SJPD discovered girl in an apartment.
At about 3:45 pm on Thursday September 22, 2011 the St. Johns Police Department responded to the 400 block of E. Higham. Children protective service (CPS) workers were requesting an officer to assist on a welfare check of a child. The CPS employees thought the residents were in the apartment but not coming to the door.
With the assistance of the Landlord, officers entered the apartment and found a dead 10-year old girl and a 47 year old female. The female was observed to have multiple cuts and a stab wound to the abdomen. She was immediately transported by Clinton Area Ambulance Service directly to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, where she went into surgery. Based on the victim’s statements it is believed that the injuries were self-inflicted.
An autopsy was performed on 10-year-old Vienna Parker at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. According to St. John Police, autopsy results show no signs of trauma or physical abuse.
Authorities are still waiting to learn the exact cause of death, and toxicology reports are still pending.
Investigating officers interviewed Kathleen Parker, the mother of the child, at Sparrow Hospital today. The results of that interview are not being released at this time. We can report that Kathleen’s injuries are not life-threatening; however she is still in the care of Sparrow Hospital.
Chief Michael Madden says, “We have no evidence of foul play at this time: however, our detectives are continuing their investigation into the matter. This is a sad tragedy that has beset our community. The loss of any child saddens our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with both Vienna and her friends and family in the community.”
The mother was last seen on September 7, 2011 as part of a welfare check of the child because the ten year old had not attended the first two days of the school year. At that time the mother informed authorities that the child was ill, suffering from Diabetes.
At this time, no charges have been filed against the mother.
In addition to the ambulance service the St. Johns Police Department was assisted by the Clinton County Sheriffs Department.
The full obituary can be found at http://miserybay.usanethosting.com/wordpress/obits/