in the boy's shoulder and a piece of foreign matter inside his body.

Overview

  • Wayne County’s chief medical examiner testified the child’s body bore too many scars to count and his chest was filled with fluid from untreated pneumonia, which he ruled a homicide attributed to guardian inaction.
  • 36th District Court Judge Shawn Jacque denied bond on Wednesday after defense requests, keeping Sherman and Sampaguita Jones jailed as the preliminary examination continues.
  • Child-abuse pediatrician Dr. Bradley Norat detailed multiple healing fractures to ribs, pelvis, arm and hand, a distended abdomen, and injuries consistent with non-accidental trauma, saying the boy likely would have survived with timely care.
  • Detroit Police records presented in court show CPS documented bruises, a suspected hand burn and signs of malnourishment in June 2023 but rejected the complaints without a law-enforcement referral, a lapse now under scrutiny.
  • Prosecutors allege the boy was kept out of public view and denied regular checks, citing door sensors, interior cameras and a stripped doorknob, and they signaled possible added charges as investigators review medical and photographic evidence.