December 29, 2020 By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
A Holly man has been charged with torture and child abuse in the death of a 3-year-old girl.
29-year-old Samuel Lester Smart was arraigned on the felony charges in Oakland County 52-2 District Court earlier this month. His bond was denied. The charges are related to an investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police Metro North Post involving the death of 3-year-old Trinity Chandler on Saturday, December 19th. Family members told Channel 4 WDIV Detroit that Trinityâs mother worked the overnight shift at a nursing home. Smart reportedly texted her to say that Trinity wasnât waking up and he took her to a nearby fire station. Just a day before the child was pronounced dead, Child Protective Services was said to have conducted a welfare check on the little girl. At Smartâs arraignment hearing, an MSP investigator told the court that there is video of the girl being abused.