She knocked on his bedroom door to ask for a snack. What followed ended her life.
The Crime
On November 1, 2016, in Holt, Michigan, Thomas McClellan, 25, killed his girlfriend''s 5-year-old daughter, Luna Michelle Younger, while he was watching her at their apartment. We are not detailing the specific circumstances of her death, given her age. McClellan later set her body on fire before firefighters discovered her remains in the apartment.
Turning Himself In
McClellan turned himself in to police shortly after Luna''s body was discovered, admitting responsibility for her death.
Trial
McClellan''s attorney requested a bench trial, with Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk deciding the case rather than a jury. The defense argued for a second-degree murder conviction rather than first-degree, which under Michigan law carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole.
Conviction
Judge Draganchuk found McClellan guilty of first-degree murder, along with first-degree child abuse and first-degree arson. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
FAQ
What was Thomas McClellan convicted of?
First-degree murder, first-degree child abuse, and first-degree arson.
What sentence did he receive?
Life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in Michigan.
Was the case decided by a jury?
No. McClellan''s attorney requested a bench trial, and a judge determined the verdict.