Springers sentenced to up to 50 years

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - Anthony and Marsha Springer were sentenced to up to 50 years for torture in the death of their daughter, Calista, when she was chained to her bed during a house fire.

Judge Paul Stutesman handed down the sentence at the conclusion of a two-hour sentencing hearing.

In his 20-minute statement to the court of "what I'd like the court to know and what I'd like the public to know," Anthony Springer disputed the use of what he called "hearsay" in his sentencing. He said he and Marsha were found guilty in the court of public opinion the day after the fire two years ago.

He also blamed several public agencies for failing Calista and the Springer family, which left them no choice but to chain the 16-year-old for her own safety.

In a brief statement, Marsha Springer said, "It was just an accident. I'm very sorry." The fire began after the vacuum cleaner she used sparked an electrical fire.

"My daughter is dead, and if I could trade her or would have died, I would have done it that way," she said, barely able to speak through her tears. "To watch the pain my three loved ones go through is more than I can ever bear some days, and I'm very sorry, your Honor, that I even wanted to vacuum the floor that day."

Before he pronounced the sentence, Judge Paul Stutesman said the State of Michigan "failed your daughter and your family," but mostly because the state "didn't protect (Calista) from you."

He noted the jury did not find the Springers guilty of murder, but for the restraining. The jury "found you guilty because you put your child in a room alone and chained."

He sentenced Anthony Springer first to 99-160 months (8.5 - 13+ years) for child abuse, and another 25-50 years for torture.

Marsha Springer received a similar sentence. She will spend 95 months (8 years) - 15 years in prison for child abuse, and 225 months (18+ years) - 50 years for torture.

The Springers, who faced up to life in prison on the charges, have the right to appeal.