Couple cleared of murder in chained teen's death

CENTREVILLE, Mich. (AP) -- A southwestern Michigan couple whose teenage daughter died in a house fire while chained to her bed have been acquitted of murder charges but convicted of torture and child abuse. A jury in St. Joseph County reached its verdicts against Anthony and Marsha Springer in its ninth day of deliberations Tuesday. They face up to life in prison for torture and up to 15 years for first-degree child abuse when they are sentenced April 16. The Springers were charged in the February 2008 death of 16-year-old Calista Springer. Her father has said Calista had special needs and the tethering was necessary to keep her from leaving her bedroom and their Centreville home at night. Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday evening with defense attorneys John Bush and Victor Bland. Published: Thu, Feb 25, 2010

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