New Details Surface As Police Finish Ludington Child Abuse, Murder Case

In late April 2010, news sources alerted child abuse lawyers in Michigan to a gruesome case where police found a young girl and a 39 year-old man dead with a knife nearby. Originally, it was believed that both Chloey Stout, 7, and James Belanger, 39, died due to stab wounds. However, autopsies of the bodies and the evidence tested by the state crime lab have revealed a very different story.

Ludington police were alerted to the scene after a 911 phone call placed by Kelly Stout, Chloey’s mother. She awoke to find her former live-in boyfriend, James Belanger, stabbing himself repeatedly, while her daughter lay dead nearby. Although Belanger was rushed to the hospital, efforts to save his life were in vain as he had stabbed himself in the heart. An autopsy of Chloey revealed that she did not die because of stab wounds, but was instead suffocated. While this information was present almost immediately following the incident, it was not clear what the exact relationship between Chloey and Belanger was right before their deaths. Police sent physical evidence to the state crime lab for analyzing to determine whether any child abuse took place.

The results returned from the lab indicated that Belanger had sexually assaulted Chloey before suffocating her, and then killing himself. During this time, Belanger was heavily intoxicated, under the influence of both alcohol and cocaine. However, he was not the only one discovered with drugs in their system. According to law enforcement officials, Kelly Stout tested positive for cocaine in a drug test. Additionally, police found marijuana, several crack cocaine pipes, empty baggies, and other drug paraphernalia during a search of the home.

While Kelly Stout will not be charged with murder for her daughter’s death, she is being accused of child neglect and child abuse in Michigan. Stout’s two remaining children are in the custody of her parents, awaiting her preliminary examination on August 25th. If convicted, it is not only possible that she will lose custody of her children, but she could face jail time as a result. For Stout, as well as others accused of similar charges, it is important to actively seek experienced child abuse attorneys in Michigan for help. Acting quickly can ensure the legal advice and legal representation needed to clear your name and keep your family together.