BAY CITY -- The man accused of killing 4-year-old Carnel Chamberlain in June was indicted by a federal grand jury today.
Anthony Bennett was indicted on charges of murder in the first degree, assault of a child resulting in substantial bodily injury, assault of a child, assault with a dangerous weapon, animal cruelty and 2 charges of witness tampering, according to the federal court.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe says they have waited "for quite some time" for this indictment.
"We can begin our journey toward justice," stated Tribal Council member Louanna Bruner.
Chamberlain went missing on June 21st in Chippewa Township. After search efforts came back unsuccessful, police focused investigative efforts on Anthony Bennett, the child's mother's boyfriend. Police said Bennett had not fully cooperated with the investigation, saying "he was playing games with authorities."
Chamberlain's body was found under the porch of his home. He had been badly burned.
Bennett was originally charged with assaulting the 4-year-old, to which he pled not guilty and was denied bond.
The Tribal Community would like to thank those who have "worked diligently thus far to bring these charges to reality."
