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.
The arraignment hearing was held just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25.
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
In a letter to parents on Monday from Fruitport Community Schools, Superintendent Jason Kennedy says Mialah was a student at Shettler Elementary School.
Kennedy adds Mialah was known for her warm smile and kindness towards her classmates.
Shettler Elementary School also noted Sunday was her birthday.
The district's Emotional Support Team provided care to students and staff during the day, according to Kennedy.
The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District also provided additional help.
Mialah and her twin sister were both adopted by Sherry Leak, per the prosecutor's office. The sister was removed from the home.
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.
