Obese Michigan mother charged with manslaughter for killing 11-year-old adopted daughter after sitting on her

An obese mother in Michigan has been charged with manslaughter in the death of her 11-year-old adopted daughter after she sat on the child long enough for her to stop breathing.

Sherry Leak has been charged with manslaughter and appeared in court on Tuesday for an arraignment while the prosecution laid out charges against her, according to ABC 13. "This is obviously, as the Court is aware of, a very serious matter and does involve the death of the young child in this case. Certainly, this does not appear to be a case where there's any question about who is responsible," Muskegon County Prosecutor's Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts said.

"At least the evidence at this point has led us to the conclusion that the defendant in this case, by her own admission, did sit on the child, and that appears to have been the cause of death here," he added.

The autopsy for 11-year-old Mialah Leak is still pending, and police are still investigating the case. Child Protective Services also filed a petition to end Leak's parental rights over Mialah Leak's twin sister. The prosecution has said that the twin sister is "medically fragile" and has been put in a hospital. Roberts also added that child abuse charges may be filed against Leak as police pursue the investigation.

Leak is facing up to 15 years in prison as well as a fine of $7,500. Leak has been granted a court-appointed attorney in the case and was granted a surety bond of $100,000. Mialah Leak was in fifth grade, and her school described her as having a warm smile and heart.

"She was a bright presence in our halls and classroom. She will be deeply missed by students, staff, and all who knew her," Superintendent Jason Kennedy said.