Holly man, 29, arraigned on child abuse, torture charges in death of 3-year-old girl

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Michigan State Police detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 3-year-old girl in Oakland County over the weekend.

The girl, identified as Trinity Chandler by The Detroit News, died Saturday in Groveland Township, according to officials. The man authorities suspect is responsible for her death, Samual Smart, was reportedly dating her mother.

Trinity was alive and receiving emergency medical treatment by officers with the Groveland Township Fire Department when state troopers arrived at the scene, MSP Lt. Mike Shaw said. She later succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital.

Smart, 29, of Holly, was arraigned Tuesday at the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston for torture and first-degree child abuse, both of which are felonies that could lock Smart up for the rest of his life. Smart was denied bond and remains at the Oakland County jail.

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“We realize that anytime that there is a death in the community, especially a child, rumors and gossip start working its way through both traditional and social media,” MSP tweeted Monday. “Please have patience as we continue our investigation.”

Smart will appear in court Jan. 4. Detectives with the state police’s Special Investigation Section continue to investigate.

mmarini@gannett.com

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