Happening. Now, a Norton Shores woman accused of abusing and killing her teenage son is on trial. Shanda Vander RK is facing a first degree felony charge of murder and child abuse in the first degree for alleged crimes that stemmed back to July of last year 13. On your side, Travier Gonzalez is live from Muskegon County, Travier. What's happened so far a good afternoon, Veronica, we were able to get the details for fairly early on. So far, we've heard from many first responders who were able to describe the state in which they found this victim dead and it all really sounded rather dark. We want to go ahead and let you know that the details surrounding this case are disturbing. Now, the prosecutor's opening statement was also really painting a grim picture to members of the jury. They described the victim, Timothy Ferguson as a year old who was incredibly malnourished one witness even saying that bones were protruding from his body when they found him. A normal 15 year old would normally weigh about £132. But Timothy Ferguson just 69 they describe this as a demented version of Harry Potter with descriptions of the victim at times staying in a closet with only a tarp that smelled of urine and feces. There are also motion activated cameras throughout the home including the bathroom, locks on the pantry cabinets and refrigerator. The prosecution later said that criminals in prison had more freedom than what this 15 year old had. Vander A's attorney called this trial. Weird. Right from the start. Still, he made a point to argue that his client is not guilty because she had no intention to hurt or kill. Meaning that this doesn't satisfy what would be first to the defendant and presented her as an educated and hard working woman who would even pass the state bar and was working to become a licensed attorney. But the question that has to be floating in the minds of jurors here, how did Vander a not know that these alleged actions would lead to her son's death? Now, the defendant's son, Paul Ferguson also played a hand in this alleged abuse. Ferguson, it should be said will be testifying against his mother in this case. And in addition to that, Vander Ark herself is expected to testify on the stand. Now, less than an hour ago, I ended up hearing this, this conversation, there were officers who were reading transcripts of text messages and as this was going on, this was the first time I saw Vander Ark get emotional. She ended up uh upon this crying and breaking up into tears. This caused court to have to go and take a break because of that panic attack. You can expect reporter Nate Bell to be able to pick up and continuously where this trial goes for an hour. We live here in Esca County Tribute, Gonzales 18 on your side.
