FLINT -- “My baby was gone, and I wish it was me,” said Corrine Baker when she spoke with NBC25 regarding the death of her son about two weeks ago. Now she faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse in the death of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun.
Prosecutor David Leyton read the charges in a press conference Friday afternoon as Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell discussed several cases where he said Baker had a chance to seek medical attention for her son as a result of bruises and burns he suffered, but did nothing.
At one point Pickell said murder suspect Brandon Hayes’ father pointed out several injuries on Dominick, but Baker declined to take him in for observation. Pickell said Hayes was concerned he would be caught for outstanding warrants and Baker was concerned Child Protective Services would get involved.
“She not only (refused) the needed attention for her son, but she continued to keep him in that high-risk environment,” Pickell said, of an apartment where numerous people allegedly entered to purchase drugs from Baker and Hayes.
Residents of Argentine Township, where Dominick was beaten and tortured said the charges fit the crime.
“I’m very happy with the charges,” said Cory Dewitt. “I think that they were fair. I hope that justice will be done in this case.”
Baker is still lodged in the Livingston County jail for legal issues there, and will face a judge for an arraignment on Monday.
