By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz and Dowagiac Police Chief Tom Atkinson announced Wednesday that involuntary manslaughter charges have been levied against Matthew Lee Prickett, 26, of Dowagiac, for the death of his 9-month-old son Matthew James Prickett.
Prickett was arrested Tuesday evening by the Dowagiac Police Department and was in the Cass County Jail awaiting arraignment on the manslaughter charge as well as a lesser offense of second-degree child abuse.
The involuntary manslaughter charge indicates that on Thursday, July 27, the defendant was grossly negligent while responsible for monitoring and bathing his 9-month-old baby.
The incident took place at the defendant's 107 Sheldon St. residence.
A preliminary examination will be scheduled by Cass County Fourth District Court.
Involuntary manslaughter is punishable by 15 years in prison.
Second-degree child abuse carries a four-year penalty upon conviction.