Friday, October 12 2012 5:11 PM EDT2012-10-12 21:11:01 GMT
As D'Andre Lane listened to the verdict, his attorney put a hand on his shoulder. The 32-year-old father of Bianca Jones was convicted on charges of felony murder and child abuse.
As D'Andre Lane listened to the verdict, his attorney put a hand on his shoulder. The 32-year-old father of Bianca Jones was convicted on charges of felony murder and child abuse.
The mother of missing Detroit toddler Bianca Jones says she doesn't believe the girl's father has anything to do with her daughter's disappearance.
The mother of missing Detroit toddler Bianca Jones says she doesn't believe the girl's father has anything to do with her daughter's disappearance.
By Roop Raj Fox 2 News
DETROIT (WJBK) -- It was a dramatic day in court as the father of Bianca Jones was sentenced for killing his daughter. D'Andre Lane had some angry words for the judge after he was told he would spend the rest of his life in prison.
"You have yet to bring any evidence forth that says my daughter is dead. You have yet to bring any evidence forth that says I abused by child," Lane said during his sentencing Monday, adamantly defending his innocence.
As he was exiting the courtroom, Lane addressed Judge Vonda Evans by her first name and called her a liar. Evans had Lane brought back into the courtroom where she chided him.
Earlier, the judge left no doubt why she picked a maximum penalty.
"This lie that you concocted because you were not man enough to face up to what you had done. You disciplined that child, you tortured that child, and you should be ashamed of yourself," Evans told Lane.
Lane was convicted in October of killing his two-year-old daughter. He told police that Bianca was in the back seat of his car in Detroit when a carjacker took the vehicle at gunpoint. The car was found less than an hour later, but the girl was not inside. Detroit Police joined forces with the FBI to bring about the investigation resulting in child abuse and murder charges now leading to life in prison.
Bianca's mother, Banika Jones, made two points in court, saying Lane was never abusive and that she doesn't think her daughter is dead.
"They've given me no proof whatsoever of my daughter's demise. They've been able to demonstrate in no way, shape or form or fashion that she was hurt, harmed or injured. All they have is she was sleeping and she didn't move," Jones told Fox 2.
In the end, Lane had one last chance to defend himself.
"My daughter is alive. She is missing. She will be found," he said.
"Your kingdom consisted of exploiting women, who you controlled, and children, who you excessively disciplined," Evans told him.
"We don't believe that anything was put forth in that trial to show that Mr. Lane is guilty, number one, of murder or child abuse in the first degree," said Terry Johnson, Lane's attorney.
You can likely expect an appeal on this conviction. In the meantime, Bianca's mother says there is no sense of closure and she continues with the work of trying to find her daughter.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.