BELLINGHAM — A couple is facing second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of their malnourished son.
The Bellingham Herald reports bail was set at $10,000 for 23-year-old Cody James Shields and 22-year-old Brittany Shane Daniels.
Lucian Mykael Shields was born Aug. 25 weighing 8 pounds and 6 ounces. He died a little over three months later weighing 9 pounds and 7 ounces. An autopsy found almost no fat on his body and determined he died of malnutrition, dehydration and neglect.
Deputy public defender Alan Chalfie said in court that the charges do not indicate intent. After speaking with Shields, Chalfie told the court he didn’t want to raise a challenge now, but that some facts in the probable cause statement are in dispute.
