The man accused of torturing a 4-year-old boy to death is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning.
Saginaw attorney James Piazza has said he plans to request an independent psychiatric evaluation for accused child killer 24-year-old Brandon Hayes. He says his client was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia just weeks before the brutal beating that killed his girlfriend’s son and is unable to assist his attorney in his defense.
At a hearing earlier this month the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry issued an opinion that Brandon Hayes is competent to stand trial.
If Hayes is found competent it is possible a preliminary exam will begin. Several witnesses have already been called to appear.
Argentine Township Police say Hayes severely beat 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun at his Argentine Township apartment after the child wet himself on the sofa in April this year. Doctors told police the child appeared to have been kicked in the face and groin.
The child’s mother, 25-year-old Corrine Baker, faces second degree murder and child abuse charges for her little boy’s death. Police say she did not do enough to protect him from her boyfriend.
