MUSKEGON, Mich. – A Muskegon teen will undergo a mental evaluation after being accused of beating and kicking a 16-month-old child to death.
Jakari Pollard, 13, allegedly killed his cousin, A’Laina Brown on February 27 in A’Laina’s home in Muskegon Township. No adults were present at the time. Pollard allegedly told police in March that he had hit and kicked A’Laina the night she died. He was arrested and charged as an adult May 22.
Pollard’s preliminary examination was adjourned Wednesday by Muskegon County 14th Circuit Court Judge Kathy Hoogstra. Pollard’s attorney requested the mental evaluation, saying that Pollard may not understand the court process and charges against him. Attorney David Kortering claims that Pollard has an I.Q. of about 70, has some “retardation”, and “some history of lead poisoning.”
The evaluation could take months. A new preliminary examination has not been scheduled.
