Dad accused of manslaughter in connection to 4-year-old boy’s death skips court hearing.

Schutter

Dad accused of manslaughter in connection to 4-year-old boy’s death skips court hearing.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 32-year-old Rothbury man accused of manslaughter in connection to his 4-year-old son’s death failed to appear for a preliminary examination in Oceana County’s 79th District Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 27.

After Judge John Middlebrook reset his bond two weeks ago, Jacob Scott Schutter was a “no show” Tuesday. Judge Middlebrook issued a bench warrant for Schutter’s arrest. “I want the warrant out today,” said the judge. “I am revoking his bond — there is no bond now.”

Schutter and the child’s mother — 29-year-old Jodi Michelle Neino — are charged with manslaughter and second-degree child abuse in connection to Eli Jude Schutter’s July 1 death.

The couple were arrested last month. Their son’s death certificate lists the cause of death as “toxic effects of para-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl,” said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The manner of the death is listed as “indeterminate.” 

After bonding out of jail following their initial arrests, both Schutter and Neino were arrested at their home at 4075 W. Clay Rd. in Grant Township by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies, Sept. 2, for violating their bonds following random drug tests.

Their bail was set at $10,000/cash/surety/10 percent.

Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon indicated that their other six children are currently residing with grandparents.

Neino, who is out on bond, is scheduled to appear for a preliminary exam in district court Oct. 11. A new date for Schutter’s preliminary exam has not yet been scheduled.

Manslaughter is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and second-degree child abuse carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

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