Mich. couple cleared of murder, guilty of torture, child abuse in death of teen chained to bed

Mich. couple acquitted of murdering chained child

CENTREVILLE, Mich. — A southwestern Michigan couple whose teenage daughter died in a house fire while chained to her bed have been acquitted of murder charges but convicted of torture and child abuse.

A jury in St. Joseph County reached those verdicts Tuesday in the case against Anthony and Marsha Springer. They face up to life in prison for torture and up to 15 years for first-degree child abuse when they are sentenced April 16.

The Springers were charged in the February 2008 death of 16-year-old Calista Springer. Her father has said Calista had special needs and the tethering was necessary to keep her from leaving her bedroom and their Centreville home at night.

Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday evening with the couple’s attorneys.