Despite being scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing yesterday, the Tuscola County parent believed responsible for a one-year-old’s death earlier this month will instead undergo a mental competency exam.
Tuscola County District Judge Jason E. Bitzer ordered the exam on Tuesday, February 20, for 26-year-old Brian Stewart Elswick of Caro, also canceling Elswick’s preliminary examination next week. Elswick was arraigned about two weeks ago in Tuscola County’s 71-B District Court on five charges, including a count each of open murder and first degree child abuse, and three counts of lying to a police officer.
Elswick was one of several adults interviewed Friday, February 9, after first responders were called for a medical emergency involving a child at his home at 3086 E. Deckerville Rd in Caro. A Tuscola County Sheriff’s deputy was the first to arrive at the scene, reportedly observing signs of child abuse and/or neglect as he provided first aid to the unresponsive toddler.
As investigation efforts began, the child, a one-year-old boy, was transported to a Saginaw hospital and later airlifted to a higher-level trauma center for care. Unfortunately, the toddler ultimately passed from his injuries on Sunday, February 11, with it determined that the child had suffered a traumatic brain injury.
After interviewing family members, including the child’s parents, as part of their investigation, the sheriff’s office arrested the child’s father on Saturday, February 10.
Elswick is being held on a $500,000 cash/surety bond, and is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday, April 26, for a review of his exam results.
