Mom glad dad arrested for twin's murder

IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) - A Portland father was arrested Tuesday afternoon on murder and child abuse charges in the death of one of his baby twins.

Everette Thibeault was only 3 months old in March when he was rushed by his father, Keith Arthur Thibeault, from their Portland home to a Lansing hospital.  Everette died at the hospital the following day.

"He was a perfect angel," the child's mother, Nicole Thibeault, told 24 Hour News 8 on the phone Tuesday. "He meant the world to me and he still does and I'll always love him forever. And I'll be an even better mother to Keegan because of what happened."

According to court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8 in April, authorities filed papers saying Everette Thibeault had sustained serious injuries including a brain injury and a rib fracture. He was also bleeding from the liver, stomach and left lung.

An autopsy was conducted in August. Though exact details about what happened to Everette have not been released, reports obtained by 24 Hour News 8 detail multiple injuries to Everette's body over time and some to his twin brother, as well.

The felony murder charge Keith Thibeault now faces is punishable by life in prison. The felony first-degree child abuse charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Keith Thibeault posted a statement on Facebook to the mother of his children on the day of their birth --

"Thank you for bringing two beautiful and perfect boys into the world you did an excellent job. ... So happy to be with you raising our family for the rest of our lives."

Everette's twin brother, Keegan, was removed from his parents' home by Children's Protective Services not long after Everette's death. Keegan is being cared for by a relative.

Keegan's father has been prohibited from seeing him.

Keegan's mother, who does not face any charges, has been allowed supervised visits.

"I have another son that I have to take care of and make sure I'm healthy for him," she said.

She wouldn't say much about what happened to the twins or about their father.

"I don't want to go into details, but I'll just say I do not support him," she said.

Nicole said she has left Keith Thibeault and filed for divorce. She said she's glad he was arrested.

But she does have a word of caution for others living the same normal life she thought she had only months ago.

"You never really know the people that you are with or are in your life," she said.

Keith Thibeault is expected back in court later this month.