By Terry Oparka
C & G Staff Writer

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights parents face second-degree murder charges in the death of their 20-month-old son in a suspected meth lab.

The infant died of dehydration and malnutrition, said Assistant Prosecutor William Daly, chief of the drug unit for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Tina Marie Boughner was arraigned in 41-A District Court on the murder charge Sept. 12.  Her preliminary exam, which was also scheduled for that day, was adjourned to allow the couple’s exams to be held together.

Following a psychiatric evaluation, the second-degree murder charge, a life felony, will be brought against the infant’s father, Andrew Marc Young, Daly said. The murder charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Boughner and Young are also charged with felony counts of manufacturing a controlled substance, and operation and maintenance of a lab.

When police arrived at the couple’s home on Betley Drive, in the 19 Mile and Clinton River Road area, on July 9 after Boughner called 911 to report her son was not breathing, they found the home in disarray, Daly said.

The child had significant diaper rash with oozing sores and had been in a soiled diaper for a significant period of time, he said.

Police were called to the couple’s home a year ago to check on the welfare of the child, but no charges were filed at that time.

Boughner has two misdemeanor convictions for drunken driving and retail fraud. Boughner’s parents, who reside in Houghton Lake, have care of Boughner’s 7-year-old daughter, said her attorney, Carl McPherson.

Bond of $400,000 cash/surety was continued, and Boughner remains in custody. 

At press time, no date has been set for the preliminary exams.

You can reach Staff Writer Terry Oparka at toparka@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1054.