Trial begins in Calista Springer case

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A jury in Kalamazoo has begun listening to what could be 80 witnesses over three weeks in the felony murder and child abuse trial of Marsha and Anthony Springer.

They are accused in the 2008 death of their 16-year old daughter Calista, who suffocated while chained to her bed when the family home in Centerville caught fire. She was tethered to the bed with a dog chain and plastic ties.

On Tuesday morning, the attorneys for both sides provided jurors with a road map of their competing cases. Prosecutor John McDonough told them the Michigan State Police investigation "discovered years of abuse."

"Calista reported the abuse, including being chained to her bed," St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said.

When questioned, Sgt. Scott Leroy of Michigan State Police said he has investigated about 770 fires. But he has never found a person dog-chained to a bed.

Lawyers for the Springers counter with the argument that the parents loved Calista. They say she was a troubled child who wandered at night, was caught with razor blades, stole things and that chaining her to the bed was the only remedy that worked.

"The Springers loved Calista and they were trying to protect Calista," said Victor Bland, the attorney for Marsha Springer. "They were trying to protect her from herself. They did not want Calista to eat razor blades. They did not want Calista to eat pens. They did not want Calista to escape."

Added John Bush, the attorney for Anthony Springer: "I'm going to ask you to keep an open mind throughout the testimony."

Jurors started hearing testimony in the case, first from emergency responders who are laying the foundation for the rest of the case by recounting what they saw at the fire scene.

Three weeks have been set aside for the trial. Anthony Springer is expected to testify, 24 Hour News 8 learned, but not Marsha.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow the developments.