Trials set for father, girlfriend in death of Dayton 10-year-old
The father of a 10-year-old boy who authorities say was locked in an attic and killed is expected to go to trial in the case next month.
Al-Mutahan McLean, who is charged in connection to the death of Takoda Collins, told the court he didn’t wish to delay the April 26 trial date that was previously set. McLean called for his attorney to visit him in the jury box, where he was sitting during a motion-to-suppress hearing as Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Dennis Adkins was discussing moving the trial to September.
The judge warned it was possible he might not have his ruling on the motion to suppress until just days before the trial, and that he would not continue the trial at that time for that reason. The defense indicated that they understood.
McLean, 31, was charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, rape, kidnapping and endangering children.
Authorities have said in court documents that Takoda suffered “extreme abuse” before his death. Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. said in a previous release that Takoda was tortured both mentally and physically for years.
Meanwhile, the trial against Amanda Hinze, McLean’s girlfriend, who is also charged in connection to the boy’s death, was continued until September. Hinze, 29, faces involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping and child endangering charges.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and both remain in the Montgomery County Jail on $1 million bond.
Defense lawyers for McLean and Hinze have asked a judge to bar evidence collected by law enforcement, including statements they made to police and items collected from search warrants during their investigation. Exactly what McLean’s defense team has asked to bar isn’t clear because the case documents have been restricted by the judge and a gag order was issued.
During the hearing Thursday, Dayton Police homicide detectives recounted their involvement in the investigation. Det. David House
testified that he and another detective used force against McLean at the Dayton Police station after McLean began to make loud noises in an interview room and refused to drop a chair when confronted by police.
McLean’s defense questioned why police interrogated McLean that same night after the incident. Police said McLean voluntarily agreed to be questioned and that he was read his Miranda rights.
Also, House talked about how he had a conversation with Hinze’s sister, Jennifer Ebert, after her first interview with the police. Ebert has pleaded guilty, according to prosecutors.
“I informed Ms. Ebert that Takoda didn’t deserve what happened to him, I told her that his life was a living hell,” House said.
He said he told Ebert she could have stepped up and spoken out and that she needed to cooperate with police now to do the right thing.
House said he left and then returned after he got a text that Ebert was talking to herself about telling the truth. Once he got to where she was, Ebert asked to speak with Hinze, House said, and he allowed them to speak.
“Ms. Ebert told Amanda Hinze that she was going to tell us everything,” House said. “She was going to tell the truth and she wasn’t going down for this.”
House said Ebert also suggested to Hinze she should tell the truth.
Defense Attorney Dennis Leiberman, who is representing Hinze, questioned House as to why he “facilitated” the meeting between Ebert and Hinze, adding that Hinze requested an attorney during her first interview and questioned House whether the meeting was to convince Hinze to forgo representation and speak with police.
House said the conversation was initiated by Ebert. Authorities said Hinze agreed to be interviewed later that evening by police after the conversation with her sister.
The court took the arguments under advisement.
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Three of Clark County’s COVID-19 vaccine suppliers will begin this morning scheduling appointments for next week for those who qualify for the latest phase of vaccinations, which includes those 60 and older.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Monday that Ohioans ages 60 and older, those working in childcare, funeral services, law enforcement and corrections officers will be eligible under Phase 1c, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, pregnant people, bone marrow transplant recipients and people with ALS.
In addition to those newly eligible, those with a qualifying health condition from Phase 1b can also schedule an appointment.
Qualifying health conditions include: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, inherited metabolic disorder including phenylketonuria, severe neurological disorders including epilepsy, hydrocephaly and microcephaly, severe genetic disorders including Down Syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome and muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, alpha and beta thalassemia, solid organ transplants, severe congenital heart disease requiring hospitalizations within the past year, severe type 1 diabetes requiring hospitalizations within the past year, severe lung disease including asthma requiring hospitalizations within the past year.
Those who were eligible for vaccination in phase 1a, including non-hospital affiliated healthcare work- ers and congregate care residents and staff, nursing home or assisted living facilities not enrolled in the federal long-term care pharmacy program are able to schedule appointments.
Scheduling is available at the following locations:
■ The Clark County Combined Health District, in partnership with Mercy Health, will start scheduling appointments today at 8 a.m. Appointments can be made by calling 937-717-2439 or visit ccchd.com.
■ The New Carlisle Community Health Center, located at 106 N. Main St., will schedule appointments by phone at 937-543-0310.
■ Rocking Horse Community Health Center, located at 651 S. Limestone St., will be offering the vaccine by appointment only during varied hours. Rocking Horse patients will take priority. Valid identification and insurance information will be collected. No one will be turned away due to insurance status. To schedule your vaccine appointment, call 937-525-4521.