Benzie County, Michigan — A disturbing case out of northern Michigan has left a community shaken after a 5-year-old girl was found severely injured in the woods behind her home, and her mother was taken into custody on serious criminal charges.
According to the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a residence on Lincoln Avenue in the Village of Thompsonville on Monday for a welfare check involving a 40-year-old woman identified as Christina Kay Crow. What began as a routine check quickly turned into a major investigation when officers grew concerned about the whereabouts and safety of her young daughter.
Authorities initiated a search of the surrounding area. After approximately 90 minutes, deputies located the child in a wooded area behind the home. Officials confirmed the girl had suffered severe lacerations to her neck and face, indicating a potentially life-threatening situation.
Emergency responders immediately transported the child to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, she was later transferred to Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids for advanced medical care. Her current condition has not been publicly updated.
Following the discovery, Christina Kay Crow was arrested at the scene and taken to the Benzie County Jail. Court records show she has been charged with assault with intent to murder and first-degree child abuse. She appeared in the 85th District Court for arraignment, where a judge set her bond at $1 million.
Officials have not disclosed further details about what led to the incident, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the age of the victim. The sheriff’s office continues to gather evidence and has urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold.
Crow is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on May 7, followed by a preliminary examination on May 14.
This case has raised serious concerns about child safety and mental health awareness, as investigators work to determine the full circumstances behind the incident.
