No Bond For Oxford Man In Daughter's Fatal Beating
OXFORD (WWJ) - An Oxford, Michigan man has been found competent to stand trial in the baseball bat beating death of his daughter.
Oakland County District Court Judge Lisa Asadoorian made the ruling, in the case of 52-year-old Robert Kelly, who is now charged with murder after his 20-year-old daughter, Megan Roberts, died Wednesday, a few days after she was taken off life support.
Roberts allegedly beat his daughter as she slept in a bedroom of his home in May. She had been in a coma since then.
"The former charge is murder in the first degree, premeditated ... the potential penalty is life in prison," said Judge Asadoorian, Friday, 52-3 District Court in in Rochester Hills.
Standing in leg chains and handcuffs, Kelly replied that he understood the charges.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Mike Campbell reports there has been no motive given or speculated in the case. The only thing the one-time psychologist has said is that "it's complicated," and that he failed as a father.
The judge ruled that Kelly be held without bond in the Oakland County Jail. A preliminary hearing was set for August 4.
Roberts' family has set up a website for donations to pay for medical bills, funeral costs and legal fees in a wrongful death lawsuit against the father. Those who wish to donate can visit www.megansteam.com.
