MUSKEGON, Mich. — There are new details in the case of the Norton Shores woman who was convicted of torturing and killing her son.
On Wednesday, 13 ON YOUR SIDE learned that Shanda Vander Ark is trying to keep her parental rights, even after she goes behind bars for the rest of her life.
This all started when officials were responding to the initial scene when Vander Ark’s son Timothy was found dead at their home back in July of 2022.
When officials arrived, Child Protective Services were called in because a minor was living in the home.
Out of fear of future harm, officials said CPS filed a petition to remove the child from the home and place them into the care of their relatives.
Since then, Vander Ark has been fighting the possible termination of her parental rights.
Because she will spend the rest of her life behind bars, she would be allowed to decide on things like how often her child would be required to visit her in prison, and who the child would stay with permanently if she is allowed to keep her rights.
If she loses these rights, it will allow the relatives the opportunity to adopt the child.
This trial began on Tuesday after she was sentenced to life in prison and continued on Wednesday.
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