Infant death case headed to trial

IRON RIVER — The case of an Iron County woman accused of killing a baby appears to be heading to trial.

25–year–old Brittany Lyn Russell was in Iron County Circuit Court this morning for her pre–trial hearing. Russell is charged with first–degree murder and first–degree child abuse, in connection with the death of a 3-month–old baby back in June of 2014.

She pleaded not guilty to both charges. Russell is due back in court for a motions hearing in October. A three week trial has been scheduled to start Dec. 1st through the 22nd.

IRON RIVER — An Iron River woman is facing a murder charge in connection to the death of a 3-month-old baby.

The Iron River Police Department says 25-year-old Brittany Lyn Russell was arrested and charged with Felony Murder in relation to the child’s death in late June. Police say the infant was severely injured at a residence in Iron River on June 24th and died on June 27th.

Police say Judge C. Joseph Schwedler released Russell on a personal recognizance bond at her arraignment. They add that the victim’s mother, who was present for the arraignment, was visibly distraught about the release. She told police that she felt the Judge disregarded the loss of her daughter and considered Russell’s release to be a “slap in her face.”

The Iron River Police Department is being assisted in this case by detectives from the Calumet and Iron Mountain posts of the Michigan State Police.