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Lansing Man Charged with Murder in Death of 3-Month-Old Daughter

John Harold Sanders, a 37-year-old Lansing man, was charged on Monday in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, who died at a Lansing’s Sparrow hospital on Friday, January 4. Sanders was arraigned in 54A District Court on Monday on charges of first-degree child abuse and murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The scene unfolded on Friday when Lansing police were dispatched to the hospital after medical personnel found the baby, Janayjah Sanders, had serious internal injuries according to Capt. Daryl Green. The infant was pronounced dead at 10:35 p.m. On Saturday, police announced that the infant’s suspicious death was under investigation. Possible witnesses are being interviewed in order for police to determine how the baby may have been injured.

Sanders faces charges as a fourth-time habitual offender, as he has numerous past convictions according to news reports. In 2005, Sanders was convicted in Oklahoma on a charge of second-degree burglary. In 2011, the suspect was convicted on drug possession charges in Eaton County according to court records. Sanders is being held in the Ingham County Jail without bond, and has requested a court-appointed lawyer.

The preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 17 in front of 54A District Court Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. Individuals with any information pertaining to this case are asked to contact Detective Shannon Thielen at 517-483-6858.

This is a very sad and unfortunate situation; however, Michigan murder defense lawyers understand there are often extenuating circumstances which may affect the outcome for the individual charged with a serious crime such as murder. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important that individuals accused of crimes that could leave them facing a lifetime behind bars consult with an attorney immediately.


If you have been arrested for murder, child abuse, or any criminal offense or are even under investigation but have not been arrested, contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney today. Your freedom may be at stake; you must protect your legal rights. Your attorney will examine your case, explore all of the legal options, and take the necessary steps to obtain the best possible outcome.

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