Michigan Adoptive Mother Accused of Killing 11-Year-Old Daughter by Sitting on Her During Violent Struggle, Police Say
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, MI — A Michigan mother has been arrested and charged after police say she killed her 11-year-old adopted daughter by sitting on her during a physical struggle inside their mobile home. The disturbing case has left a community shaken and has prompted immediate intervention from Child Protective Services.
Officers Find Child Unresponsive Inside Mobile Home
First responders were dispatched to Clover Estates Mobile Home Park over the weekend after 55-year-old Sherry Leak called 911 to report that her daughter, 11-year-old Mialah Leak, was unresponsive.
When officers arrived, they found the child unconscious and not breathing. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive her. Leak was taken into custody at the scene as investigators worked with the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office to determine charges.
Deputy Police Chief Gregory Poulson told reporters that early information suggested a physical altercation or restraint attempt may have occurred between mother and child shortly before Mialah’s death.
Prosecutors Say Mother ‘Sat on the Child,’ Leading to Fatal Injuries
During Leak’s arraignment in Muskegon County District Court on Tuesday, prosecutors detailed what they say happened inside the home.
According to Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts, Leak admitted to sitting on the 11-year-old during the confrontation — a restraint that authorities believe ultimately caused the girl’s death.
“This is a very serious matter involving the death of a young child,” Roberts told the court. “Evidence at this point indicates the defendant sat on the child, and that appears to have been the cause of death.”
An autopsy has been completed, but full results are still pending.
Leak now faces a charge of manslaughter, and prosecutors indicated more charges could follow if further evidence supports them.
Twin Sister Hospitalized; CPS Moves to Remove Parental Rights
Child Protective Services has filed an emergency petition to terminate Leak’s parental rights to Mialah’s surviving twin sister, who was also hospitalized following the incident. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the girl’s condition, but she is now in protective custody.
Neighbors told investigators that the sisters were adopted at a young age — and that Mialah’s relationship with Leak had long been fraught with conflict.
Neighbor Describes Years of Troubling Behavior
A neighbor who lives near the family told local reporters that the mother and Mialah frequently fought and that she had witnessed and heard troubling interactions.
“They fight a lot,” the neighbor said. “I’ve seen things I would rather not see, and I’ve heard things I’d rather not hear.”
She added that living in a tight mobile home community meant “you see everything, you hear everything.”
Next Court Date Scheduled
Leak remains in the Muskegon County Jail on a $100,000 bond. A public defender has been appointed to represent her. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 9 for a probable cause conference.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, the case has taken on renewed urgency due to concerns about the surviving twin and allegations of long-term mistreatment within the home.
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