Parents charged in death of chained girl

updated 3:24 p.m. ET Dec. 1, 2008

CENTREVILLE, Mich. - Manslaughter and child-abuse charges have been filed against the father and stepmother of a teenager who died in a Michigan house fire while chained to her bed.

Charges were filed Monday in St. Joseph County against Anthony and Marsha Springer.

Authorities said 16-year-old Calista Springer died in the fire in February in her second-floor bedroom in Centreville.

Her father described her as a special-needs child who was restrained to protect her from unsafe behavior at night. Other relatives and friends have said Calista was the victim of long-term abuse by her parents.

Telephone messages seeking comment from the parents were left with their attorneys. Their arraignments were scheduled for Dec. 15. The two face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of either charge.

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