Dad accused of manslaughter for boy’s death arrested for driving while on drugs.

Schutter

Dad accused of manslaughter for boy’s death arrested for driving while on drugs.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 32-year-old Rothbury area man accused of manslaughter in connection to his 4-year-old son’s death was arrested by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies for drugged driving after failing to appear for a preliminary examination in Oceana County’s 79th District, Sept. 27, according to court records.

Jacob Scott Schutter of 4075 Clay Rd., Grant Township, was arrested just hours after he was supposed to appear in court, according to police records. He was arrested around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Oceana Drive and Webster Road in Grant Township.

After Judge John Middlebrook reset his bond two weeks prior, Schutter was a “no show” last week. 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.

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 by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies, Sept. 2, for violating their bonds following random drug tests.

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

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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