Date: 05-22-2014

Case Style: United States of America v. Anthony Michael Bennett

Case Number:

Judge: Thomas L. Ludington

Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Bay County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Craig F Wininger

Defendant's Attorney: John A. Shea

Description: Bay City, MI - Anthony Michael Bennett, 21, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison on the charge of second degree murder, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Paul M. Abbate, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

Bennett pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington in Bay City, Michigan on December 17, 2013. During his guilty plea, Bennett informed the court that on three occasions he had assaulted four-year-old Carnel Chamberlain. The last time, on June 21, 2012, he killed him by punching him in the head. According to the factual basis contained in his plea agreement, Bennett burned the body in an attempt to conceal evidence of his crime.

“This was a horrific crime that is unsettling to anyone who cares about children,” McQuade said. “We are grateful for the diligent work of the investigating agents and prosecutors who were able to obtain this conviction and find some measure of justice for Carnel.”

Special Agent in Charge Abbate stated: “The heinous acts committed by the defendant in this case are simply unspeakable. While today’s sentencing will never fill the void created by Carnel’s death, it does ensure that the family and the many others who loved him will not have to endure the pain associated with a trial and that justice is served through a lengthy term of imprisonment for the defendant. We hope that this can be a step in some measure towards peace and closure.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by officers of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the Bay City branch of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Outcome: See above

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: