Fruitport Township, Michigan – Authorities in western Michigan have charged a 55-year-old adoptive mother with manslaughter after her 11-year-old daughter died from injuries police say occurred when the woman allegedly sat on the child to restrain her.
Incident Overview
Fruitport Township Police said officers were called to a home in the Clover Estates Mobile Home Park after a report of an unresponsive 11-year-old girl. The mobile home community sits about 190 miles northwest of Detroit, and the emergency call was made by the child’s adoptive mother, Sherry Leak.
When first responders arrived, they found Mialah Leak, unconscious and not breathing. Despite immediate efforts by emergency medical personnel, the girl could not be revived. Officials confirmed that officers took Sherry Leak into custody at the scene while investigators began reviewing the case.
A news release from the department stated that detectives were awaiting charging decisions from the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office, but confirmed that the circumstances suggested a violent incident inside the home.
Timeline of Events
According to Deputy Police Chief Gregory Poulson, the 911 call indicated there may have been a physical altercation between the mother and the child.
He said:
“Initial reports were that there might have been a physical altercation between the daughter and mother, even in regards to the mother trying to restrain the daughter.”
Police later confirmed that an autopsy was performed the following day as detectives continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The case moved swiftly into the courts, with Leak appearing for arraignment on Tuesday morning, where prosecutors outlined key accusations.
Details from Prosecutors
During her court appearance in Muskegon County District Court, prosecutors described what they believe led to the fatal injuries. Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts stated that evidence — including the defendant’s statements — indicated that Leak sat on Mialah, ultimately causing her death.
Roberts told the court:
“At least the evidence at this point has led us to the conclusion that the defendant in this case, by her own admission, did sit on the child, and that appears to have been the cause of death here.”
Prosecutors noted that the official autopsy results are still pending but confirmed the procedure had already been completed. Leak is currently charged with one count of manslaughter for Mialah’s death.
Key Facts
- Suspect: Sherry Leak, 55
- Victim: Mialah Leak, 11
- Location: Clover Estates Mobile Home Park, Fruitport Township, Michigan
- Charge: Manslaughter
- Bond: $100,000
- Next Court Date: December 9 (Probable Cause Conference)
- Surviving Sibling: Mialah’s twin sister, now under state protection
Witness Accounts from the Community
A neighbor who lives in the same mobile home park said Leak adopted the twins when they were young, adding that the relationship between Leak and Mialah was often tense.
The neighbor stated:
“They fight a lot. I’ve seen some things I would rather not see, and I’ve heard things I’d rather not hear.”
They added:
“You live in a trailer park. You see everything, you hear everything in it.”
The neighbor’s statements have strengthened investigators’ focus on what may have been a pattern of conflict within the home.
Child Welfare Concerns
Since Leak’s arrest, Child Protective Services filed a petition to terminate her parental rights to Mialah’s twin sister, who was also hospitalized after the incident. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the sibling’s condition, but CPS involvement signals deeper concerns about the safety of both children.
Cases involving adopted children often prompt additional reviews by social services to determine whether there were earlier warning signs or previous reports of abuse. Officials have not confirmed whether prior complaints existed in this case.
Public Safety and Awareness
Child advocates emphasize that situations involving alleged physical restraint can be dangerous and escalate quickly, especially with young children. Experts suggest that caregivers should seek help if a child’s behavior becomes difficult to manage, including support from:
- Local social service agencies
- School counseling programs
- Community mental health professionals
Michigan authorities often remind residents that any suspicion of child abuse must be reported immediately to the state’s Child Protective Services hotline, which can intervene before conflicts become deadly.
Conclusion
The death of 11-year-old Mialah Leak has shaken the Fruitport Township community as prosecutors build a case alleging that her own adoptive mother caused her fatal injuries. With the investigation ongoing, more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
If you live in the area or have faced similar challenges, share your experiences in the comments below.
