Original article no longer available
WNDU
April 14, 2005
Samantha Dutton is being held on manslaughter charges
Benton Harbor, MI – The mother of a 4-year old boy, who was found dead in a Benton Harbor home last month, now faces manslaughter charges in connection with the death of her son.
Police arrested 23-year-old Samantha Dutton Wednesday night at her home in Plainwell.
On March 3, the body of Joseph Dekoster was found in a Benton Harbor home.
An autopsy and toxicology report revealed the child died from drug toxins commonly found in cold medicines and anti-depressants.
Police believe Dutton gave her son a mixture of prescriptions, not authorized by a doctor.
Dutton is currently being held in the Berrien County Jail, pending arraignment.