Dad charged with felony murder in death of 3-month-old son (Ionia, Michigan)

Another case where Mom was at work and Dad was babysitting the 3-month-old twins.

Dad is identified as KEITH THIBEAULT.

http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20130520/NEWS/130529940

Father charged with felony murder, child abuse in case of infant son's death

Keith Thibeault of Portland has been charged with one count felony murder and one count of child abuse in the first degree in the March 2012 death of his 3-month-old son, Everette. Trial began Monday with jury selection, opening statements and the first witness, Everette's mother, being called to the stand.

By Mattie Cook
Updated May. 20, 2013 @ 10:26 pm

Ionia, Mich. — Keith Thibeault of Portland has been charged with one count of felony murder and one count of child abuse in the first degree in the March 2012 death of his 3-month-old son, Everette.
Thibeault's trial began Monday with jury selection, opening statements and the first witness, Everette's mother, being called to the stand.

Thibeault's trial is taking place in the Ionia County 8th Circuit Court with Chief Judge Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger presiding. Jury selection began at 9 a.m. and lasted until just after noon.

Ionia County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Schafer explained the timeline of events leading up to the incident to jurors. Thibeault got off from work early on March 23, 2012, and picked up his twin sons, Everette and Keagan, from day care after 9 p.m. After getting home, he put the boys in bed and then at 4 a.m. woke to feed both sons. He placed both boys on the couch and when he looked away, Everette was on the floor. At 6:12 a.m., Thibeault called 911.

According to Schafer, the defendant's story has undergone many changes based on the audience.

The first responder to the 911 call was Thibeault's mother-in-law, who then informed Nicole Thibeault, her daughter, that Everette would be on his way to Sparrow Lansing Hospital. Nicole worked as a medical secretary at Sparrow Lansing Hospital.

After Everette arrived at Sparrow, a series of tests were conducted to determine the cause of his injury. Schafer argued that the medical experts assisting his case have posited that the injuries Everette had could have been caused by shaking or slamming his head against a soft surface. According to Schafer, Everette died from inflicted, severe brain injury.

Along with questioning Keith Thibeault's interest in his child while at the hospital, Schafer reminded the jury that they are expected to determine the results of the case based on whether or not the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Schafer reminded the jury that reasonable doubt does not mean that it is beyond possibility, but rather that the decision should be based on reason and common sense.

"We are going to ask that you hold his (Everette's) father accountable for his actions," Schafer said to the jury.

THE DEFENSE

The opening statement provided by the defense was led by criminal defense attorney Kevin Peterson, who told the jury that it is important to get a second opinion, whether because of a medical issue or if on trial. According to Peterson, the issues at play in the trial are so complex that even respected medical experts cannot agree on the events.