Macomb County Man Guilty Of Drowning Child, 6, With Special Needs

FRASER, MI — A Macomb County man could spend the rest of his life in prison after he was convicted Monday of drowning his girlfriend’s 6-year-old child, who had special needs, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Hunter Locke-Hughes, 22, was charged with first-degree child abuse (life felony) and felony murder (life felony). He was found guilty of first-degree child abuse and involuntary manslaughter (15-year felony) after a nine-day trial.

Locke-Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, March 13, at 8:30 a.m. at a Macomb County Circuit Court.

Prosecutors said the incident happened on Dec. 28, 2021 when Locke-Hughes bathed the child and held the boy underwater.

"Our commitment to protecting the innocent and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society remains unwavering," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "I hope the family can find closure with this guilty verdict."