A witness handed over a video that deputies say shows a 25-year-old man repeatedly striking a 2-year-old child and slamming the toddler into a wall in Redding Township, Clare County. Authorities say both the man and a 22-year-old woman who was present were taken into custody and charged with fourth-degree child abuse. According to law enforcement accounts, the toddler can be heard crying and repeatedly saying "no" in the recording.
What the footage shows
As reported by ABC12, deputies say the video depicts Justin Thomas Henke, 25, striking and slamming the child into a wall and spanking the toddler more than a dozen times while the child screamed. The station reports the footage was handed to deputies by a witness, and investigators are using it as part of their ongoing probe. Local reporters, citing the sheriff, note the child involved is two years old.
Arrests and court steps
Both suspects were arraigned in the Clare County District Court, where public listings show arraignments and bond hearings held at the Harrison courthouse (Clare County Courts). According to local court filings and reporting, Henke’s bond was set at $50,000, while Kristi Marie Thomas, 22, had a bond set at $5,000. Prosecutors charged both with fourth-degree child abuse as the case proceeds in the 80th District Court.
What officials say
The Clare County Sheriff’s Office provided the initial account of the call to a Fir Trail address and investigators’ review of the video evidence. According to the sheriff’s office statement reported to local media, Henke denied intentionally hurting the child and told deputies he was disciplining the toddler. Deputies say they also arrested Henke on a probation violation connected to the matter as investigators continue to gather statements and evidence.
Legal context
Under Michigan law, fourth-degree child abuse covers omissions or reckless acts that cause physical harm or pose an unreasonable risk of harm to a child and is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail for a first offense. Repeat offenses or other aggravating circumstances can lead to more serious charges under the state statute. The criminal statute is set out by the Michigan Legislature (MCL 750.136b).
The investigation remains active, and authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Clare County Sheriff’s Office or the district court in Harrison. For county contact details, see the Clare County courts and sheriff pages for phone numbers and the Harrison courthouse address.
