(PORT HURON) — Andrew and Hilery Maison, the Port Huron couple charged in the murder of their 5-year old daughter, appeared in St. Clair County court Monday for several motions filed by their lawyers. The Maison’s have been charged with murder, torture, and first-degree child abuse in the death of Mackenzie and alleged abuse of her younger sister. Mackenzie was found unresponsive in the couple’s home back in May and was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Authorities say Mackenzie was malnourished and weighed only 25 pounds at the time of her death. Medical experts say she also suffered from pneumonia and an infection. Her sister Makayla, was taken to a hospital and treated for malnourishment. She weighed only 17 pounds and has since been placed in foster care. Andrew is Mackenzie’s biological father and Hilery is her stepmother. Judge Daniel Kelly Monday denied a motion by defense lawyers seeking access to blood samples after the girl’s death, noting that other samples have already been provided. The trial is scheduled to start January 20.
