28 year-old Karrie Mulka faces the judge in her preliminary hearing
ROGERS CITY, MI -- A Presque Isle County woman accused of not getting the proper care for her newborn and causing the baby’s death appeared in front of the judge Tuesday for her preliminary hearing.
Karrie Mulka of Rogers City is charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The defense claims before the case moves forward, Mulka needs a psychological evaluation.
An emotional Karrie Mulka wiped away tears throughout her preliminary hearing Tuesday as her court-appointed defense attorney told the court the case was not ready to move forward.
"All three times I met with my client, she was unable to communicate with me, could not discuss what took place, could not remember what took place, and basically cried hysterically for her mommy," explained Terri Tringali, Mulka’s defense attorney.
Tringali asked District Court Judge Maria Barton to allow her client to undergo a competency examination and be evaluated for her alleged crime and responsibility. The judge agreed.
Mulka was arrested last month. Investigators say she failed to get proper medical care for her baby after the baby was born at her Rogers City home in June.
“That's what she'd say to me when I went to visit her, I want my mommy, please, I want my mommy, please," explained Tringali.
Mulka remains locked up in the Presque Isle County jail Tuesday night. Tringali asked that her client's bond be reduced from $100,000 and be put in her parents’ care.
"I’ve received assurances stated previously that the parents of this matter are really good people, and when they say they're going to do something, I’ve been assured by law enforcement that they'll do what they tell you," said Presque Isle County Prosecutor Rick Steiger, who agreed to lower the bond.
The judge did not rule on the bond request today.
After Tueday’s hearing, we asked both the prosecutor and the defense attorney to tell us more about the allegations against Mulka. They both said they have no comment at this time.
Mulka will be back in court 30 days from now, when the court reviews the status of the examinations.
