Brandon Hayes beat Dominick Calhoun to death/Horrific!! Warning: Not for the faint of heart! FOUND GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES!! Hayes gets LWOPOP and Baker gets up to 30 years.

CNN) -- A Michigan man could face life in prison after he allegedly tortured and ultimately killed his girlfriend's 4-year-old son last week for wetting his pants, prosecutors say.

Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes, 24, "systematically beat" Dominick Calhoun, 4, "pummeling [him] with fists and kicking him" on his arms, legs and genitalia, Genesee County prosecutor David Leyton told CNN.

Hayes also apparently burned the boy in the course of the torture. "The knuckles across one hand were charred," Argentine Township police chief Dan Allen said.

"I've been doing this a long time, and this is the worst case of child abuse I've ever seen," the police chief said. "In all respects, he was tortured."

Prosecutors arraigned Hayes on Thursday on nine charges, including one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one count of first-degree child abuse and one count of torture, which by itself carries a possible life sentence.

"Little Dominick met his boogeyman, and that was defendant Hayes," Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said at a news conference Thursday.

CNN was unable to reach someone who could speak on Hayes' behalf.

Hayes' motivation for his savage multiday attack on the boy was that the child "had wet his pants," Leyton said. "It had happened before."

Hayes also resented the child because his "biological father wouldn't pay child support," Leyton said.

Dominick's mother, Corrine Baker, was present for at least some of the beating and tried to shield the boy from Hayes' aggression, authorities said.

"She tried to lay on top of the child to guard the child against being beat any further, but she was beat in the process," according to the police chief.

The sequence of events that led to the discovery of the abuse began when Baker's sister and several acquaintances came to the apartment to buy drugs from Hayes, according to Allen. After seeing Dominick's condition, the sister alerted the boy's paternal grandfather, who in turn contacted authorities.

When emergency responders entered the apartment on the afternoon of April 11, Dominick was "barely alive." EMS transferred him to Hurley Hospital in Flint, where he was pronounced brain dead.

The boy was taken off life support the following morning.

Dominick's mother's whereabouts and actions through all portions of the torture session remain somewhat hazy. The county prosecutor said his office is "still investigating her involvement in all this."

"She's also culpable for putting him in the dangerous position in the first place," he added.

Baker was taken into custody on Sunday but released later. Attempts to reach her at her home Thursday evening were unsuccessful.

The town police chief said Baker and her son had been brought to the attention of Genesee County Department of Child Services on several occasions. The agency did not respond to CNN's requests for comment Thursday.

It was not immediately clear whether Baker's involvement with the child services agency predated her relationship with Hayes. The police chief said he believed Baker and Hayes had been together for about six months.


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

A candlelight vigil is planned and a huge crowd is expected. Tell me - did these people live in an apartment with concrete walls? NO neighbors heard ANYTHING. Everyone cries and comes out for the vigils but no one calls the police when the hear screaming and crying from the apartment next door or down the hall, do they. Im sick to death of the cowards that lived within hearing reach of this abuse and did nothing - not even a phone call. Im sick to death of Family services not doing anything to remove the children right away from what they can sense is a bad situation and Im sick to death of the mothers of these children and their extended families from living with monsters that abuse their children. Sick to death of it.

Yep, You are right Artgal...they all come out in droves afterwards...where were they all before?
They said his arms and legs, but his head had to have been pumelled too if he was brain dead? All b/c he wet his pants.
I am sick of it too.

He punched him in the head and kicked him in the head too. They were all on drugs.

I am starting to see a trend here. These "parents" sometimes have a significant other that is involved in the abuse, are young and drugs seem to be involved in these cases. Not always but seems like a lot are.

Thanks for your input artgal and cherylz. I think most every day here at VH someone post another sad/tragic totally preventable crime against a child. He was pissed because the biological Father would not pay child support???? And a lot of 4 yr olds have accidents. WTH is this world coming to?

OMG, another one. It seems useless to keep repeating ourselves but really, what they hell is wrong with these "parents"? If anyone who is reading this does NOT want their child or children and feels they may hurt them in any way, please go to this website. I am posting it in "Quick Links", too.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Thank you wrap for adding that link.

this photo is from a previous arrest

NiteSpinR wrote:
this photo is from a previous arrest

he makes me sick to look at him.

Dominick Calhoun

A four year old little boy is dead by the hands of his mother’s boyfriend. Genesee County Department of Child Services was involved on several occasions with Corrine Baker, although it is unknown at this point whether it was prior to her six month involvement with Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes. He is being arraigned on nine charges.

Why didn’t Dominick’s mother protect him?

"She tried to lay on top of the child to guard the child against being beat any further, but she was beat in the process," according to the police chief.

Keep in mind that if Brandon Hayes could beat a four year old child to death for simply wetting his pants, it is likely Corrine and Dominick were both being abused before this incident took place. Drugs may have also played a part as the events leading up to discovering Dominick, barely alive, was the arrival of Corrine’s sister and friends coming to buy drugs from Hayes.

Will Dominick’s mother be held accountable for this crime?

"She's also culpable for putting him in the dangerous position in the first place," said County prosecutor David Leyton.

When we hear of horrific crimes against children, how do we process it?

We think of our own children and think of what we would do to anyone that harmed them. We joke about all the abuse Brandon Hayes will endure in prison, because if there’s one thing that inmates hate- it’s a child abuser. However, in high profile cases, the criminal is often “protected” from other inmates.

It churns the stomach to think that a man who intentionally beats a child to death will be protected from being harmed in prison. Who protected little Dominick? Social services was involved at some point in Dominick’s short four year life. What were they responding to? Could they have intervened and prevented this from happening? Was anyone else aware of Brandon’s rage?

The worst thing we can do is forget about this case. There are thousands of others. Don’t turn away if you suspect a child is being hurt. Sometimes social services doesn’t make the right judgment call. Sometimes they wait for one more incident, in the case of Dominick, he doesn’t get a chance for a safe home.

Remember that a child’s life could be saved by making that phone call. If you suspect a child is being abused, please report it, give them a chance. If you have hurt your child, please reach out for help.
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1- 800- 422- 4453

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

What a beautiful boy he was. This makes me so damned sad!

Thank you BJ for posting this very important message.

This is very sad! It is especially sad that there was no one (ie. grandparent/aunt/friend) who saw the abuse over time, and tried to protect this boy. It is a good reminder to be more aware of children around us who may be in abusive families.

I think that often the stepdad is jealous of the close relationship between his girlfriend/wife & the child. Then, all it takes is some added "stress" (ie. wet pants) and it suddenly leads to abuse & murder. Of course, being young & into the drug scene doesn't help either! I hope that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law - he needs to suffer for what he did to this poor boy.

Court records have shed some light on what Dominick Calhoun's mother was doing during one of the days he was being beaten.

Authorities say the 4-year-old boy was tortured and ultimately killed by her boyfriend, Brandon Hayes.

Calhoun was taken off of life support one week ago.

A petition filed by the Department of Human Services asks for a court order to remove Dominick's, older, half brother from their mother's care.

At a news conference last Thursday when charges were announced against Brandon Hayes, investigators outlined a timeline.

"The torturous beatings of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun began on Thursday, April 8th," Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said.

All because the toddler wet himself on the couch, according to authorities.

Investigators say Hayes hit his girlfriend, Dominick's mother, too, and the abuse continued in their Argentine Township apartment Friday.

Court records show Dominick's mother was picked up from that apartment that day, but she did not report that anything was wrong between herself, her children or Hayes.

After Dominick's death, his mother told authorities Hayes had just started being abusive in the last week. She asked him about burns on the boy's hand. Hayes said he touched a hot stick in the fire pit.

Dominick's older, half-brother, according to court records, said Hayes put the toddler under hot water, and that he had been hurting him for three days.

Hospital staff said there was evidence of sexual abuse.

Argentine Township Police Chief Dan Allen said investigators did the standard check for any sexual abuse, but the results came back negative.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Poor little guy, it sounds like he suffered a lot at the hands of this heartless "monster"! It is sad that he is now gone from this earth, but at least he is safe forever. May he rest in peace~

My daughter had just sent this story to me on facebook. I had a hard time fighting back tears along with the fears of what this poor little boy endured those days he was beaten.

I truly cannot comprehend what a parent or any human being (if you could call them that) are thinking when they result to such a brutal attack on a helpless child and then, to hear that there were people who heard his cries and did nothing angers my stomach so bad I find my insides turning outside.

And of course, another case that involved CPS and how they managed to overlook another situation that needed immediate attention which would have saved Dominick.

I seriously am thinking we should commence a petition against these useless employees. If there is one out there, please let me know and sign me up.

I seriously am thinking we should commence a petition against these useless employees. If there is one out there, please let me know and sign me up.

I completely agree and it's a great idea, tbirdie. When you have some free time, see if you find something and let us know. I don't think we can sign for someone else, but I will be happy to sign a petition.

Who failed Dominick Calhoun?
Friday, May 14, 2010

GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) -- (05/13/10)--The brutal beating death of a four year old boy named Dominick is a story that has touched the community like few others.

We heard from so many of you who cried for this blonde-haired, big-eyed little boy who police say was kicked, punched and tortured by his mother's boyfriend.

Complete strangers attended his vigil and were heartbroken by his fate. People want to know how can something like this happen?

So we are asking some hard questions and taking a look back at who failed Dominick.

Our ABC12 investigation revealed some alarming warning signs.

Inside this apartment, a little boy cried out for help, but no one came.

"That's gonna haunt me, haunt all of us, I guess. That we didn't make sure everything was OK," Dominick's grandmother Julie Baker said.

Neighbors heard Dominick's screams for days as he was hit, burned, kicked and punched again and again.

"A neighbor heard little Dominick say over and over mommy make him stop," said Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell.

But no one called.

Argentine Township Police Chief Dan Allen said a phone call was all that was needed. "It could have made the difference. It's something they're going to have to live with. We're all going to have to live with."

Dominick Calhoun was four years old. He loved dancing, his blankie and his mommy, who investigators say didn't protect him.

"In the end, the one he trusted most let him down - his mother," Pickell said.

Police said Dominick's mother, Corrine Baker, was high and worried about getting into trouble, so she turned her back while her boyfriend hit Dominick so many times his tiny body couldn't take it anymore.

"I couldn't find a spot. There was no - every spot on his body was badly beaten," neurosurgeon Dr. Jawad Shah said.

Dominick didn't have to die.

"We had a mother here on drugs and in a very bad situation. There were a lot of warning signs that should have cried out," Prosecutor David Leyton said.

But no one saved him.

It started when Dominick wet his pants.

"He wet on the couch and wet on (his mother's boyfriend) Brandon himself," Allen said.

That's what Brandon Hayes told police made him so mad that he started beating the 55-pound little boy.

It began Thursday, April 8.

"What we have here is a 4-year-old boy who was beaten to death by a 24-year-old man. Who does that?" Leyton said.

Brandon told police he was mad about the mess on the sofa and the fact that he was broke and was supporting Corrine and her two little boys without child support from either of their fathers.

Dominick's dad was still involved in his life, that's why, investigators believe, Brandon took out his rage on the four year old.

Pickell said this during a press conference. "He was tired of raising little Dominick. He was nothing more than a little crack head and that he deserved to die."

"She took in a drug addict and a guy that was selling drugs, and her apartment became a drug house," said Pickell.

"Ultimately that's what led to Dominick's death. You had a mother hooked on drugs who got hooked up with the wrong guy, and the little boy is the one who suffers," said Leyton.

Brandon Hayes is accused of torturing little Dominick Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday.

"Hard to imagine anyone doing this, let alone someone who is supposed to take care of this kid," Shah commented.

Corrine Baker is accused of doing nothing until it was too late.

"When she had the opportunity to get him out of danger and harm's way, she failed," Leyton said during a press conference.

Investigators learned Dominick's mom left the apartment two times. But she was on probation and had violated it by moving out of Livingston County, so she alerted no one.

She went to a doctor's appointment with her parents the morning of Friday, April 9.

"We were talking with her. She was all happy and smiley, talking to Brandon on the phone," grandfather Martin Baker said.

"I'll say this till the day I die: All she had to do was say one word. Just one," Julie Baker said.

Later that day, Corrine, Brandon, Dominick and his brother would go to the dollar store with Brandon's father, who noticed severe burns on Dominick's hands and bruises on his head.

"He says we've gotta get this little guy to the emergency room," Pickell said.

Investigators say he then called Corrine's mom, who called Corrine repeatedly on Saturday, April 10, urging her to get Dominick to the doctor. Although he is vomiting and bleeding, she doesn't.

"Maybe someday she can admit she didn't do everything humanly possible to save that little boy's life," Julie Baker said.

Police say the abuse continued, and neighbors heard it.

"It just tears your heart apart to think about what that little child went through. We're talking about a four year old, and a four year old can consciously ask for help. I just can't see why somebody wouldn't call. It puzzles me," Allen said.

Investigators believe Corrine tried to stop Brandon on Sunday by lying on top of her son as he was being kicked and punched.

"By the time she tried to help, it was too late. It was already too late," said Allen.

According to police, Corrine's sister and three others came over that day to buy marijuana and saw Dominick, battered and bruised, lying in his room. Corrine had bruises on her face and arm, and told them not to bother Dominick - he was sleeping.

Her sister would call Dominick's paternal grandfather, Rick Calhoun, who rushed over to help. "I knocked on the door. They answered and I got in there and seen what was going on, and got through them. Went into bedroom and seen my grandson laying here. I thought he was beat up, and honestly, at that point, thought he was resting. He was laying there with no clothes on. I thought he had taken a bath and was sleeping, but he wasn't. He was dying."

Dominick would never dance again. His favorite blankie was found, blood spattered.

Rick Calhoun did what police say his mother failed to - he contacted authorities.

All this time, police had been just three blocks away.

"We could have ran there on foot. That's how close it is," said Allen.

Calhoun said he did the only thing he could think to do at that point. He punched the man investigators say killed his grandson. "What are you supposed to do? I just wish I could have saved them."

Dominick was rushed to the hospital. That's when Dr. Shah, the neurosurgeon on call, got the emergency page

"I'm just a couple minutes away. I told them to get him up to the operating room immediately," he said, as he tried to maintain his composure.

The image of Dominick on the operating table still haunts Shah. Nothing could prepare him for what he was about to see. "It was quite clear to me that he brain was not going to survive this. When I saw, really, the full scale, the amount of violence inflicted on him, that's etched in my mind now. I couldn't find a spot. There was no, every spot on his body was badly beaten."

There was nothing doctors could do.

"That baby didn't have a chance. Now we all gotta pay, you know?" Calhoun said.

Shah thinks this incident should serve as a warning to everyone. "I think it's time people wake up a bit and say perhaps there's some change, something that needs to be done to prevent this from happening."

Police say Hayes was the one who beat Dominick to death, but he's not the only one responsible.

"All she had to do is say 'dad,' and point. And he'd have been in that apartment on that Friday morning. I can't help but think our grandson would still be alive. Our little angel would be here," Julie Baker said.

Corrine Baker has been charged with second degree murder for what she allegedly didn't do to save her son.

And a look back at the final hours, days and years of his short life reveals several people knew he was in danger, and someone, somehow could have made a life-saving difference.

"The neighbors weren't duty bound by law to call, but morally, it's the right thing to do. It's something they're going to have to live with," said Allen.

"I know they gave her way too many chances," Calhoun said.

"At some point, you've gotta draw the line and say is this the best place for children?" Allen said.

"All they kept coming back is they can't find any reason that warrants taking the kids out of her care. Well, they sure know now, don't they? They know now," Calhoun said.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Family Expert Weighs In On Boy’s Beating Death
Dr. Thomas Haller Says Parents Weren’t Skilled Enough

POSTED: 7:07 am EDT May 14, 2010
UPDATED: 9:03 am EDT May 14, 2010

FLINT, Mich. -- As 24-year-old Brandon Hayes faces first-degree premeditated murder, torture and first-degree child abuse in the death of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun, many are still asking how something like this could happen.

Hayes is accused of torturing Dominick for several days starting April 8 because the boy wet himself and soiled the couch at their apartment in Argentine Township.

Who Is To Blame In Child's Beating Death?

Dominick’s mother, Corrine Baker, has also been charged with second-degree murder in her son's death. She is accused of willfully disregarding the condition of her Dominick.

Baker's attorney has argued that she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety resulting from physical abuse by her boyfriend, Hayes.

On Thursday, WNEM TV5 talked with family expert psychotherapist Dr. Thomas Haller to see if he could shed some light on the situation.

Dr. Haller pointed out major problems that often arise in live-in premarital relationships.

"The problem with live-in relationships is there’s often not enough commitment," he said. "These children are thrust into relationships that aren’t as committed and often times they don’t build bonds (or receive) a strong connection with the adults in their lives."

So who ultimately failed Dominick? Dr. Haller said he believes if Dominick’s mother could have spoken up things may have turned out differently.

"Eventually, the buck has to stop and it stops with the biological parent," he said. "It doesn’t look like she stepped in to take of the situation."

The courts are awaiting completion of psychological exams on both Baker and Hayes to see if they’re mentally competent to stand trail.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

...another one.

Dominick Calhoun's brother, 8, to testify away from Brandon Hayes in beating death case

Published: Monday, June 21, 2010, 3:57 PM Updated: Monday, June 21, 2010, 5:16 PM

Judge John L. Conover ruled today that Brandon Hayes, who is charged with first-degree murder, torture and first-degree child abuse in Dominick's death, will not be in the courtroom for the brother's testimony on June 28, but will be able to watch and interact with his attorney.

Hayes, 24, of Argentine Township was charged with torture and first-degree premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend’ son, Dominick Calhoun.

Dominick was found severely injured by Argentine Township police April 11 and died the next day after he was removed from life support. Officials said Hayes beat the boy for four days after Dominick wet himself and soiled the couch.

His attorney argued that Hayes has a constitutional right to confront his accuser, and the prosecution argued that the boy is afraid of Hayes and had endured enough trauma.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Ya know, I just have to say that I am about fed up with these mothers who insist on having children as well as persist on putting them in harms way when they themselves don't know what the hell they're doing with their own lives. I want to feel bad for the family as well but again, I wonder why they would not intervene at the first site of an unhealthy situation. For I cannot stress it enough, that if I ever were to see battered marks on my grandchild let alone my daughter, you can bet I would strut my italian butt right in there and remove that child. I've been around long enough to know what looks like a typical boo boo on a child as opposed to any abusive marks.

I realize there are women out there who fear for their life and are just too afraid to leave thinking they have no where to go. I was physically and mentally abused in one relationship myself. I was never put in a hospital but it certainly took a toll when I went down to 90 pounds. But it wasn't long before I saw the light and said enough is enough. I'm outta here. And decided no man will ever do that to me again.

But this woman as I can tell, had good family people who would have protected her, although I seriously can't imagine why she stayed with this disgusting dude from the getgo. I am also curious as to why the real father didn't step up to the plate knowing this woman was into drugs and in an unhealthy situation for these kids. I read he was all broken up, but was he helping support them or was he even aware of their needs....

The government we live in is so eager to control us, raise this price or that price, along with our "we can do it" new great president who is bent on making our world a better place. Well why isn't anyone doing anything about protecting our children. Getting better educated cps people to actually do something about the "warning signs" of a bad situation before it becomes too late to do anything. Course I don't even know how those people who heard Dominicks cries, and did absolutely nothing.... can sleep at night. But maybe they're just as heartless as the ones who commit these acts of cruelty. That dude doesn't even deserve 3 meals a day and a bed in prison. He should be hung right over a mountain of rats.

Sorry but these ruthless people really make me sick and all I can do is vent to calm my nerves...

Day four of Hayes murder trial, defense goes after Corrine Baker
by Dan Armstrong
Posted: 01.12.2012 at 5:20 PM

The defense grills Dominick Calhoun's mother in day four of the murder trial of Brandon Hayes.

He's accused of beating and killing four year old Dominick Calhoun in April of 2010.

The defense spent quite a while questioning Corrine Baker, Dominick's mother, taking an accusatory tone asking Corrine if she beat up her son and why she did not go to police. You can see NBC25's interview with Corrine Baker shortly after Dominick died by clicking here.

It wanted to paint her as a liar, manipulator, drug addict, and one that blames others for her actions.

It brought out reports from Child Protective Services that said family members had told the agency Corrine was on drugs and should not have custody of her children.

The defense also brought up incidents where family members of Corrine claimed they told her to get medical attention for Dominick's burned hand.

Family members claim both Brandon and Corrine told them not to get medical attention because Child Protective Services would get involved and think one of them did it.

That's a claim Corrine denies.

She says her own family lied about saying Dominick needed medical attention.

Corrine says she feared what Brandon would do to her and her children if she got help.

Several other witnesses took the stand saying they went to the Argentine Township apartment to buy drugs from Brandon Hayes after the alleged assault took place.

They also say they told Corrine and Brandon to get medical help for Dominick.

The witnesses say Brandon told them Dominick burned his hand retrieving a toy from a fire pit and that he was beat up by neighbor kids.

Corrine's sister says she finally called Dominick's grandfather who eventually called police.

Testimony will halt tomorrow because Genesee County employees have a furlough day.

Monday is Martin Luther King Day so final testimony is expected to wrap up Tuesday.

The judge told me he will allow cameras into the courtroom Wednesday for closing arguments and the verdict.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

 In Port Huron on Wednesday, the graphic first testimony in the trial of Brandon Hayes for the beating death of 4-year-old Argentine township boy Dominick Calhoun began.

 The first responding officer, Argentine Township Officer Angelo Panos, testified that he found Dominick lying on the floor of the apartment in April 2010. He was summoned to the scene by Dominick's grandfather Rick Calhoun. Officer Panos found Dominick with mother Corrine Baker. Dominic was breathing weakly and moaning with bruises on his body. He later died from his injuries.

 Hayes allegedly beat Dominick after he wet himself on the couch. Hayes, 25, is charged with 10 counts, which include child neglect, torture and murder.

 On Wednesday, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tammy Phillips made her opening statements. The defense attorney did not make opening statements. Panos was the only testimony heard on Wednesday.

 The trail began in Port Huron in St. Clair County, but will be moved back to Genesee County because a judge determined a fair jury for the highly publicized trial could not be found.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Corrine Baker gives emotional testimony in Brandon Hayes trial in death of Dominick Calhoun

Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 4:47 PM Updated: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 5:05 PM
By David Harris | Flint Journal
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Corrine Baker listens during her preliminary examination in Judge John L. Conover's courtroom in 2010. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse charges in the death of her 4-year-old son, Dominick Calhoun.

FLINT, Michigan — Corrine Baker's voice cracked at the first mention of her son's name Wednesday.

Baker took deep breaths and paused to gather her emotions several times while on the stand for about 2.5 hours , sometimes letting out a sob. It was the fourth day of testimony in the Brandon Hayes trial. Hayes is accused of beating to death 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun over a four-day period in April 2010 at an Argenitine Township Apartment.

"He was in a rage, he was angry," Baker said of Hayes. “On Saturday (April 10) Brandon started getting physical with Dominick. GMAB!!He threw him against the wall (3 or 4 feet away),"
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
When asked if she didn’t do enough to protect Dominick and if she failed as a parent, she answered yes and began to cry, putting her hands on her face. She pleaded guilty to second degree murder in August and prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of 13 to 20 years in prison in exchange for her testimony against Hayes.
She turned her head away from a photo of Dominick’s beaten and battered body.

Baker testified that she first noticed a burn on Dominick’s hand on April 8 after she returned from a court probation hearing. She then noticed the burn getting worse after returning from a doctor’s appointment on Friday. So, She goes to the doctor but Dominick doesn't?

Dominick’s half-brother, Tyler Baker, said he saw Hayes put Dominick’s hands under “really hot water.”

Hayes told her the night of April 9 that a neighborhood child burned Dominick’s hand and then became violent toward Baker, she testified.

Dominick Calhoun
“He thought I was accusing him of Dominick’s injury,” she said. “He became angry.”

She testified Hayes started beating her and calling her names. When assistant prosecutor Tammy Phillips asked why Baker didn’t take her two children and get out of the apartment, Baker said “I don’t know.”

The beating of Dominick started on Saturday, Baker testified. She and Hayes got into an argument over money when the beating began, she said. After Hayes threw Dominick against a wall, Dominick went into his room and Hayes followed him.

Baker said she tried to shield Dominick’s body by laying on top of him, but Hayes kept throwing her off and kicking Dominick in the head. This happened 12 to 14 times, Baker testified.

The beating continued on Saturday, Baker testified. She never left the apartment, she said.

When asked why, she said: “I was not going to leave my kids behind.” She also said she was fearful to ask Hayes to call 911.

By April 11, Dominick was not responding to calls of his name, Baker said. Hayes took Dominick in the shower.

“I did not want him touching my son,” said Baker. “When I was tugging him out of the bathroom, (Hayes) pulled two (of Dominick's) teeth out with his hand.”

Later that day, her sister came over and asked what happened. Hayes told the sister that Dominick was beat up by some neighborhood kids.

About an hour later, Dominick’s paternal grandfather Rick Calhoun came over and he went and got police.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
File photo
Brandon Hayes faces a first-degree murder charge
Hayes’ attorney James Piazza will cross-examine Hayes on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Tyler Baker, now 10, testified. At times fidgety and dressed in a sweatervest with a dress shirt, Tyler testified that he saw Hayes put Dominick's hands under "really hot water."

"He was crying," Tyler testified.

Tyler answered that he didn't remember too many of the questions, but did say he was scared of Hayes and that Hayes pushed against him.

"I thought he was going to hurt me," he said.

He also testified that Dominick had bruises all over his body.

At times fidgety and dressed in a sweatervest with a dress shirt, Dominick's half brother Tyler Baker testified that he saw Hayes put Dominick's hands under "really hot water."

"He was crying," Tyler testified.

Tyler, now 10, answered that he didn't remember too many of the questions, but did say he was scared of Hayes and that Hayes pushed against him.

"I thought he was going to hurt me," he said.

He also testified that Dominick had bruises all over his body.

When asked, Tyler could not identify Hayes in the courtroom. While testifying, Tyler adjusted his shirt and looked down.

Genesee County Sheriff Lt. Dave Dwyre testified that Hayes admitted to him that he spanked, punched and kicked Dominick over a four-day period after Dominick wet the couch.

"He said he was in a rage," Dwyre testified.

"He said Dominick was 4 and he was trying to discipline him."

Prosecutors also played a 10 minute audio tape of an interview where Hayes admitted to beating Dominick.

"This is the most hurtful thing I have ever done in my life," he said on the tape. "I feel bad, real bad. I'm mad at myself."

Hayes sounded as if he was fighting back tears as he apologized for what he did. He also sad he loved Dominick.

During much of Dwyre's testimony, Rick Calhoun and another woman held each other in their arms and were openly sobbing.

Hayes looked straight ahead and showed no emotion.
Piazza questioned if Hayes was going through drug withdrawal and if Dwyre knew Hayes had gone to the hospital the night before or if he knew Hayes spent time in a mental hospital. Dwyre said it didn't appear Hayes was going through withdrawal and didn't know about the mental hospital stays.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

FLINT, Michigan — The attorney for a man accused of beating a 4-year-old boy to death hammered away at the credibility of the boy’s mother Thursday, questioning her past drug abuse and dealings with Child Protective Services.

Dominick Calhoun, 4, was beaten to death last year in Argentine Township. Brandon Hayes, who was the boyfriend of Domick's mother, is on trial for murder.

“It seems as if whenever CPS gets involved, there’s an accusation of the person living with you being violent with one of your children,” defense attorney James Piazza told Corrine Baker, as she testified against Brandon Hayes.

Hayes, 28, is on trial for first-degree murder, child abuse and torture in the April 2010 death of Dominick Calhoun.

The day after Baker detailed four days of abuse of her son allegedly at the hands of Hayes, Piazza questioned why Baker never went to police.

Piazza said Baker’s testimony conflicted with that of her sister and Hayes’ father who said Baker told them not to tell police that Dominick had been badly hurt at the apartment.

Baker said she never asked them not to go to police.

“Maybe you’re simply lying,” Piazza said.

Piazza asked Baker if she was the one who beat Dominick.

“I never laid a hand on my child,” she said, in a defiant tone.

Assistant Genesee County Prosecutor Tammy Phillips asked Baker if it made sense that Hayes would beat Dominick for wetting the couch, as investigators have claimed prompted the abuse.

Baker, wearing a purple shirt with her hair in a ponytail, looked in the direction of Hayes, fighting back tears and said “no.”

Hayes father, Arnold Hayes, later testified that he asked to take Dominick to the hospital after seeing his burn, but said that Baker told him not to because people might think she burned the child’s hand.

Arnold Hayes also said he sensed that there may have been some tension between his son and Baker over money.

“I know my son and I know he doesn’t like spending money,” Hayes said.

Baker’s sister, Christine Baker, 18, testified that she went to the apartment April 11, 2010, with friends to buy marijuana from Hayes and said she saw Dominick laying on the floor in a bedroom.

“He didn’t look good,” she said. “He was bruised all over his face.”

Christine Baker, hands shaking throughout her testimony, said she asked Hayes what happened and that Hayes told her he whipped Dominick with a belt because he wet himself.

Christine Baker then called Dominick’s grandfather, Rick Calhoun, who came over and alerted police. She also said Corrine Baker told her not to call the police.

The case, which is being heard by a jury from St. Clair County, is scheduled to resume Tuesday in Genesee Circuit Court.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Medical experts testified that 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun was battered from his head to the soles of his feet when they attempted to treat him after he was beaten over the course of four days.

The testimony came in day two of the murder trial of Brandon Hayes, accused of beating the boy to death in Argentine Township, just north of Livingston County, in April 2010.

One doctor was so emotional that he interrupted his testimony as he tried not to cry. He described how he saw the extent of the injuries to Dominick’s brain when medical staff removed a portion of the skull to relieve pressure because the boy’s brain was swelling.

The doctor said he knew in that moment “there was no hope.”

Testimony continues this afternoon. The prosecutor expects to call Dominick’s grandfather and aunt to the stand this afternoon.

The trial is back in Genesee County. A judge earlier changed venue for jury selection to St. Clair County due to pretrial publicity. Testimony is to be conducted in Genesee for the convenience of witnesses.

Hayes and Dominick’s mother, Corrine Baker, had just moved to an apartment in Argentine Township from Tyrone Township, in the northeastern corner of Livingston County, shortly before the incident occurred.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

PORT HURON, Michigan -- The first reporting officer who responded to Dominck Calhoun's home found the 4-year-old boy laying on a bedroom floor with bruises all over his body, breathing slowly and moaning.

Argentine Township Officer Angelo Panos testified on the first day of the Brandon Hayes trial in St. Clair County. The prosecutor made her opening statements while defense attorney declined to make one.

Hayes is charged with murder, child abuse and torture in the April 2010 case in Argentine Township.

Assistant prosecuting attorney Tammy Phillips said the evidence will prove that Hayes is guilty.

"This defendant kicks Dominick in the head and the chest," Phillips said. "He will explain (in an interview with police) that this is a product of his enraged state."

Panos testified that he was approached by a "frantic" Rick Calhoun, Dominick's grandfather, in the parking lot of the police department requesting his presence at a nearby apartment complex.

When he arrived, he found Dominick in the bedroom with his mother Corrine Baker trying to comfort him, Panos testified.

He also testified that he saw Hayes in another bedroom trying to hide something. He ordered Hayes out of the bedroom where he was holding a bag of marijuana, Panos said.

Hayes was then arrested, Panos testified.

Panos testified he later found out Dominick was brain dead and would later die.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I think this pair was doing a lot more than smoking the green. That mellows you out, unless it was laced w/coke or something. The You Tube video of the mother speaks volumes. She looks like a meth head and I bet the father is/was, too. MOO.

Without a doubt she is/was a meth head! We don't have a mug shot of the POS man but I'd also be willing to bet he is/was too. That poor child.

Trial Continues Tuesday For Man Charged In Boy's Death
January 14, 2012

1/14/12 - The trial of a former Livingston County man charged with 1st degree murder, torture and child abuse in the death of a young boy will resume next week.

4-year-old Dominick Calhoun was beaten to death in April of 2010 and Brandon Hayes, the boyfriend of the child’s mother, is on trial in the case, which is being heard by a jury from St. Clair County. The jury was dismissed for the weekend and emotional testimony was heard this week from a number of witnesses called by prosecutors, including Dominick’s mother Corrine Baker who described the events leading up to Hayes alleged assault on the boy and her. The defense questioned her credibility and asked about her past drug abuse, dealings with Child Protective Services and asked if she was the one who beat Dominick but Baker was firm in stating she never laid a hand on her child. Additional testimony came from Baker’s sister and friends, Dominick's biological father and grandfather and his 8-year-old brother, police officers, crime lab personnel, family members of Hayes and a graphic account of Dominick’s injuries from the surgeon who tried to save him. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says all of the witnesses withstood cross examination and they’re actually ahead of schedule.

Leyton said he thought Baker was credible though personally flawed but in this court case, she did the right thing.

Hayes faces life in prison if he is convicted of murder. The trial resumes on Tuesday in Genesee County Circuit Court.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Testimony concludes in Hayes' murder trial

8:26 AM, Jan. 17, 2012
Written by
Lisa Roose-Church
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

UPDATE 1:30 p.m. –– Testimony in the murder trial of Brandon Hayes, who is accused of beating a 4-year-old child, concluded this morning in Flint with neighbors taking the stand.

Closing arguments were initially set for Wednesday, but have been moved to Thursday in Port Huron.

The jury is comprised of Saint Clair County residents after Judge Richard Yuille determined a jury could not be selected in Genesee County due to pretrial publicity. The judge estimated jury deliberations could begin by noon Thursday.

Dominick’s paternal aunt, Melanie Calhoun, said the family is confident the jury will deliver a guilty verdict.

“I’d say open and shut,” she said following testimony. “It was very, very clear who did what to whom and what the result was. I don’t think the jury is going to have any problem seeing the truth. It’s just a matter of bringing justice.”

Hayes, who moved from Tyrone Township to Argentine Township a couple weeks before the murder, is charged with first-degree murder, torture and child abuse in connection with the beating death of his live-in girlfriend’s son, Dominick Calhoun.

Testimony indicates the beating occurred the weekend of April 8, 2010, after Dominick wet himself while eating breakfast on the couch in the family’s Argentine Township apartment.

Testimony today came from a downstairs neighbor who heard Dominick’s screams for help and Dr. Brian Nolan, a child abuse expert, who reiterated previous witnesses’ testimony that Dominick had “multiple bruises” on his body.

Nolan also testified that the injuries to Dominick’s groin were “direct” hits as opposed to unintentional hits that might have occurred had someone been making “random” punches.

Once the prosecutor rested the state’s case, defense attorney James Piazza could have made an opening argument, but he declined.

Piazza called three witnesses to the stand — Dominick’s maternal grandmother Julie Baker; and brothers Michael DeLong and Brandon DeLong, who are related to Dominick’s father.

Baker testified that she tried to reach her daughter, Corrine Baker, on Saturday, April 10, 2010, after learning from Hayes’ father that her grandson’s left hand was burned. She said Corrine Baker, who is Dominick’s mother, eventually told her that she would call the hospital to make an appointment for Dominick, but she did not hear from her daughter again that weekend.

The DeLong brothers both testified that they lived within 100 yards of Corrine Baker’s Argentine Township apartment and that they each saw Hayes leave and/or return to the apartment that fatal weekend.

Corrine Baker, who pleaded guilty to second degree murder last summer for not doing to help her son, testified Wednesday that Hayes beat her as she tried to shield her son from Hayes’ brutal assault. She was repeatedly questioned on the stand why she failed to get help for Dominick when given the opportunity that weekend. She replied she didn’t know why she failed her son.

Corrine Baker faces 13-30 years in prison when she is sentenced.

Medical experts testified that Dominick was battered from his “head to the soles of his feet.” His brain was so traumatized that it “spilled outside” his skull when doctor’s opened the boy’s skull to alleviate pressure in his swollen brain, a clinical nurse practitioner from Hurley Medical Center testified.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by Aaron Smith
Posted: 01.17.2012 at 5:19 PM

GENESEE COUNTY -- Testimony has ended in the murder trial of Brandon Hayes in Genesee County.

The jury won't begin deliberations until Thursday, but Tuesday the family of the four-year-old victim Dominick Calhoun is calling for the death penalty, which Michigan doesn't have.

Tuesday brought the last day of testimony in the case of Brandon Hayes. Hayes is accused of savagely beating and torturing Dominick Calhoun in April 2010. As the case nears it end the family of the young boy is calling for capital punishment. The boys aunt Melanie Calhoun says, " I would like to see torture to be perfectly honest, that is my feeling, eye for an eye."

Dominick's aunt, Melanie Calhoun is calling for death even before the jury decides whether or not brandon hayes is actually guilty. Calhoun says she's seen and heard enough saying, " I think that he should die in the manner that Dominick died and that would be the only true punishment that would be acceptable for what he has done."

The strong statements come just after the last few witnesses finish testifying on behalf of the defense among them Dominick's grandmother Julie Baker. She told lawyers that her daughter, Corrine Baker, has struggled with drug abuse since age 13. She also testified that she had tried to convince her daughter to take the young boy for medical treatment the night the beatings allegedly first started taking place but Corrine Baker refused. The grandmother also admitted that she had tried to obtain custody of Dominick in the past believing that her daughter was neglectful. As the end of this trial approaches the family of Dominick Calhoun says they're ultimate goal is to have Brandon Hayes off the streets. His aunt says the family is ready to move on and get past these horrible memories.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jurors reconvene for Brandon Hayes trial Thursday

by Jane Park
Posted: 01.18.2012 at 4:54 PM

Jurors in the Brandon Hayes' trial will return to Port Huron Thursday for closing arguments.

Trial is wrapping up for the man accused of torturing and killing 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun in April 2010. Jurors will return to St. Clair County Thursday for instructions before they take the case behind doors.

The case against Brandon Hayes has been so highly publicized in Genesee County, it was moved to St. Clair County, where jurors were selected. The jury was bussed to Flint every morning to hear witness testimony.

During the week-and-a-half of testimony, jurors heard the medical examiner's graphic account of how he found Dominick Calhoun's body, bruised and beaten.

Dominick's mother took the stand last week, painting then-boyfriend Brandon Hayes as someone who was so enraged he pulled out Dominick's teeth with his bare hands.

On Tuesday, Dominick's family called for capital punishment for the alleged fatal beating. That's illegal in the state of Michigan, but they say it's the only thing that would bring closure after their loss.

Hayes is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and torture. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jury reaches guilty verdict in Brandon Hayes trial

Posted: Jan 19, 2012 7:30 AM CST
Updated: Jan 19, 2012 5:07 PM CST

By Brandon Allendorfer, Internet Managing Editor - email
By Tom Plahutnik, Web Editor/Producer - email

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI (WNEM/AP) -
The jury has reached a guilty verdict in the trial of the 28-year-old man accused of beating a 4-year-old boy to death in April 2010.

Brandon Hayes is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse and torture in the death of Dominick Calhoun. The jury found him guilty on all ten charges against him.

The jury deliberated for about two hours following eight days of testimony.

Besides first-degree murder, was found guilty of torture, first-degree child abuse, premeditated murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, distribution/manufacture of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance.

"We're gratified by the jury's decision and feel it is justice for Dominick," said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton after the verdict was read. "We hope this will bring some closure for Dominick's family," he said.

WNEM TV5's Tia Ewing reported the courtroom was packed during Thursday's closing arguments, mainly with family members of Dominick Calhoun.

The prosecution made their final pitch to the jury, which lasted about an hour and 40 minutes. They played back audio of Hayes' alleged confession to police, outlined medical testimony from experts and showed pictures of Dominick's injuries.

The boy was found unconscious at an apartment in Genesee County's Argentine Township in April 2010.

Dominick Calhoun's mother Corrine Baker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse in the death. Police say Baker failed to intervene and get help for her son. Last week, she testified against Hayes as part of her plea agreement.

Ewing reported the defense argued that there was not clear evidence that Hayes was 100 percent behind the boy's injuries. Medical experts also testified that there was no way to tell if Baker or Hayes harmed the boy, just that the boy was injured.

Jurors are made up of St. Clair County residents and were transported to Genesee County for witness testimony. The arrangement was made after a panel of jurors couldn't be seated last year in Genesee County, where the boy lived.

Baker took the stand last Wednesday afternoon while still shackled and described what happened to her and Dominick over the course of four days before he died. On day one, she says she found a burn on Dominick's hand, supposedly inflicted by another child. On day two, Baker said Hayes though she was accusing him of causing the burn, which triggered a 20-minute long beating where he kicked her in the ribs and hit her in the face.

On day three, Baker testified that Hayes was allegedly mad with Dominick's father over a lack of child support. That's when Hayes allegedly threw Dominick against a wall and kicked him in the head. On day four, the day before Dominick died, Baker said she woke up shielding her son, who was unresponsive.

Baker said she told Hayes to call 911, but instead she said he pulled Dominick's two front teeth out by hand and allegedly beat an unresponsive Dominick some more.

Baker left the stand in tears, saying "I failed my children." Baker is expected to be cross-examined by the defense on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Dominick's 10-year-old half-brother, Tyler, was also on the stand Wednesday morning for about ten minutes. In his testimony, he said he didn't remember much but recalled being pushed by Hayes.

The jury also heard from the man who recorded Hayes' audio confession. In that confession, Hayes states that he told Dominick's mother he was sorry. During the playback of the audio, Ewing reports that Hayes cried. Also heard on the tape was Hayes admitting to kicking Dominick and hitting him, claiming he was mad at Dominick's father and mother.

Earlier this week, Dr. Jawad Shah testified at the trial that Dominick's injuries were "horrendous."

Authorities believe he was beaten by Hayes after wetting his pants. Ewing says Hayes' family has been in court every day to offer support.

Hayes now faces life in prison without parole when he is sentenced on February 27.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

A jury has found former Tyrone Township man Brandon Hayes guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend's son Dominick Calhoun, 4, in an Argentine apartment in April of 2010.

The jury, made of St. Clair County residents, deliberated for about two hours Thursday before the verdict was read, according to the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.

Along with first-degree murder, Hayes, 26, was found guilty on 10 total counts, including child abuse and torture, according to the Times Herald.

"It's really all about justice in the end," Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tammy Phillips said of the guilty verdict, according to the Flint Journal. "In the end, the jury spoke and that's what they believed was the right thing to do."

In the prosecution's closing arguments, which lasted about an hour and 40 minutes, they played back audio of Hayes' alleged confession to police, outlined medical testimony from experts and showed pictures of Dominick's injuries, according to WNEM TV 5. The article stated the defense argued that there was not clear evidence that Hayes was 100 percent behind the boy's injuries.

Hayes could face up to life in prison. Dominick's mother, Corrine Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August for not protecting her son and agreed to testify against co-defendant Hayes. She faces 13 to 30 years in prison.

 “We’re gratified by the jury’s decision and feel it is justice for Dominick,” said David Leyton, Genesee County prosecutor, after the verdict was read, according to the Tri-County Times. “We hope this will bring some closure for Dominick’s family.”

Many Fenton Patch readers responded to the news on the Fenton Patch Facebook Page.

Jennifer Gross posted, "The best news I've heard in a long time!!!"

Casey Gilbert said, "I think he needs a ticket to the front of the line in the death penalty waiting line."

Jacob Schloegl posted, "Death would be to easy. He needs to rot in prison because everything he did to that little boy will happen to him every day that he is in there for the rest of his life, and that's exactly what he deserves."

The sentencing is tenatively scheduled for Feb. 27 in Genesee County.

"He was my grandson, he was everybody's dream as a grandson" said Rick Calhoun of Dominick, according to the Flint Journal. "The hole's never going away, but now we think about all the good times, look at the photos and remember him.


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by Dan Armstrong
Posted: 58 mins ago

Dominick Calhoun's father and aunt said they were "very nervous, anxious, and uneasy" waiting for the verdict.

They say defense attorney James Piazza is intelligent and had the potential of swaying some jurors to believing Brandon Hayes may not have been guilty based on the evidence.

Piazza told the jury the death of Donimick Calhoun was tragic and that the jurors "should shed tears" for the little boy, but that this case was not about "what" but "who" killed him.

The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Corrine Baker, Dominick's mother, who will serve a 13 to 30 year prison sentence for pleading guilty to second degree murder.

The defense reminded jurors that Corrine Baker's own sister says Corrine is a liar and manipulator.

The defense says Corrine Baker killed her child according to what Brandon Hayes said in one of his interviews with police.

Piazza quoted from one of Brandon Hayes' interviews by saying, "Corrine repeatedly hit Dominick for three days. Brandon noticed burn marks on him and that Corrine one time arrived home after a three day period and was mad at Brandon because brandon only spanked Dominick and did not beat him with a belt."

The prosecution closed its arguments by saying Corrine Baker was not on trial and admitted that Baker was an awful mother. However, the prosecution said Corrine's testimony was consistent about the attacks Corrine said Hayes made on Dominick.

"There are repeated blunt-force injuries over days. Kick, after kick, after kick. Punch, after hit, after punch, after hit," says Tammy Phillips.

Dominick's family says while justice was served, the punishment of life in prison for Brandon Hayes will not be enough because Dominick is still gone.

"Nothing would be enough. Nothing other than having him back could ever remotely be enough," says Dominick's aunt Melanie Calhoun.

Dominick's family says it will be difficult to move forward now.

Relatives say they never truly had a time to grieve until justice was served.

They say the real grieving starts now.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

MUST SEE VIDEO AT ABOVE LINK!

OMG, This is one of the most Brutal cases I've ever heard of, my heart literally hurts for these grandparents.

PORT HURON, Michigan -- Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tammy Phillips received applause and hugs from Dominick Calhoun's family as she walked out of the Port Huron courthouse following a guilty verdict in the Brandon Hayes trial.

"It's really all about justice in the end," said Phillips of the guilty verdict Hayes received on all 10 counts in the beating death of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun, including first-degree murder. "In the end, the jury spoke and that's what they believed was the right thing to do."

Sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for 3 p.m. Feb. 27 in Genesee County. Defense Attorney James Piazza said he was not pleased with the outcome.

"I'm disappointed with the outcome, and the next step will be in the Court of Appeals," he said, declining any further comment.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Good luck w/that, Piazza!

Mother To Be Sentenced Same Day As Man Who Killed Her Son
January 24, 2012

1/24/12 - Sentencing will be held the same day for the mother of a murdered 4-year-old boy as the man convicted last week of beating the boy to death. Court records indicate that both Corrine Baker and her then-boyfriend Brandon Hayes will be sentenced by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille on February 27th. Baker, who pleaded guilty to second degree murder as part of a plea deal, faces between 13 and 30 years in prison. Authorities say she didn’t do enough to stop the beatings that took place over several days in April 2010 in an Argentine Township apartment. Hayes was found guilty last week on all ten charges against him in the death, including first degree murder, torture and child abuse. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole. Testimony during the trial indicated that one reason Baker may have been reluctant to call police as her son suffered from the beatings was because she was not supposed to be living outside Livingston County after a previous drug conviction.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Published: Monday, February 27, 2012, 7:00 AM
By Gary Ridley | [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

FLINT, Michigan -- Brandon Hayes and Corrine Baker will be sentenced Monday for the 2010 beating death of 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun.

Baker, Calhoun's mother, pleaded guilty in August to second-degree murder and second-degree child abuse. Baker's plea came with a sentencing recommendation of 13 to 30 years in prison.

Hayes, Baker's boyfriend at the time, was convicted by a St. Clair County jury in January for first-degree murder and 9 other counts. Mandatory sentencing guidelines call for him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Hayes' trial was moved to St. Clair County after extensive publicity surrounding the case in Genesee County.

Both will be sentenced in Genesee Circuit Court.

Baker testified during Hayes' trial that she witnessed Hayes kick Calhoun multiple times in the head and throw him against the wall of the couples' Argentine Township apartment.

Prosecutors asked Baker why she didn't take Calhoun and her other child living in the house and leave. Baker answered, "I don't know."

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Dominick Calhoun's mother asks for forgiveness at murder sentencing - woman, ex-boyfriend get prison for murder
4:50 AM, Feb. 28, 2012

Convictions and sentences for Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes:

Count 1: Torture, 60 to 90 years
Count 2: Felony murder while torturing, life without parole
Count 3: First-degree child abuse, 25 to 50 years
Count 4: Felony murder with child abuse, life without parole
Count 5: Second-degree murder, 100 to 150 years
Count 6: Assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, 10 to 20 years
Count 7: Delivery of marijuana, 5 to 15 years
Count 8: Possession with intent to deliver marijuana, five to 15 years
Count 9: Possession of Vicodin, five to 15 years
Count 10: Fourth-degree child abuse, one year in the county jail

Convictions and sentences for Corrine Baker:

Count 1: Second-degree murder, 13 to 30 years
Count 2: Child abuse, two to four years

A former Tyrone Township mother sentenced to prison Monday tearfully asked for forgiveness "for the horrible choices" she made that led to the murder of her 4-year-old son at their Argentine Township apartment.

While Corrine Baker asked a Genesee County Circuit Court judge for forgiveness for not doing enough to stop the murder of her 4-year-old son, Dominick Calhoun, in April 2010, her former boyfriend — Brandon Joshua-Frederick Hayes, who delivered the fatal beating — declined to speak on his own behalf.

Baker, 27, was given 13-30 years for second-degree murder while Hayes, 26, was given life without the possibility of parole for the murder of Dominick, who died April 12, 2010, after life support was stopped.

"First, I would like to apologize to everyone," Baker said as she turned to look at the packed courtroom. "I live with the death of my son every single day. I made horrible choices throughout my whole life. ... I will have to answer to God one day. I can only hope that I will be forgiven.

"Brandon Hayes took him away, but I will not let him take away the memories," she added, pausing as more tears flowed. "I've lost everything. My family. My freedom; (and son) Tyler (Baker). ... I will never forget Dominick."

Circuit Judge Richard Yuille, who described Dominick's murder as "vicious (and) brutal over a period of time," sentenced Baker as expected under a plea deal Baker reached with the prosecutor's office that called for her to testify truthfully against Hayes. The judge also ordered Baker to spend two years to four years in prison for child abuse.

The sentences run concurrent to each other and concurrent to her sentence for a probation violation originating in Livingston County.

"How you could allow Mr. Hayes to systematically murder Dominick is beyond my comprehension," Yuille told Baker. "The excuses you offered for your behavior are pathetic."

Baker testified at Hayes' trial that she did not seek help despite multiple opportunities to do so that weekend. While she offered an "I don't know" when asked why at trial, other witnesses testified that she had told them she was afraid of getting in trouble with her probation officer because she moved out of Livingston County, which was prohibited under her probation guidelines.

"Every time you came to court ... you've been tearful," Yuille added. "I would hope some of those tears are for Dominick, but I have my doubts."

After Baker's sentence, Yuille addressed Hayes, who received an automatic life sentence without parole for first-degree murder. The judge also ordered Hayes to spend 100-150 years in prison for second-degree murder and 60-90 years in prison for torturing Dominick.

Hayes was given 10-20 years for assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder for beating Baker as she tried to shield Dominick from the blows.

Dominick's paternal aunt, Melanie Calhoun, said the family believes "Brandon is getting off easy" and she chastised Baker for putting herself before her sons. The family asked for the maximum sentence for both Hayes and Baker.

"While Corrine was a victim of the crimes committed by Brandon Hayes, she also enabled his behavior," Melanie Calhoun said. "Brandon Hayes may have been the weapon that killed Dominick ... but Corrine is the one who loaded that weapon."

Assistant Prosecutor Tammy Phillips said: "The brutality in this case was unmatched" to any she has seen in her 16 years as a prosecutor.

Testimony indicated Hayes punched, kicked and burned Dominick one weekend in April 2010 after the boy wet himself on the couch. The only people to report something was wrong were a maternal aunt who called Dominick's paternal grandfather when she found him battered and bruised on the floor of his bedroom, and the grandfather, who called police.

A doctor testified at Hayes' trial that he stopped counting Dominick's injuries when he reached 100. There were bruises and thermal injuries on Dominick's face, head, hand and groin.

Another medical professional testified that Dominick's brain spilled outside his skull when the doctor created an opening to allow the severely swollen brain room to expand. It was then, a tearful doctor testified, that he had to tell the family there was "no hope" for Dominick's survival.

"How could someone be so cruel to someone so small?" Yuille said. "... I finally came to the conclusion there is no explanation."

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]