JOINT RELEASE FROM OAKLAND COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND WIXOM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Monday, June 3, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Christopher Charles Savage, a 24-year-old resident of Wixom, with Felony Murder and Child Abuse First-Degree.

These charges are in connection with an incident that occurred at approximately 12:26 am on June 1, 2024. Wixom Police Department officers were dispatched to the 30000 block of Tamarack Dr. on a report of a one-year-old child, McKinley Hardy, that was unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers found the mother of the child and her boyfriend performing CPR on McKinley. CPR was taken over by Wixom officers and the child was then treated by Wixom Fire Department Personnel. The child was transported to Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi and then transferred to Children's Hospital in Detroit. McKinley died at Children's Hospital.

The preliminary investigation revealed that McKinley died from multiple injuries throughout her body. It is alleged that the defendant was the only adult with McKinley at the time she suffered the injuries that resulted in her death.

"Words cannot begin to describe how deeply disturbing and upsetting this incident is," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "Children deserve safe environments to grow and thrive and this child clearly did not have that opportunity. My office will fight for justice for the victim and her loved ones."

"I am proud of the men and women of the Wixom Police Department for their thorough and tireless work to bring this case to a resolution. The department's condolences go out to the loved ones of McKinley who were so tragically affected by this senseless crime," said Wixom Police Chief Phil Langmeyer.

The defendant was arraigned on June 4, 2024, in the 52-1 District Court. Bond was denied. A Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for June12, 2024, at 10:00 am before Judge Robert Bondy. A Preliminary Examination is scheduled for June 18, 2024, at 1:30 pm. The defendant is being held at the Oakland County Jail.

Felony Murder is a felony punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. First-Degree Child Abuse is a felony punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: ocpomedia@oakgov.com