The body of a nine-year-old quadriplegic girl was found in a self-storage unit last week in Vienna Township, Mich. The girl’s adoptive mother, 39-year-old Lorrie M. Thomas, wrapped Shylae Thomas’ body in a garbage bag surrounded by mothballs and packed her in a plastic tub, according to prosecutors.
Thomas rented one of 170 units at Stor & Lock about six weeks ago. Investigators said she made up a story about sending Shylae to Virginia with a friend.
The autopsy showed that Shylae died from chronic malnourishment and neglect. Thomas is charged with second-degree murder and child abuse.
Shylae lived with Thomas and seven other children, who have been removed from the home and placed in emergency foster care.
Source: The Flint Journal, Storage businesses allowed little oversight over renters
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