3-Month-Old Baby Girl, Raped/Beaten By Father

[odette]

Father Charged with Sexual Abuse of 3-Month Old

WILX.COM - Reporter: A.J. Hilton - Last Updated: 8:44 PM Sep 17, 2007

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif >> Father Charged with Sexual Abuse of 3-Month Old

"This is probably one of the worst cases of child abuse I've seen since I've been working for Blackman Township," said Mike Jester, Blackman Township's Public Safety Director.

27-year-old Kirk Coleman stood quietly in Chief Judge R. Darryl Mazur's courtroom, facing first-degree charges of criminal sexual conduct and child abuse, patiently waiting for the Jackson County judge to set his bond.

The judge set bond at $100,000.

Coleman was living in the Spring Glen Apartments just days ago, working as a painter. That all changed Saturday. Coleman, the father of a three-month-old baby girl, along with her mother took their unresponsive child to Foote Hospital in Jackson. The child was later airlifted to the University of Michigan's Mott Hospital, and remains in critical condition.

"The injuries are quite extensive," said Jester. "Very serious, such as broken ribs, skull fractures and so forth."

Blackman Township Police started their investigation, and it didn't take them long to start questioning Coleman as to what happened.

"We determined that he was the only one home," said Jester. "Our detectives spoke with him and was able to get him to admit that he was responsible for the injury."

The three month old is still unconscious, and needs a ventilator to breathe. Child protective services has also stepped in terminating parental rights, taking custody of the child. A child who's life will never be the same.

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9838321.html

[odette]

THREE MONTH OLD GIRL FIGHTS FOR HER LIFE

WKHM - AM -

KIRK COLEMAN OF BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP IS IN JAIL TODAY AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE CHILD ABUSE AND FIRST DEGREE CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT.

POLICE ALLEGE THAT COLEMAN INJURED HIS THREE MONTH OLD DAUGHTER SO SEVERELY SHE HAD TO BE TAKE U OF M AND IS CURRENTLY ON A VENTILATOR. WKHM SPOKE WITH DEPUTY DIRECTOR JOHN JOHNSTON FROM THE BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HE TOLD US THE DOCTORS ALERTED THEM TO EVIDENCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE.

CLICK ON BLACKMAN FOR AUDIO ..... cont.

http://www.wkhm.com/story.php?more_group=83&more_block=news&more_item=67583

http://i14.tinypic.com/6cmwn4i.jpg
KIRK COLEMAN

[odette]

Jackson-area man charged with raping, beating infant girl

ASSOCIATED PRESS - September 17, 2007

BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP — A 27-year-old man was arraigned today on charges of raping and beating an infant girl.

The 3-month-old girl was in critical condition today at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, suffering from broken ribs, head trauma and other injuries, according to police. She was flown there Saturday from Foote Hospital in Jackson.

Kirk Coleman of Blackman Township is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse. He was ordered held without bond and a preliminary examination was scheduled for Sept. 21.

Authorities say the baby was attacked Friday night in her Blackman Township home north of Jackson and about 70 miles west of Detroit.

Jon Johnston, deputy director of the Blackman Township Department of Public Safety, told the Jackson Citizen Patriot the girl was unconscious and “fighting for her life.”

The Associated Press left a message this afternoon for Coleman’s attorney, Dennis Hurst.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070917/NEWS06/70917068/0/SPORTS08

[odette]

Local Man Arrested for Beating/Sexually Assaulting Child

WLNS - Sep 18, 2007 08:20 AM -

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif >> Local Man Arrested for Beating/Sexually Assaulting Child

A local father is behind bars, accused of beating his 3-month-old child and then sexually abusing her. 27-year-old Kirk Coleman is charged with one count of first degree child abuse and one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Police say Coleman admits to hurting the child at their home in a Blackman Township apartment complex. She's suffering from broken ribs and a skull fracture. Police say Coleman and his wife took the child to the hospital on Saturday. That's when child protective service workers notified police.

Michael Hester, Director, Blackman Twp. Public Safety: "It's tragic. This is probably one of the worst cases of child abuse that I've seen. I know it was hard on the officers that handled it."

Police say the infant is in grave condition. Coleman is in the Jackson County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7087046&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Baby has 17 broken bones

mlive.com - By Steven Hepker - Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A Blackman Township baby clinging to life in an Ann Arbor hospital was beaten more severely than initially suspected, Blackman Township investigators said.

"She has three skull fractures, 11 broken ribs, both eye sockets are broken, she has two femur fractures and two tibia fractures -- 17 broken bones," Deputy Director Jon Johnston said.

"She could pull through but will have neurological deficits."

The girl's father, Kirk Coleman, 27, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse. His preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday in Jackson County District Court.

Coleman and the baby's mother lived together at Springport Glen Apartments. The mother went back to work Thursday, leaving the baby with Coleman, Johnson said.

"We believe he beat her over two days," Johnson said.

The baby was unconscious when she was taken to Foote Hospital at 8 a.m. Saturday. She was airlifted immediately to the University of Michigan Hospital.

She remains on a ventilator in critical but stable condition.

"Some of her injuries are much more severe than we thought," Johnston said. Detective Chris Boulter got an update from doctors late Tuesday.

At his arraignment, Coleman said he was discharged from the Army in March 2006 and worked for a painting contractor in Jackson.

Child Protective Services severed parental rights over the weekend. Johnston said the mother has not been implicated.

http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190214347206180.xml&coll=3

[odette]

Abuse case spurs group to act

By Danielle Quisenberry - citpat - Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Horrified by the rape of a 3-month-old girl, several women stood outside the Jackson County courthouse on Tuesday, hoisting signs and hollering at passing motorists.

"Honk for that poor little baby," shouted Berta Canter, 51, of Jackson, who was holding a piece of cardboard that read "Speaking for the children. What if that was baby Jesus?"

Canter and six other adults were inspired to draw attention to the plight of abused children after they heard Kirk Coleman, 27, of Blackman Township was arraigned Monday on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse.

Police said Coleman raped and beat his 3-month-old daughter, who remained in critical condition Tuesday at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. The arrest warrant alleges the abuse occurred between Aug. 26 and Friday.

"I was up crying all night. I can't take it. This is not right," said Teresa Ojeda, 50, of Jackson. "I can't imagine what that baby went through. It sickens me."

Ojeda said she was sexually abused when she was 12. "I had to live with it; I still live with it."

She said she and others decided to see if they could make a difference. Their signs were scrawled with messages, such as "Give our young ones a chance" and "Fighting against child abuse."

Some of the other women said they also were abused or assaulted.

"I was raped, and it was quiet and silence," Canter said. "I raised my kids by myself because I was so terrified about having a man in my life."

She said women should be educated to avoid abusive men and take classes that bring women together to talk about rape.

The issue can't be "kicked under the table," said Amos Young, 49, of Jackson.

People need to show more support, said Kristen Gould, 24, of Jackson, who said she was abused in 1997.

"This happens all the time in Jackson," she said. "People are ignorin' the fact it could be their kids."

http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190214324206180.xml&coll=3

[odette]

Ex-soldier charged in beating of infant

Jackson Citizen - By Steven Hepker - Tuesday, September 18, 2007

A house painter and former Army soldier was formally charged Monday with raping and beating his 3-month-old daughter nearly to death.

Kirk Coleman, 27, was arraigned on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse.

The victim, meanwhile, clung to life at the University of Michigan Hospital in critical condition. Blackman Township investigators said she has five broken ribs and head injuries.

The mother, who police said was not home at the time of the incident, took the girl to Foote Hospital at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the baby was immediately airlifted to Ann Arbor. The girl remains unconscious and on a ventilator.

District Judge R. Darryl Mazur set a $100,000 bond and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 25.

Coleman's parents hired attorney Michael Rosenthal. He attended the arraignment.

The arrest warrant alleges the abuse occurred between Aug. 26 and Friday. Deputy Director Jon Johnston said investigators believe the girl was attacked Friday.

Child Protective Services investigated over the weekend. Blackman Township public safety Director Mike Jester said the child has been removed from her parents' custody.

Mazur on Saturday signed a search warrant for police to enter Coleman's apartment at 2961 Pheasant Run Drive in Springport Glen Apartments off Spring Arbor Road.

Johnston said items seized included Oriental ceremonial knives and swords, a 9mm handgun and a semiautomatic assault-type rifle.

The weapons were seized because of the violent nature of the charges, and not because they were suspected in any crime, Johnston said.

No one answered the door at the apartment Monday night.

Coleman was discharged honorably from the Army in March 2006. He told Mazur he works for a local painting contractor.

Those who lived around him at the apartment building didn't know much about him, but were horrified by the situation.

"I feel sorry for the little one," said Nicole Donaldson, who lives a floor below Coleman's home. "It's really creepy, especially being right in this building and having a baby."

Donaldson was holding her daughter, Aubrey, who is almost a year old.

She said she sometimes goes outside and sits with Aubrey.

"We'll be staying inside from now on," she said.

A couple floors above Donaldson, Jesse Marshall said he'd never noticed any noises coming from the apartment directly below him, but it frightens him that the alleged offense happened so close to home.

"That makes it even worse," said Marshall, who lives with his girlfriend and her two small girls. "It's pretty messed up."

http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1186668357307540.xml&coll=3

[Zoey]

OMG, another case where I cannot find the words to describe the sickening feeling I have inside while reading these articles you have posted Odette. This is beyond sad.

:rose: For the precious little girl - my heart goes out to her.

[odette]

OMG, another case where I cannot find the words to describe the sickening feeling I have inside while reading these articles you have posted Odette. This is beyond sad.

:rose: For the precious little girl - my heart goes out to her.

I know what you mean Zoey .. I cannot even find the words to describe exactly how I feel about what the father of that little baby girl did to her. Just sickening. Utter depravity!!.

[Mishell1383]

All I can say is WHAT!!!!!!!?
WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES DOING THIS TO AN INFANT DO FOR YOU!!! YOU SICK SOB PIECE OF CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OOOOOOOOo IF U WERE IN FRONT OF ME RIGHT NOW! WHAT I WOULD DO TO YOU!

Thats ok you better pray you will live one week in a prison.. You will pay for this. You will pay, mark my words.

sorry I'm done now

:rose:

[kurro07]

OMG, another case where I cannot find the words to describe the sickening feeling I have inside while reading these articles you have posted Odette. This is beyond sad.

:rose: For the precious little girl - my heart goes out to her.

yeah, I cannot even come up w/ words to describe how sicken that is. That poor child. And the fact it was the child father?!??!?!?!? that' just wrong.

[odette]

Baby Worse Than Expected

WILX - Reporter: Lori Dougovito - Last Updated: 9:30 PM Sep 20, 2007

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif >> Baby Worse Than Expected

The Blackman Township baby, who police say was raped and beaten by her own father, is in worse condition than originally thought.

Investigators say she has 17 broken bones on her little body. The three month old baby has broken ribs, broken eye sockets and broken bones on her thighs and legs. She is in critical, but stable condition at an Ann Arbor hospital.

Her father, Kirk Coleman, 27, is charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct and first degree child abuse. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday.

"Oh, it just hurt, it really hurt," says Jackson resident Shauna Jackson when she heard the horrific details. She, the mother of four small children, and a small group of others wanted to do something, so they rallied outside of the Jackson County Courthouse.

"We had signs. We had a lot of people riding by, honking," she says.

"People from the courthouse, out on break, were standing with us," says Vanessa Gant who was also there. .....

continued
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/9905706.html

[Zoey]

How in the world do you break a baby's eye sockets? This is just horrible, absolutely horrible to read. What snapped for this man to do this to his own child? Why do people do these horrific things to innocent little babies?

Good Lord, what is happening to people?

[odette]

http://i1.tinypic.com/6bn97yd.jpg
Kirk Coleman (right) In Court

[Mishell1383]

o my goodness. he's a pretty big dude. which makes it all that more sick.

[Canadian Bum]

Kirk Coleman is a waste of human flesh IMO. Baby Coleman :rose: I imagine this little girl will need special care for the rest of her life.

[Results]

I do not know where to begin with this crime. There is a baby fighting for her life and may not pull through. The charges bother me that he is charged with..why isn't there a charge of attempted murder I firmly believe he meant to kill this child. There is no reports on the Mother of this child..where is she at and why is she not speaking out and why did she lose her rights to the child? Who if any family members are with this child? If this Mother is innocent why did Social Service take her rights away? If this Mother is a loving Mother and her baby is fighting for her life and the Mother loved this baby with all her heart the baby could do better hearing her Mother's voice talking to her. I'm not understanding the Mother situation. This animal that did this to his own child his parents hired him a lawyer..what the he!! is wrong with them. I have a son and I would move mountains for him but if he did this to my grandbaby our flesh and blood then I will be at the hospital with my grandbaby and he better hope he stays in jail. I don't understand this at all. Nothing makes sense to me. The bottom line for me is where is the support of the family for this precious little baby that is fighting for her life? We have news on his crimes and the baby's condition but where are the reports of what the Mother is doing and the family of this precious bundle of joy is doing? You have complete strangers rallying for this baby and giving statements to the press but we hear nothing from the family? Something seems very wrong here. Hang in there baby girl there is a world praying for you and thinking of you! :rose:

JMHO

[samanthajane13]

Well, as we know, things will never be the same for this precious little girl, and it can't take away the pain and fear, nor even begin to make amends for what her "daddy" did to her, but I know for a fact that "daddy" is going to be VERY POPULAR IN PRISON!!!

This "man" nauseates me.


:rose: For the sweet little girl...

[floridasweet5]

OMG, another case where I cannot find the words to describe the sickening feeling I have inside while reading these articles you have posted Odette. This is beyond sad.

:rose: For the precious little girl - my heart goes out to her.

I have to tell this story:

The grandaughter of a CPA that I work with had the same thing happen to her. Jessica was 4 yrs. old when her stepfather physically abused her so bad that the last thing he did to the little girl was to swing her around the child's bedroom in the trailer and put Jessica through the inside of the trailer wall. She was thrown up against the walls, dragged on rocks and stickers, had the horse stomp on her, all the while MOM left her and her sister to go shopping. His wife, (Jessica's mom) said she was afraid on him, well guess what, your afraid, don't you think Jessica was also. When it was time for the grandmother to take her back to Mom and dad, Jessica would pull her hair out in hand fulls because she DID NOT want to go back to them. MOM was in denial. Make a long story short, By the time she was air lifted to the Childrens Hospital in North Florida her brain had swelled so much that they had to cut her skull open for the swelling. They took her off life support 4 days later. She passed away 3/29/03. Mom and stepdad were convicted of first dregee murder. He cut a plea bargain and got 17 yrs. with 3 yrs. time served. She got 12 years with 3 yrs. time served.
WHERES THE JUSTICE FOR JESSICA???????????????:rose:
I get sooooo pissed off when I hear that men and/or women that do this to children and animals. They need a bullet between the eyes. Sorry for the graphic but it just gets to me every time I hear this.:cuss: :flamemad: :mad:

[Results]

This is an evil man and should be put away. Did you know that the Mother has a myspace account that she has now moved to private but she had TONS of her baby's pictures all laid out and her entries were nothing but of a loving Mother that loved her daughter. She took her myspace account off of Kirk's myspace and removed his account off of hers. She was at work and reading her myspace account she loved this baby and I do not believe she would harm this baby or allow anyone else either. When she got home from work and felt the baby was in trouble she immediately took the baby to the ER. Like this was not enough that her husband hurt her baby and probably won't live and people wrote hateful messages to her on her myspace account that now we can't enjoy the beautiful pictures or see how much that woman loved her baby because she had to go to private to get away from the hateful comments. If she was involved she would have been arrested and the investigators are saying he acted alone the Mother was not involved but she gets hate mail? IMO she is now being victimized twice. JMHO

[Mishell1383]

What could a little soul do to make you that angry? I just don't understand, I have so many questions that don't make sense, and probably never will. :confused: :( :mad: :flamemad:

[Zuras]

Definitely a sad story. It's unlikely the baby will need "special care" for the rest of her life. No traumatic brain injuries were described, which is surirpising, but barring that, it sounds like she will have a decent recovery since children that age have remarkable healing capacity in both bones and soft tissue.

[kurro07]

Well, as we know, things will never be the same for this precious little girl, and it can't take away the pain and fear, nor even begin to make amends for what her "daddy" did to her, but I know for a fact that "daddy" is going to be VERY POPULAR IN PRISON!!!

This "man" nauseates me.


:rose: For the sweet little girl...

the baby will probably not consciously remember though. I'd image lots of nightmares and confusion for the child tho. =( (the dad looks like kevin federline) I have very little maternal instinct but even I can't understand the reasoning behind this and the other story mentioned in the topic by floridasweet5. Serial killers are more understandable!

[Results]

Definitely a sad story. It's unlikely the baby will need "special care" for the rest of her life. No traumatic brain injuries were described, which is surirpising, but barring that, it sounds like she will have a decent recovery since children that age have remarkable healing capacity in both bones and soft tissue.

What is your PHD experience to make that assumption? You can make that call without seeing the patient? What a remarkable talent you have there. You are a very sad individual and you just showed your true character by coming to a thread about a 3 month old baby girl that was nearly beat to death and raped by her father to make a mockery of this situation. I'm sure 17 bone fractures this baby will get over it that is if she lives and tell me do you have any idea what it feels like to have your eye socket bones broken, your skull fractured multiple places, 5 or more ribs broken, or how about both bones in your legs broken? I'm sure we can all rest easy now that you have told us this baby will have a decent recovery. JMHO

[Sharon]

What is your PHD experience to make that assumption? You can make that call without seeing the patient? What a remarkable talent you have there. You are a very sad individual and you just showed your true character by coming to a thread about a 3 month old baby girl that was nearly beat to death and raped by her father to make a mockery of this situation. I'm sure 17 bone fractures this baby will get over it that is if she lives and tell me do you have any idea what it feels like to have your eye socket bones broken, your skull fractured multiple places, 5 or more ribs broken, or how about both bones in your legs broken? I'm sure we can all rest easy now that you have told us this baby will have a decent recovery. JMHO

Too true. I dont think its even possible to know the level of pain involved. And Im sure there will be much internal injury too.

I dont have much more to add than what has been said here already. But why would a father do this, hurt his own flesh and blood. We know about shaken baby syndrome, maybe carried out in a fit of rage.....but this is abuse that was systematic, sexual (towards a baby????), and sadistic. I mean how do you do so much damage ??? Its just pure evil.

[Athena]

Zuras -- Having had experience with posting with you in the Jena6 board I am now convinced you are here to stir up trouble and hopefully FW will soon realize it as well. You are a very hostile individiual. :rolleyes:

[Athena]

These crimes against children get more horrific as I read more and more. It is beyond even attempting to understand what makes people do commit these horrific acts.

For the baby. :rose:

I've said this before -- and I might sound barbaric, but I believe we should round up these child abusers and pedophiles put them in a public square and let the public mete out their punishment. :flamemad:

[Mishell1383]

Baby Bella :rose:
God Bless your little soul :rose:

May you make a full recovery :rose:

[Canadian Bum]

Definitely a sad story. It's unlikely the baby will need "special care" for the rest of her life. No traumatic brain injuries were described, which is surirpising, but barring that, it sounds like she will have a decent recovery since children that age have remarkable healing capacity in both bones and soft tissue. Having a child who has had several brain operations (under the age of 10 mths), I understand bones, soft tissue, and a childs remarkable healing capacity, however, I was thinking along the lines of her "emotional well being" as she ages. Baby Bella :rose:

[Zuras]

Having a child who has had several brain operations (under the age of 10 mths), I understand bones, soft tissue, and a childs remarkable healing capacity, however, I was thinking along the lines of her "emotional well being" as she ages. Baby Bella :rose:

Well, that's the thing, as long as such traumas are not repeated, little or no effect is usually noted emotionally. Most of this is no doubt due to infantile amnesia. Now, if this kid was a 5 year old it would be a whole different story.

[kurro07]

Most of this is no doubt due to infantile amnesia. Now, if this kid was a 5 year old it would be a whole different story.

I doubt that, the child may not consciously remember but will have nightmares and repressed memories that will be confusing until the child is old enough to be told what happened. (and I image that would have to wait until the child was over 15! and even then how can you wrap your brain around that?!?!)

[Sharon]

I doubt that, the child may not consciously remember but will have nightmares and repressed memories that will be confusing until the child is old enough to be told what happened. (and I image that would have to wait until the child was over 15! and even then how can you wrap your brain around that?!?!)

You are so right. And the fact that the poster was banned shows exactly how much credibility she has.

To even suggest that this child will be A OK....is baffling on so many levels. I can imagine saying that `hopefully` the baby will be OK.....but anything more is disrespectful and in denial of the extent of the damage. As you say, even coping with the events in this story (your own father) will be a challenge for even the best adjusted adult.

And as far as we know the baby is still in hospital with many serious injuries.....definately no walk in the park. Poor baby.:rose:

[odette]

Baby Assault Sparks Rally

WLNS - Preeti Arla - Sep 24, 2007 02:46 AM

http://i13.tinypic.com/4mx4d3l.gif >> Baby Assault Sparks Rally

Fighting for an end to child abuse, some local people say they're on a mission to keep children safe. Jackson residents hit the pavement on a mission to give a voice to the voiceless.

Resident: "Let other people know about child abuse and that we want to put a stop to it."

Residents say there are too many cases of child abuse in their backyard, the latest just this past week. 27-year-old Kirk Coleman is accused of beating and then sexually abusing his three month old daughter.

Resident: "How could someone do that to a baby, that drew the line."

Resident: "This latest incident did wake us up, that's what started this push."

continued:
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7116026&nav=0RbQ

[odette]

Baby breathing on her own

MLIVE - Tuesday, September 25, 2007

A Blackman Township baby who allegedly was beaten and raped by her father is breathing on her own in an Ann Arbor hospital.

"She is going to make it, but will have brain problems," Public Safety Deputy Director Jon Johnston said this morning.

The 3-month old girl has been hospitalized since Sept. 15 with 17 broken bones and brain damage, and was on a ventilator for more than a week. Police allege Kirk Coleman, 27, beat and sexually assaulted the baby. A preliminary hearing scheduled for today was postponed.

Baby breathing on her own (http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/119072933336500.xml&coll=3)

Praying for Baby Bella's Full Recovery :rose:

[Mishell1383]

Oh this poor child! I had a really strong feeling she wasn't going to come out of this physically healed 100% Atleast she is breathing on her own now. Thats a positive note.

Baby Bella :rose:

[Zoey]

:rose: Be strong Baby Bella. We are all praying for your recovery. :rose:

[Angie1960]

May God's own Hands heal your head, Gods Whispers heal your heart, and God's Spirit keep you from any more harm.

We Love you Baby Belle.

:rose:

[Canadian Bum]

Thanks for the update Odette :) Praying for baby Bella :rose:

[odette]

Fund drive created for beaten baby

CITPAT - By Danielle Quisenberry - dquisenberry@citpat.com -- 768-4929 - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A baby and the sad story of her lying in a hospital bed after being beaten and sexually assaulted are stirring area residents to action.

Jackie Brown and her boyfriend, William Allen, both of Vandercook Lake, have placed containers at more than a dozen Jackson County bars and businesses to raise money for the 3-month-old.

"She needs to be set for life," Brown said. "A 3-month-old doesn't have a chance in the world."

The baby has been hospitalized since Sept. 15 with 17 broken bones and injuries to her brain. Only recently has she improved enough to breathe without a ventilator, police said.

Police allege her father, Kirk Coleman, 27, beat and sexually assaulted her in the Blackman Township apartment he shared with the baby and her mother -- Coleman's wife of three months.

Allen was inspired to act.

"It's wrong. I just don't understand," he said. "This little girl shouldn't have to worry no more. The whole county of Jackson, we should all make sure she is taken care of for the rest of her days."

He set up an account at American 1 Federal Credit Union in Isabella's honor. Anyone can visit any American 1 branch and make a donation, employees said.

Members of Allen's union, Detroit-based Michigan Iron Workers Local 25, are giving money. Johnson Sign Co. in Jackson donated fliers.

Shortly after the assault this month, the baby's parents lost custody -- at least temporarily -- and she is a ward of the state, police have said.

Ashley Rogers, 23, Isabella's mother, and the baby's grandmother have been in Ann Arbor, where the girl is being treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center, said her grandfather, Wade Rogers of Fayetteville, N.C. .....

continued:
Fund drive created for beaten baby (http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190815682180330.xml&coll=3)

[kurro07]

Ashley Rogers, 23, Isabella's mother, and the baby's grandmother have been in Ann Arbor, where the girl is being treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center, said her grandfather, Wade Rogers of Fayetteville, N.C.

That's a really good hospital! My little sister has spina bifita and she was flown there a few days after she was born and she got great care. That baby could not ask for a better hospital to be cared for at!

[Moms4Justice]

God Bless this Baby Girl! :rose:



Every time I read about Baby Bella I cry! How can even the most horrible human being do something like this to a 3 month old?! It's sickening!:flamemad:

[CalInsomniac]

I'm just disgusted beyond words. Every incident I read about is more sickening than the last.

This man needs to be in a small cage in jail for the rest of his life with no contact with anyone, no one to talk to, no TV, no books, nothing to write with, nothing to do whatsoever than sit for year upon year in a small dark cage with no sunlight and think about what he did until his mind rots (yeah, that might be cruel and unusual, but i think cruel and unusual would be quite the understatement when applied to what he did to that child). His own child and that too a 3 month old?!!

[Mishell1383]

I'm just disgusted beyond words. Every incident I read about is more sickening than the last.

This man needs to be in a small cage in jail for the rest of his life with no contact with anyone, no one to talk to, no TV, no books, nothing to write with, nothing to do whatsoever than sit for year upon year in a small dark cage with no sunlight and think about what he did until his mind rots (yeah, that might be cruel and unusual, but i think cruel and unusual would be quite the understatement when applied to what he did to that child). His own child and that too a 3 month old?!!
I agree with you, however I don't believe that a man capable of doing such horrendous acts to a 3 month old baby, would even think about it in his cell, nevermind feel remorse about it. imo

[Moms4Justice]

I'm just disgusted beyond words. Every incident I read about is more sickening than the last.

This man needs to be in a small cage in jail for the rest of his life with no contact with anyone, no one to talk to, no TV, no books, nothing to write with, nothing to do whatsoever than sit for year upon year in a small dark cage with no sunlight and think about what he did until his mind rots (yeah, that might be cruel and unusual, but i think cruel and unusual would be quite the understatement when applied to what he did to that child). His own child and that too a 3 month old?!!

With no heat or air and a daily butt whoopin' (putting it nicely)!!

[odette]

Shock, outrage emerge in case

mlive.com - By Danielle Quisenberry - Friday, September 28, 2007

To some who know him, surprise does not adequately describe the emotion they felt when Kirk Coleman was arraigned this month on charges he beat and sexually assaulted his infant daughter.

"Stunned, shock, disbelief are more accurate," said Kyle Detmers, the assistant/youth pastor at Cement City Baptist Church, which Coleman and his family have attended for years. "Kirk has always been really quiet, tender, caring."

Coleman, 27, comes from a family of six, attended Jackson Community College and served with the Army in Iraq. He has no criminal record.

The charges he faces are not consistent with his background, said his lawyer, Dennis Hurst, who has known the Coleman family of Columbia Township for about 25 years.

Police paint a different picture. They allege Coleman sexually assaulted and beat his 3-month-old daughter between Aug. 26 and Sept. 14, leaving her with 17 broken bones and head injuries. Police said they believe Coleman, left with the baby as her mother went to work, beat her over two days.

She was unconscious when taken to the hospital Sept. 15, police have said. After more than a week on a ventilator, she has been breathing on her own this week at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, police said.

Coleman is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse. He is not the first man without a criminal history charged with violence against his child, said Jackson County Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates, who pointed to two other recent cases.

The crime has sparked much outrage in the area, inspiring people to picket outside the courthouse and send hate mail to Hurst and phone the family, Hurst said. .....

continued: x 3 Pages
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190988343125290.xml&coll=3

[Mishell1383]

So wait one minute here, he took the baby away from home for two days? SO he could beat and rape her? Am I reading this correctly?

[Moms4Justice]

So wait one minute here, he took the baby away from home for two days? SO he could beat and rape her? Am I reading this correctly?

He was apparently "babysitting" his daughter while her mother was working for 2 days.
:cuss:

[Sharon]

You know guys, we talk about so many hidious crimes here that sometimes even when we voice our discust or horror, we are still not really taking it in. Well, this applied to me with this crime. Even though I have had 3 kids, I had totally forgotten how a 3 month old looks or feels. Untill last night when my sil came over with her 3 month old little girl.

Well, my heart broke double when I thought of this case. The body of a 3 month old is sooo fragile and delicate. They cant even hold their head up or hold anything. They are still so new and in the baby stage. They are like little puddings when you hold them.

I think it would take an insane monster to even think of bashing such a young baby let alone having sex with what is almost a new born baby.

This guy deserves a bullet between the eyes. I dont really care about his reasons why.

[Mishell1383]

You know guys, we talk about so many hidious crimes here that sometimes even when we voice our discust or horror, we are still not really taking it in. Well, this applied to me with this crime. Even though I have had 3 kids, I had totally forgotten how a 3 month old looks or feels. Untill last night when my sil came over with her 3 month old little girl.

Well, my heart broke double when I thought of this case. The body of a 3 month old is sooo fragile and delicate. They cant even hold their head up or hold anything. They are still so new and in the baby stage. They are like little puddings when you hold them.

I think it would take an insane monster to even think of bashing such a young baby let alone having sex with what is almost a new born baby.

This guy deserves a bullet between the eyes. I dont really care about his reasons why.
When you put it like that Sharon I feel like I got smacked in the face. You made me realize how really real it is, and the damage that she endured. I have 5 nieces all under the age of 6. And when I think of how you put it, it just made it that much worse, and made me realize what kind of sick monster he really is. This sick twisted piece of garbage does not deserve to see the light of another day, a life is so fragile especially a child, especially a baby, a newborn. My heart just broke triple than how it broke when I first read this story. I can no longer fathom, nor care what went through this piece of S%$&# head. All I hope for and care about at this point is the full recovery of that beautiful baby Bella.

:rose:

[puppies]

im speechless!this is the worse case i've ever heard of!good God!

hope this girl gets better:rose:

[Sharon]

When you put it like that Sharon I feel like I got smacked in the face. You made me realize how really real it is, and the damage that she endured. I have 5 nieces all under the age of 6. And when I think of how you put it, it just made it that much worse, and made me realize what kind of sick monster he really is. This sick twisted piece of garbage does not deserve to see the light of another day, a life is so fragile especially a child, especially a baby, a newborn. My heart just broke triple than how it broke when I first read this story. I can no longer fathom, nor care what went through this piece of S%$&# head. All I hope for and care about at this point is the full recovery of that beautiful baby Bella.

:rose:

I know, I was really taken aback myself when I held this 3 month old baby from my SIL. I mean its not even a person yet, it cant hardly focus, it cries without any voice control (ie it has one cry sound for everything), and its legs are so tiny and floppy. The skin is so thin too, it really is just like a new baby in many ways.

I cant understand this at all, because we are talking about the FATHER. It was his own flesh and blood. :shrug:

[Zoey]

I know, I was really taken aback myself when I held this 3 month old baby from my SIL. I mean its not even a person yet, it cant hardly focus, it cries without any voice control (ie it has one cry sound for everything), and its legs are so tiny and floppy. The skin is so thin too, it really is just like a new baby in many ways.

I cant understand this at all, because we are talking about the FATHER. It was his own flesh and blood. :shrug:


I have a really hard time posting on this thread. Everytime I come back here it just gets sadder and sadder and I cry every time I read what has happened to this innocent little baby. My heart goes out to Baby Bella. :rose:

[glotomian]

I hear so many people taking the mother's side of it, are they missing the fact that this appeared to have taken place between Aug 17through Sept 14, and that she left her baby with him after she must have noticed something. I am so sick of women who marry losers and look the other way as there children are abused. he must have shown signs of being violent. Why did she leave her baby girl with him? Is it just me or is the number of men who are in the military who sexually abuse their children growing? Are they getting used to this type of behavior as being acceptable as the rape and torture young girls while serving our country. I was sexually abused by a military officer as a child and so were my sisters and his daughters. All while the mothers looked the other way. :confused:

[Mishell1383]

I hear so many people taking the mother's side of it, are they missing the fact that this appeared to have taken place over a two day period and that she left her baby with him after she must have noticed something. I am so sick of women who marry losers and look the other way as there children are abused. he must have shown signs of being violent. Why did she leave her baby girl with him? Is it just me or is the number of men who are in the military who sexually abuse their children growing? Are they getting used to this type of behavior as being acceptable as the rape and torture young girls while serving our country. I was sexually abused by a military officer as a child and so were my sisters and his daughters. All while the mothers looked the other way. :confused:
Although I am on the fence about the mother, we must wait until we hear her side. Supposedly she was working. My sister works 48 hours over a weekend at a mental hosptial so she can have all week off for her children. Thats an easy two days away from her children where she leave the kids with her husband (their father) And we love him dearly and has our utmost respect and trust. Things just happen, he could have snapped with the blink of an eye, and not necessarily have been violent. Possibly he could have been a predator with other children just not at home? I am not on the mothers side nor am I against it. I just don't have enough evidence to condemn her just yet.

Ps. I would like to welcome you to CL thanks for posting here!! Look forward to posting with you more :seeya:

[Seashell]

Baby Bella my prayers for you a sweet innocent little soul who has seen nothing but violence.
Baby Bella please please get better :rose:

[odette]

Baby's dad to get psych testing

mlive.com - By Steven Hepker - Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Lawyers will seek psychological testing for a Lake Columbia man accused of beating and sexually assaulting his 3-month-old daughter.

The competency exam will postpone the scheduled Oct. 30 preliminary hearing for Kirk Coleman by one to two months, District Judge R. Darryl Mazur said Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, Mazur granted a motion by defense attorneys Dennis Hurst and Michael Rosenthal to limit statements to the media by investigators, prosecutors, the defense and child-welfare workers.

Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates also signed the motion.

The order forbids statements to reporters "that would have the substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the legal proceedings.''

Details of the near-death beating of the 3-month-old have moved some citizens to tears, prayers and protests. Hurst said "conclusitory'' statements in the media could hurt Coleman's chance of a fair trial.

Coleman, 27, is charged with first-degree child abuse and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He is free on a $100,000 bond and attended court Tuesday with his parents.

Blackman Township investigators allege Coleman beat and raped his daughter on Sept. 13-14 in the apartment he shared with his wife, Ashley Rogers.

The baby initially was on a ventilator with head injuries, 11 broken ribs, fractures to her legs and broken eye sockets, investigators said. The extent of injuries, including possible brain damage, will be learned over time.

"It is going to be an ongoing discovery process,'' Bates said of the flow of medical records from the University of Michigan Hospital to prosecutors and public safety officials.

Child Protective Services suspended parental rights for both parents, making the baby a ward of the state.

Readers from across the nation continue to respond with e-mails and phone calls to the newspaper. A fund for the child continues to gather donations at American 1 Federal Credit Union branches in Jackson County.

Baby's dad to get psych testing (http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1191420350300010.xml&coll=3)

[puppies]

does he want to play the insane card now?or what?:flamemad:

[odette]

does he want to play the insane card now?or what?:flamemad:

Looks like it to me .. UNREAL isn't it!! .. :cuss:

imo

[kurro07]

does he want to play the insane card now?or what?:flamemad:

Bah, people in insane asylums may be crazy but the reason most of them are in there isn't for raping babies.

[puppies]

Bah, people in insane asylums may be crazy but the reason most of them are in there isn't for raping babies.

i agree!it's amazing,whenever something like this happens,the monster plays the insane card:flamemad: i was soooo happy when it didn't work in the Jessica Lunsford case.judges aren't that dumb.

[Sharon]

And notice how the system is scared that... HE... wont get a `fair` trial. Oh yer, got to worry about that.....that would really be... BAD.

And, I cant believe his parents are standing by him. My mind boggles when I think of the type of small talk they would be making!!!!:shrug:


In my opinion, the parents should be standing up for the real victim here...their grand daughter....I know that I would.

[odette]

And notice how the system is scared that... HE... wont get a `fair` trial. Oh yer, got to worry about that.....that would really be... BAD.

And, I cant believe his parents are standing by him. My mind boggles when I think of the type of small talk they would be making!!!!:shrug:


In my opinion, the parents should be standing up for the real victim here...their grand daughter....I know that I would.

Unbelievable isn't it. You know the more that I think about this 'creature' the more enraged I become, if that's at all possible?.

This little baby was not only RAPED, as if THAT wasn't VILE enough for her to endure, the poor little girl was unconscious when she was taken to the hospital .. she had three skull fractures .. eleven broken ribs .. both of her eye sockets were broken .. two thigh bone fractures and two shin bone fractures .. seventeen broken bones!!!. She had to spend more than a week on a ventilator and the damage to her brain is apparently a wait and see situation.

And they're worried about that 'creature' getting a FAIR trial?.

JMHO

The competency exam will postpone the scheduled Oct. 30 preliminary hearing for Kirk Coleman by one to two months, District Judge R. Darryl Mazur said Tuesday.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1191420350300010.xml&coll=3


"She has three skull fractures, 11 broken ribs, both eye sockets are broken, she has two femur fractures and two tibia fractures -- 17 broken bones," Deputy Director Jon Johnston said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190214347206180.xml&coll=3

She was unconscious when taken to the hospital Sept. 15, police have said. After more than a week on a ventilator, she has been breathing on her own this week at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, police said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1190988343125290.xml&coll=3

A local father is behind bars, accused of beating his 3-month-old child and then sexually abusing her. 27-year-old Kirk Coleman is charged with one count of first degree child abuse and one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct.
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=7087046&nav=0RbQ

[Mishell1383]

For the eye sockets to be broken, wouldn't he have had to repeatedly hit this baby in the face? How could you repeatedly hit and beat a baby, A 3 MONTH OLD AT THAT!? their small little beings ! This whole thing is absolutely atrociously disgusting to me!!!!!! :cuss: :flamemad: :mad:

[Seashell]

And, I cant believe his parents are standing by him. My mind boggles when I think of the type of small talk they would be making!!!!:shrug: true!

In my opinion, the parents should be standing up for the real victim here...their grand daughter....I know that I would.
it doesnt take much to know the difference between evil and good, they chose to stand by their evil monster of a son! it is so terrible and sad that this innocent baby is in a terrible physical mess and in a coma all because of this evil monster and they should be standing by the side of this baby in hospital!!!!! :cuss:

[Seashell]

Today i was reading my UK daily newspaper and came across this verse, it reminded me of little baby Bella so sweet so precious and always in my thoughts and heart.

A Baby's feet, like sea-shells pink,
Might tempt, should heaven see meet,
An angel's lips to kiss, we think,
A baby's feet.

Like rose-hued sea-flowers toward the heat
They stretch and spread and wink
Their ten soft buds that part and meet.

No flower-bells that expand and shrink
Gleam half so heavenly sweet
As shine on life's untrodden brink
A baby's feet.

II.

A baby's hands, like rosebuds furled
Whence yet no leaf expands,
Ope if you touch, though close upcurled,
A baby's hands.

Then, fast as warriors grip their brands
When battle's bolt is hurled,
They close, clenched hard like tightening bands.

No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled
Match, even in loveliest lands,
The sweetest flowers in all the world -
A baby's hands.

III.

A baby's eyes, ere speech begin,
Ere lips learn words or sighs,
Bless all things bright enough to win
A baby's eyes.

Love, while the sweet thing laughs and lies,
And sleep flows out and in,
Sees perfect in them Paradise.

Their glance might cast out pain and sin,
Their speech make dumb the wise,
By mute glad godhead felt within
A baby's eyes. :rose:

By: Algernon Charles Swinburne

[Devotion]

does he want to play the insane card now?or what?: flamemad:

:shrug: When would he claim to have gone insane? An hour, day, week or month before raping and beating the baby?

If he "supposly" went insane a week or more BEFORE raping the baby WHY did his wife allow him to take the child?

Did his parents notice anything wrong with their son? If not, then he's playing the insane card.
If they did, and did nothing, they are partially to blame for this senseless, brutal rape of their granddaughter....which is it?....IMO

[Seashell]

Today i was reading my UK daily newspaper and came across this verse, it reminded me of little baby Bella so sweet so precious and always in my thoughts and heart.

A Baby's feet, like sea-shells pink,
Might tempt, should heaven see meet,
An angel's lips to kiss, we think,
A baby's feet.

Like rose-hued sea-flowers toward the heat
They stretch and spread and wink
Their ten soft buds that part and meet.

No flower-bells that expand and shrink
Gleam half so heavenly sweet
As shine on life's untrodden brink
A baby's feet.

II.

A baby's hands, like rosebuds furled
Whence yet no leaf expands,
Ope if you touch, though close upcurled,
A baby's hands.

Then, fast as warriors grip their brands
When battle's bolt is hurled,
They close, clenched hard like tightening bands.

No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled
Match, even in loveliest lands,
The sweetest flowers in all the world -
A baby's hands.

III.

A baby's eyes, ere speech begin,
Ere lips learn words or sighs,
Bless all things bright enough to win
A baby's eyes.

Love, while the sweet thing laughs and lies,
And sleep flows out and in,
Sees perfect in them Paradise.

Their glance might cast out pain and sin,
Their speech make dumb the wise,
By mute glad godhead felt within
A baby's eyes. :rose:

By: Algernon Charles Swinburne



Does anyone know anything about how little Bella is? i pray she has improved... Please God save precious little Bella :rose:

[Mishell1383]

Does anyone know anything about how little Bella is? i pray she has improved... Please God save precious little Bella :rose:
So far all I have read is she is now breathing on her own. To see if she has brain damage is to be determined.. :(

[Tap Dancer]

I look forward to news stories about this man being beaten/raped/tortured in prison. He deserves that for the rest of his miserable life. How can someone do these things to an innocent baby? What causes such strong hatred in people??

(((Baby Bella))) :rose:

[Seashell]

Baby Bella :rose:
we love you ((((((HUGS)))))

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u144/coutures/candlesfromshaniatwainsmyspace.gif

[Bluefox]

Words fail me. No matter what sentence this monster gets, it will never, never ever be enough.

[skybludeb]

And notice how the system is scared that... HE... wont get a `fair` trial. Oh yer, got to worry about that.....that would really be... BAD.

And, I cant believe his parents are standing by him. My mind boggles when I think of the type of small talk they would be making!!!!:shrug:


In my opinion, the parents should be standing up for the real victim here...their grand daughter....I know that I would.
I agree with you Sharon! If my daughter let someone even yell at my grandaughters I would not be taking up for her! A little child depends on their momma to protect them. I would kill someone and go to jail if they ever hurt my grandchildren... even if it was my child!

[DigitalDreamKat]

I literally threw up when I read this

The man has to be insane to do this to a baby, a baby!! I don't think it should count at his trial, but he is definitely insane, no sane person would do this.

[Seashell]

I wonder how many of us would take revenge if it had to happen to us?
I know its wrong to take a life but my gawd it is so horrible what these vile men do......

[SimplySue]

Words fail me. No matter what sentence this monster gets, it will never, never ever be enough.

I agree. I've been following this story closely, but haven't been able to think of anything to say that reflects how terribly evil a person must be to do the things to a baby that were done.

I really, truly have no words, all I do each time I read this thread is sit here with tears rolling down my face, shaking.

I really believe there is a place in hell for child rapists and abusers. This takes both to a whole new level though. :flamemad:

[RaVeN71806]

My prayer's our with baby bella :rose: ....as for daddy he will get his dues once they release his ass in jail they'll have with him...he'll pay for what hes done...

[RaVeN71806]

I wonder how many of us would take revenge if it had to happen to us?
I know its wrong to take a life but my gawd it is so horrible what these vile men do......


if it was allowed I'd have sweet revenge on these *******s all of them...:flamemad: :flamemad:

[odette]

Special Report: A Look Back And An Update On Abused Baby

Nov 27, 2007

A little baby's only true protection in its brand new world is a parent.

But for one little baby near Jackson, police say her parent turned out to be the very person she needed protection from. ... continued

Article & Video
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/11865831.html

[Tangerine]

i am relieved that this child survived. unfortunately, even though she wont remember the attack, she probably will still feel effects from it. i read a book called, predators, and it talks about a little girl who had been sexually abused in her daycare. although she was too young to remember it, she still showed signs of ptsd: low self-esteem, drug abuse, problems in relationships. i think this is so sad that a parent would do this to his own child. but thank god she survived. maybe with the right counseling she will be okay.

[RaVeN71806]

I'm so happy to see that baby bella pulled through this and that she will be ok..for baby bella :rose:

[odette]

May 30, 2008

Father Makes Plea Deal in Abuse Case

Jackson, MI Kirk Coleman, the Jackson County man accused of raping and beating his three-month old daughter, pleaded guilty Friday afternoon to attempted child abuse. It's a plea that carries a much lighter sentence than the life in prison term he could have faced if found guilty of the original charges. A maximum of 5 years is the potential sentence for attempted child abuse.

Coleman's trial was set to begin Monday. He had been charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct and first degree child abuse. Those charges were dismissed in the plea agreement.

Jackson County Prosecutor's office says that their primary goal was to ensure that Coleman would never again gain custody of his daughter, and this plea accomplishes that. Since he did not pleaded to criminal sexual conduct he will not be required to register as a sex offender.

Coleman will be sentenced in July.

In September of last year, Coleman was accused of the beating and sexual assault of his three-month old daughter in their Blackman Township home. Police investigators said the infant was left in Coleman's care, while the mother went to work. Officer said they believed Coleman beat the baby for two days. The girl had to be placed on life support at U of M hospital, and had multiple bone fractures. Jackson County Prosecutor's office says that the girl will never fully recover from her injuries.

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/19408819.html

[odette]

The following is a Jackson Citizen Patriot editorial for June 8:

Plea deal falls short in child-abuse case

Police say Kirk Coleman raped his 3-month-old daughter and left her with 17 broken bones last fall. Protesters stood outside the Jackson County courthouse. Many strangers contributed money to help with her care.

Now, a plea agreement intends to put Coleman in prison for no more than five years on a charge of attempted child abuse. We ask if the legal system is treating such a horrendous case as seriously as it should.

The plea deal is puzzling. Worse, it risks sending the wrong message to a community that already fails to protect too many of its youngest members.

Prosecutors and police initially pressed felony charges of abuse in this case. They say they have no doubt Coleman is responsible for the injuries his daughter suffered. If so, why did they not take this case to a trial on charges that reflect how much this child suffered?

This is not a cry from the lynch mob. The court system routinely clears its heavy docket of cases with deals between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Sit on a courtroom bench, and you'll see that justice would stand still if every accused criminal faced a trial by jury. Trials are the exception.

Plea agreements are the justice system's lubricant and — unless you want to pay more in taxes for judges and prosecutors, not to mention jail space — that's the way it should be.

Still, prosecutors have the freedom to choose their battles. There are many cases where Prosecutor Hank Zavislak and his predecessors did not settle for a deals, instead going to trial to ensure tough punishment.

Former prosecutor John McBain (coincidentally, now the judge in the Coleman case) once charged a drunken driver with second-degree murder for a fatal crash, even though it stretched the norm for such cases. McBain took the case to trial. He won.

We do not have all the behind-the-scenes information, but the Coleman case looks to be one that called for vigorous prosecution.

Why did that not happen? Was something missing from the investigation? Were prosecutors looking only to keep Coleman away from his daughter with a guilty plea? Did they lack confidence that they could prevail over an aggressive defense?

Coleman's attorney, Dennis Hurst, denied that his client abused the girl, even though Coleman told police he was responsible for her injuries. Hurst suggested that others could be responsible.

If police or prosecutors believed that, they should have investigated and charged others. If they believed Coleman was solely to blame, they should have gotten ready for trial.

Instead, Coleman at first was set to plead no contest, which lets him neither admit nor deny guilt, until Judge McBain demanded he actually take responsibility. Then, he and prosecutors settled for a guilty plea in which the guidelines call for no more than five years in prison.

It's true that experts did not agree whether the child was assaulted sexually, but there's no debate as to the extent of her injuries. And it strains common sense to accept his 11th-hour claim that he dropped or bumped his daughter because he was not sober.

What happens in the justice system carries over into the community. In 2006, more than 800 children and teens were confirmed victims of abuse. Some of them died as a result of it.

The outcome of such a closely watched case makes an impact, and that's why prosecutors need to show the community that abuse will not be tolerated.

This little girl will pay for the rest of her life. The person who caused her so much suffering will not.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_opinion/2008/06/plea_deal_falls_short_in_child.html

[odette]

Posted by Staff Report June 12, 2008

Judge orders Coleman to remain in jail

Kirk Coleman will remain in the Jackson County Jail until July 17, when a judge likely will send him to prison.

Circuit Judge John McBain today rejected a defense motion to release Coleman pending sentencing.

Coleman was charged in September with beating and sexually assaulting his 3-month-old daughter. A plea agreement between prosecutors and defense attorney Dennis Hurst allowed Coleman to plead guilty to attempted child abuse.

While the crime is a potential five-year felony, Hurst said sentencing guidelines call for from zero to nine months in jail.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat/2008/06/kirk_coleman_will_remain_in.html

[odette]

Posted by Jackson Citizen Patriot June 14, 2008

Justice seems absent in Kirk Coleman case

JACKSON — I ponder once again the definition of "justice."

I suppose reasonable doubt, based on the excuse of alcohol and drug abuse, and two conflicting opinions allowed Kirk Coleman the right to plea-bargain.

Coleman potentially will receive a five-year sentence and the baby girl has been sentenced to life. Now, that is justice.

Evidently, the victim who was brutalized and cannot speak for herself waived her rights to justice, although I doubt if there could be any justice for her. Seventeen broken bones? Some type of sexual assault?

I do not know the extent of her brain injury or whether she will ever be able to verbalize her terror of the treatment she received. I do not understand, if the injuries occurred over a period of time, why no one noticed, sought treatment or reported suspected abuse.

Is the war experience in Iraq partially responsible for Coleman's ability to hurt his own child? Hiding behind alcohol and drug abuse is wrong, especially in today's world, where recovery programs abound.

When defense attorney Dennis Hurst and prosecutor Allison Bates lay their heads on their pillows each night, will they be able to sleep, or live with themselves during the day?

I applaud Judge McBain, as an elected official, for the tenacity he displayed.

— Lorrie Brown

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_opinion/2008/06/justice_seems_absent_in_kirk_c.html

[odette]

Posted by Danielle Quisenberry | Citizen Patriot July 17, 2008

Judge exceeds sentencing guideline in case of attempted child abuse

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain today sentenced Kirk Coleman to 3 1/3 to 5 years in prison for injuring his 3-month-old daughter.

McBain exceeded the state sentencing guidelines of zero to 14 months in prison to penalize Coleman, 27, of Columbia Township, who pleaded guilty May 29 to attempted child abuse, first degree.

The judge pointed to the child's extensive injuries as his reason for the extended sentence.

"It is a miracle she is alive today," he said of the child, now 13 months old.

The girl had 17 bone fractures, bruises and contusions around her jaw and face, bleeding in her brain, rectal tearing and other injuries, according to medical testimony at the preliminary examination.

Coleman initially was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree child abuse, but those charges were dropped in plea deal.

Prosecutors feared an acquittal would allow Coleman to get partial custody of his daughter, and conflicting opinions by medical experts cast doubt on whether the girl had been sexually assaulted.

At his plea hearing in May, Coleman admitted to accidents between Aug. 27 and Sept. 14 in the Blackman Township apartment he shared with his wife. He was drinking and she fell out of a bouncer, she hit her head on the lip of a plastic bottle and he stumbled while holding her, he said.

The girl's maternal grandmother, who lives in North Carolina, now has custody of the baby.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat/2008/07/judge_exceeds_sentencing_guide.html

[odette]

Posted by Danielle Quisenberry | Jackson Citizen Patriot July 18, 2008

Dad gets prison for abuse

Kirk Coleman, an Army paratrooper who served in Iraq, did for Americans what he could not do for his child, a Jackson County judge said Thursday.

"You failed to protect your own daughter," Circuit Judge John McBain said Thursday before sending Coleman to prison for attempted child abuse.

McBain, nearly tripling the maximum penalty that state guidelines recommended for the charge, sentenced the 27-year-old to 3 1/3 to five years in prison for injuring his baby daughter in August and September.

He said the extent of the girl's injuries, which included nearly 20 broken bones, injuries to her private parts and brain bleeding, inspired him to stiffen the penalty. State guidelines called for zero to 14 months in prison; the maximum penalty for the offense is five years in prison.

"This case is one of the most horrible I have ever seen," McBain said. "The reality is, but for the grace of God, (the girl) would probably be dead."

The story of the baby inspired community protests and outrage.

Coleman's lawyer, Dennis Hurst, who earlier accused McBain of having a bias toward Coleman, said the judge relied more on emotions than facts when he sentenced Coleman.

He said Coleman, of Columbia Township, would appeal McBain's sentence.

Coleman, who has been portrayed by the defense as an honorable Iraq war veteran, pleaded guilty May 29 to attempted first-degree child abuse, admitting he repeatedly and accidentally hurt his daughter while drinking and taking a drug. She was 3 months old at the time.

"I'd like to apologize," he said Thursday, with a row of his family members sitting behind him. They declined to comment.

"I am responsible and I want to take full responsibility for my role in this," Coleman said.

He initially was charged with first-degree child abuse and first-degree criminal sexual conduct and was facing a possible life sentence.

Prosecutors later agreed to a plea deal, saying they feared an acquittal would allow Coleman partial custody of his daughter, who is now 13 months old.

Conflicting opinions of medical experts cast doubt on whether the baby was sexually assaulted, Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates said at the sentencing.

There also were questions raised about whether Coleman was the sole perpetrator.

Hurst implicated Coleman's wife, Ashley Rogers, who has filed for divorce, which is pending.

Bates said Rogers, who did not attend the sentencing, was "put through the ringer" by the state Department of Human Services and passed a polygraph test.

"There is no indication that she was the perpetrator of these injuries," Bates said.

Rogers' mother, Deborah Rogers, has custody of the baby; the girl lives with both her mother and grandmother in North Carolina and receives almost daily therapy as she is suffering "severe psychological disabilities," Bates said.

Coleman takes responsibility for the injuries the girl suffered during the four accidents he described in May. Before the plea hearing, he said he did not remember those injuries occurring.

He said in May that she fell out of her bouncer as he carried the chair and hit her head on a plastic bottle as he opened the refrigerator door. Two other times, he tripped on a rug or cord while holding her, he said at the plea hearing.

Thursday, he called himself a "drunken father" and apologized for failing to immediately get the girl medical treatment, but said he would not be held accountable for all her injuries.

A doctor testified at a preliminary examination the girl had 17 fractures, bruises and contusions around her jaw and face.

All the injuries could not be caused by the four accidents Coleman described, Hurst said.

Hurst presented McBain with a long document that included copies of Coleman's Army achievements while he served with the North Carolina-based 82nd Airborne Division from 2003 to 2006. It also included supportive letters from family members and Coleman's pastor and employer.

The letters lauded Coleman as a humble, quiet man of character.

Bates said the court did not have to limit its consideration to what she called Coleman's "disingenuous recitation of the facts."

Said McBain: "There are few things as defenseless in the world as an infant child," McBain said.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat/2008/07/dad_gets_prison_for_abuse.html

[odette]

Posted by Jackson Citizen Patriot August 02, 2008

Prosecution, judge let justice slide for father

VANDERCOOK LAKE — I'm sure that I can speak for the people of Jackson when I say the judge and the prosecutor are just as guilty as Kirk Coleman for the injuries to a baby.

The prosecutor gave a monster a free ticket to attack another child when he gets out in just a few years. Let's not forget that when he gets out, he does not have to register as a sex offender.

Judge McBain accepted the deal that the prosecutor made with Coleman. What's the prosecution's excuse for the deal that it offered? It wanted to make sure that he didn't get custody again. Seventeen broken bones and brain damage aren't enough sufficient evidence to have convicted him of everything and put him away for life? According to our justice system, apparently it's not. The system stinks!

Judge McBain even admitted during the sentencing this crime was horrific, yet he still allowed that ridiculous plea bargain to stand. If Coleman would have been charged and sentenced to life, the prosecutor wouldn't have had to worry about him ever getting the baby back because he would never walk the streets again.

Since Judge McBain exceeded the guidelines, Coleman is appealing the time handed down to him. Hopefully the court of appeals will find that there are extenuating circumstances and uphold the ridiculous three-and-a-half very short years that were sentenced.

— Ricky Graves

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_opinion/2008/08/prosecution_judge_let_justice.html

[odette]

By Steven Hepker - Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Dad who beat girl nearly to death gives up his rights

A former Army paratrooper on Tuesday gave up parental rights to a daughter he beat nearly to death.

Kirk Coleman, 28, appearing in a prison uniform, released his rights at a brief hearing before Circuit Judge Susan Beebe. She then terminated his parental rights to 1-year-old Isabella.

The girl, then 3 months old, was hospitalized in September with brain injuries, nearly 20 broken bones and injuries to her private parts.

Facing a jury trial for first-degree child abuse and first-degree criminal sexual conduct -- potential life offenses -- Coleman pleaded guilty in May to attempted first-degree child abuse.

Circuit Judge John McBain exceeded sentencing guidelines, sending him to prison for three years and four months to five years. McBain said it was the worst case of child abuse he had seen as a prosecutor or judge.

In his plea agreement, Coleman, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, admitted he repeatedly and accidentally hurt his daughter while drinking rum and taking painkillers.

Coleman had lived for a few months with his parents at Lake Columbia after he was charged. Coleman and his now ex-wife, Ashley Rogers, were living in a Blackman Township apartment in August and September when the baby was hurt.

Rogers lives with her mother in North Carolina, where Coleman was stationed and where they met. Rogers' mother has temporary custody of Isabella.

Assistant Prosecutor Allison Bates said Beebe will hold another hearing Sept. 24 regarding the continued placement of the child. Rogers could regain permanent custody of her daughter.

http://www.mlive.com/jackson/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-24/1202828709290340.xml&coll=3