This week a judge scheduled a trial that will decide whether her rights should be taken away.
A judge has scheduled a trial to decide whether the mother of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun should lose parental rights to her older son Tyler Baker.
Dominick Calhoun died in April last year after police say Corrine Baker’s boyfriend, then 24-year-old Brandon Hayes tortured the boy for days. Police described him as having bruises from his head to his toes when they arrived at the scene. Rescue workers rushed the little boy to the hospital where doctors tried, but were unable to save him.
The Genesee County Prosecutor charged Hayes and Baker for the child’s murder, saying Corrine did not do enough to save her baby.
The murder trials have not yet started, but Corrine Baker is in prison, serving time for violating parole in Livingston County. She was on probation for a drug crime when the beating happened. It was a violation for her to live with Hayes, who was a felon.
Dominick’s brother Tyler Baker, now 9-years-old, testified during Brandon Hayes’ preliminary exam that he witnessed Hayes beat his little brother. He has been in foster care since his brother’s death.
Corrine Baker’s father Martin Baker says the scheduled trial is a good thing. He is hoping he and his wife will be able to get custody of Tyler after their daughter’s rights are taken away.
“I’m actually looking forward to it now. It gives us a fighting chance,” said Martin Baker.
He is frustrated with how slow the process has been. He and his wife Julie would like custody of their grandson but have not been offered the opportunity. Their lawyer says in Michigan extended family members have little rights when it comes to requesting custody in these situations.
He learned in court Tyler has asked the Department of Human Services when he can see his grandparents.
“It was wonderful to hear that,” said Baker.
The judge said in court a counselor Tyler is seeing should address the possibility of visitation with his grandparents. Martin Baker said that is some of the best news he has heard in some time.
“I love my grandson and miss him dearly. I can’t wait until this is all over.”
The trial to address Corrine Baker’s parental rights is scheduled for April 1, 2011.
