REDFORD TWP. (WWJ) - Michael Lewis and Steffani Jones appeared via video in 17th District Court Tuesday for a probable cause conference in the case of a child beaten to death at a Redford motel.
Jones' defense attorney Lillian Diallo offered a blunt assessment of her client, whose 5-year-old daughter was found by police unresponsive at the Inn America last month.
"She's a wreck. She doesn't understand why she's in the jail," Diallo said. "Apparently, I talked to the prosecutor, and their theory is aiding and abetting...even though she wasn't present when the child unfortunately deceased."
A preliminary examination was delayed a week, now scheduled July 30 at which time evidence will be heard as to whether the couple will stand trial on second degree murder and first degree child abuse charges.
Paramedics failed to resuscitate the girl, who was with Lewis -- identified as the mother's boyfriend -- at the Telegraph Road motel on June 25. The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the child had suffered multiple blunt force trauma, ruling the death a homicide. Police said the autopsy showed internal bleeding, vaginal tearing, a torn adrenal gland, lacerated liver and multiple bruises.
Diallo said she is still going over details of the case, but said what she has seen so far is "troubling" and "disruptive to the spirit."
"We are waiting on the protocol and the autopsy to determine certain injuries and certain factors. That's why the exam had to be push out so far," Diallo said.
Diallo said it's still not clear as to wether prosecutors plan to offer Jones a plea deal in exchange for testimony against her boyfriend.
"You do see tactics like that sometimes," Diallo said. "I haven't gone through the discovery yet in enough detail to be able to tell you that, but the pressure is definitely on."
It is further alleged, according to prosecutors, that Jones' 3-year-old son, also found with Lewis at the motel, also suffered physical abuse. He was treated at a hospital and placed in the care of Child Protective Services.
