ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. – The parents of Calista Springer–the 16-year-old girl who was found chained to her bed after a house fire in Centreville in 2008, could wind up getting new trials in circuit court.
The Michigan Supreme Court has sent the cases of Anthony and Marsha Springer back to Saint Joseph County Circuit Court to determine whether they should be granted new trials on the grounds that their original attorneys were ineffective.
Anthony Springer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, and Marsha Springer was ordered to spend 18 to 50 years for their roles in the death of their special-needs daughter.
During a lengthy trial, the Springers argued that they would tie or chain Calista to her bed at night to keep her from hurting herself or others.
It will be up to the Saint Joseph County Circuit Court to determine whether or not to grant new trials.
