Dad: Charges in baby's death 'unfair,' about faith

RAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The man accused of murder in the starvation death of his baby proclaimed his innocence in a jailhouse interview with 24 Hour News 8 Thursday.

Seth Welch and his wife Tatiana Fusari, both 27, are charged with open murder and child abuse in the death of their 10-month-old daughter Mary Ann Welch. Mary was found dead in her crib at the family's Cedar Springs-area home last week. An autopsy found she died of malnutrition and dehydration.

Welch told 24 Hour News 8 he had no idea the baby was ill. He repeated claims made to police that he cared for his children without the aid of doctors because of religious beliefs.

"I believe I am being unfairly charged, being made an example of for my very strong faith," Welch said. "Going into the doctor's office these days is just about as dangerous as not going."

Welch said he was stunned by the charges and the potential penalty of life in prison. His mouth hung agape as the judge read the charging information during his arraignment earlier this week.

"I was very shocked. I went to my cell and I cried. …. I laid down flat on my face and I just cried out in prayer," Welch said.

Full story: WOOD TV


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