Projects: Springer Trial: 07_SpringerTrial

Defense attorney Victor Bland, right, holds his head while sitting next to defense attorney John Bush, left, as they listen to testimony from former Child Protective Services investigator Patricia Skelding. “It was understood that Calista was being chained to her bed,” said Skelding, who worked for 18 years for what is now the Michigan Department of Human Services. “I believe it was known for a long time.” Defense attorneys Bland and Bush contend Calista was a “mildly retarded” child who required drastic measures as she grew older in order to keep her from wandering at night and potentially harming herself.

Defense attorney Victor Bland, right, holds his head while sitting next to defense attorney John Bush, left, as they listen to testimony from former Child Protective Services investigator Patricia Skelding. “It was understood that Calista was being chained to her bed,” said Skelding, who worked for 18 years for what is now the Michigan Department of Human Services. “I believe it was known for a long time.”  

Defense attorneys Bland and Bush contend Calista was a “mildly retarded” child who required drastic measures as she grew older in order to keep her from wandering at night and potentially harming herself.