Father accused of killing 2 year old daughter
FLINT -- A preliminary examination in the case of the people vs. Donovan Lamar Haynes got underway today in Flint. Haynes, of Flint Township, is accused of actions that resulted in the death of his daughter, 2 year old Ti'Airra Woodward.
The responding officer, Officer Robert Cavett took the stand and testified that upon arriving at the home he observed Haynes mother doing chest compressions on the little girl, with the defendant standing nearby. He said when he took over CPR the little girl had "no pulse or heartbeat, and was cold to the touch". Cavett also identified photos of what were described as "large bite marks" on the girls thigh, arms, chest and face. He also testified there were 3 other children in the home at the time.
NBC 25 spoke with Hayne's mother outside the courtroom, who was present according to the testimony when the first officer responded to the scene. She claims her son is innocent, and that the truth will come out in court. "They said my grandchild was beaten and tortured and lots of horrible things", Haynes said. "Alot of horrible things about my family and my son that are just untrue." She also thanked everyone for their support and prayers.
Attorneys agreed to postpone the rest of the examination until more witnesses and autopsy results become available. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for August 19th at 8:30am when at that time prosecutors tell NBC 25 the girls autopsy results will be available and the doctor who performed the autopsy is expected to testify as to cause of death.
