Accused child torturers due back in court

By Phil Foley

ATTICA TWP. —  Troy and Alyssa Holt, the Attica Township couple accused of abusing and torturing their two-month-old infant, are due back in court Aug, 13. 

The couple has been held in the Lapeer County Jail on $200,000 bonds since their arrest May 1.

Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller said the Holts' parental rights have been terminated and the child is being cared for by foster parents.

Alyssa Holt stands accused of child abuse first degree, torture, while her husband, Troy, is accused of child abuse first degree, torture and child abuse third degree.

Alyssa Holt, represented by Colleen Starr, is set to appear before Judge Laura Cheger Barnard in 71A District Court for a probable cause conference.

Judge Barnard will determine if the case can be resolved without going any further or if a preliminary examination is necessary before the case can proceed toward trial at the circuit court.

Troy Holt, represented by Brandon Kizy, is set to appear before Judge Barnard for a preliminary examination.  Judge Barnard will decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to the circuit court.

With a sentencing guideline of 135 to 225 months on the low end, Miller said he thinks it's unlikely either attorney will offer a plea agreement. 

Miller said Lapeer County Sheriff's Dept detectives began investigating last November after the Holts brought their child to McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital.

After examination the infant was transferred to Hurley Medical Center and ultimately to Ann Arbor's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Physicians at the hospitals determine the infant was suffering from a subdural hemorrhage, numerous broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade, a fractured forearm and retinal hemorrhaging.

According to Miller the infant's recovery is going to be a "long term process."  He added, "It's not known if there will be cognitive issues."

He said the assistant prosecutor assigned to the case told him, "This is by far the worst they've ever seen."

While the Holts lived on the 900 block of Martin Drive in Attica Township, Alyssa Holt was taken into custody at a home on the 2000 block of Lily Court in Davison Township, while Troy Holt was taken into custody later in the day at Fort Custer in Battle Creek where he was attending Army Reserve training.

"It's definitely a sad case," said Miller