Michigan – In a heartbreaking case that has shocked Michigan, a 33-year-old mother has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the brutal murder of her blind three-year-old son, Chayse. A. France faced Judge T. Green and received a sentence of 35 to 60 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. This tragic event unfolded in 2022, culminating in one of the most severe child abuse cases the state has seen.
The court proceedings concluded with France being credited for 767 days already served, providing a small measure of justice for young Chayse. During her court appearance, France remained silent, a stark contrast to the brutality of her actions, covering her face as the sentence was delivered. Her quiet demeanor in court did little to mitigate the severity of her crimes, which initially included charges of felony murder, child abuse, torture, and concealing the death of an individual.
The chilling details of this case began to surface when police responded to a welfare check at France’s residence on June 24, 2022. Upon their arrival, officers were confronted with a horrific scene: the remains of young Chayse were found in a freezer in the basement. The discovery was made after officers insisted on checking the home, despite France’s attempts to turn them away.
Police Chief J. White expressed his dismay at the conditions in the home, highlighting the unimaginable situation the other children in the household had endured. This sentiment was echoed by Prosecutor K. Worthy, who remarked on the profoundly shocking nature of the allegations and the ongoing risk to children living in such dangerous environments. “The alleged facts in this case have astounded even the seriously jaded. Our children continue to be at risk — not just from gun violence but also from the alleged murderer that lives in the house with them,” Worthy said in a statement.
The circumstances leading up to Chayse’s death were heartbreaking. France admitted to investigators that her frustration with Chayse’s refusal to eat on a night in late March 2022 led her to violently beat him with a belt and kick him in the chest. The next morning, she found him lifeless. Overwhelmed and fearing the loss of her other children, she opted not to seek medical help or contact authorities. France explained to a homicide detective that she was overwhelmed by her son’s special needs and lack of support. She mentioned that her son, Chayse, was initially meant to stay with his grandfather, who had previously cared for her children. Furthermore, France admitted that she avoided calling 911 for fear that her remaining children would be taken by the authorities. Instead, she reassured the two children who saw Chayse’s body that she would handle the situation. She then put his body in a bag, took it to the basement, and concealed it in the freezer.
The case not only highlights the individual tragedy of Chayse and but also points to larger issues of child safety and parental responsibility. France’s actions, driven by her inability to cope with her son’s special needs and her isolation in caregiving, have sparked discussions on the support systems needed for parents of disabled children. As France prepares to serve her sentence, the community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragedy.
