'It’s disturbing...horrific': Wixom man charged in murder of girlfriend's 1-year-old daughter

Christopher Savage

A Wixom man is facing charges stemming from the death of his girlfriend's daughter, who suffered numerous injuries before her death.

Christopher Charles Savage, 24, was charged Tuesday with felony murder and first-degree child abuse. 

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, police were called to a home in the 30000 block of Tamarack Drive just before 12:30 a.m. Saturday on reports that a child was unresponsive. When they arrived, they found Savage and the girl's mother performing CPR on her.

"It’s disturbing. These injuries are horrific. It’s unfortunate a child had to endure these," said Wixom Police Det. Sgt. Dean Caldwell.

The girl has been identified as 1-year-old McKinely Hardy.

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Wixom man charged in death of girlfriend's 1-year-old daughter

A Wixom man has been charged with killing his girlfriend's 1-year-old daughter in what authorities described as a 'disturbing' case of child abuse.

"The child has substantial injuries. Multiple injuries that spread all over her body. We do know the one that most likely was the cause of death at this point, according to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s office, would’ve been an injury to her head," Caldwell said.

Officers took over CPR until the girl was taken to Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi and then transferred to Children’s Hospital in Detroit, where she died. The prosecutor's office said the girl had multiple injuries throughout her body.

During his arraignment, Savage stood mute and entered a not guilty plea. He was denied bond.

"Words cannot begin to describe how deeply disturbing and upsetting this incident is," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "Children deserve safe environments to grow and thrive, and this child clearly did not have that opportunity. My office will fight for justice for the victim and their loved ones."

Tricia Schuster of CARE House of Oakland County said there are resources if parents are struggling with young children – including parenting classes.

"Did people see things before this actually happen? Did we provide support. Did this person reach out for help and not get it?" Schuster said. 

Savage was ordered held without bond and is due back in court June 12.

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