FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The mother of an 11-year-old girl who died Sunday was arraigned on a charge of manslaughter. The prosecutor's office said Sherry Leak sat on her daughter until the girl lost consciousness.
WATCH: Mother charged with manslaughter in 11-year-old daughter's death
The arraignment hearing was held just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25.
WATCH: Adoptive mother charged with manslaughter in daughter's death
11-year-old Mialah Leak died Sunday, November 23, at her home in Clover Estates Mobile Home Park. Around 5:45 p.m. that day, medical responders and the Fruitport Township Police Department were dispatched to the home. They found Mialah unresponsive and were unable to revive her.
"The mother of the child was subsequently arrested and lodged at the Muskegon County Jail," Fruitport Township Deputy Police Chief Gregory Poulson told FOX 17 on Monday.
WATCH: Police: 11-year-old found dead in Fruitport, mother under arrest
Mialah and her twin sister were both adopted by Sherry Leak, per the prosecutor's office. The sister was removed from the home.
After Tuesday's hearing, the girls' biological aunt and grandfather spoke with FOX 17, calling Mialah's death preventable.
"That woman needs to be behind bars," said Josephine Smith, aunt of Mialah. "She does not need to be in the public because I've worked with CPS cases. If she was overwhelmed, which you can't get, she had help, and she didn't reach out for help."
WATCH: Biological aunt says adoptive mom should be imprisoned for daughter's death
The twins were adopted by Leak in 2018, according to family, but they still maintained a role in the girls' lives.
"This Mrs. Sherry came by the house. We broke bread together," said David Jones, grandfather of Mialah. "We sat at the dinner table together. We went out to Fruitport for the events they have in the summertime, like the carnival with our grandchildren. My grandchild, her adopted kids, and I really, really trusted this lady. I never in 100 years thought this would happen."
WATCH: Grandfather says adoptive mom broke trust in daughter's death
Leak pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge. The judge ordered her to have no contact with any children during her legal case. She's being held on a $100,000 bond.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Fruitport Township Police Department at (231) 865-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463.
