Trial Date Set In Ludington Missing Baby Case
LUDINGTON (WWJ/AP) - A trial date has been set for the father of a baby who has been missing since June in western Michigan.
The Ludington Daily News reports 21-year-old Sean Phillips' trial on unlawful imprisonment and parental kidnapping charges has been scheduled to start Jan. 17 in Ludington.
The Scottville man is jailed on $250,000 bond. He rejected a plea deal in the case last month. The charges carry up to 15 years' imprisonment.
- Katherine Phillips (Courtesy: Ludington Police Department)
Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth Phillips was 4 months old when she last was seen June 29 with her father. Katherine lived with her mother, 19-year-old Ariel Courtland, at an apartment in Ludington, about 80 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
Courtland said her daughter was in the car when Phillips drove off from her apartment. The baby was not with Phillips when he was arrested at his parent's house a short time after an Amber Alert was issued for Katherine.
Extensive searches still haven't turned up the girl, although police have located the clothing she was last seen wearing. Courtland has said Phillips indicated to her Katherine is still alive, although he would not say more.
Anyone with information about what happened to this child is asked to contact Mason-Oceana 911 at (231) 869-5858. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Silent Observer at (888) 786-7274. Anonymous information can also be provided at www.lsotip.com or by texting "LSOTIP" and your tip to 274637.
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