Clinton Twp couple charged in deadly case of child abuse

The mother of a Clinton Township toddler and her boyfriend are both being charged with crimes related to the death of the 18-month-old last month. But there may have been signs of abuse before the boy died.

William Warren III, 23, Brandee Wright, 22, both claimed innocence on Friday. The two are charged with the abuse and death of Wright's 18-month-old son, Amere Carver.

"It hurts my heart to know that some people think I really did something to him. That was my little guy," Warren said in court on Friday.

Amere suffered severe head trauma and other serious injuries including burns, when his mother, Wright, and her boyfriend Warren, brought him to a hospital August 11th, according to police. Two days later, Amere died.

"I'm not a bad guy at all. I have a kid who depends on me," Warren said.

Warren is charged with felony murder and first degree child abuse and facing life in prison. He has also been told not to have contact with his biological daughter, who prosecutors said was a witness in the case.

Wright is charged with  involuntary manslaughter, second degree child abuse and lying to a peace officer. She could get up to 29 years in prison.

"It's unfortunate, she's a parent to an exhaustive child, that's a very sad situation," Wright's attorney, Wyatt Harris, said.

Warren is being held without bond, while Wright is being held on $1 million dollar bond. The next court date for either suspect has not been set.