Ricky Holland Vanished

Lisa Holland was sentenced today in a Lansing courthouse by Judge Paula Manderfield to life without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of her adopted son Ricky Holland of Williamston Township, Michigan. The charge of first-degree child abuse was vacated to avoid the possibility of being sentenced under the rule of double jeopardy.

Most people are happy with the verdict and the sentencing. Many would have liked to see Tim Holland receive the same sentence. Lisa Holland’s sister expressed her disappointment at the verdict and the sentencing stating that her sister is innocent of the charges and that Tim Holland is the guilty party.

It was visible that Lisa Holland had been crying but she declined to speak on her own behalf prior to the sentence being handed down.

Judge Paula Manderfield, paused a few times to choke back sobs during the sentencing. She stated that Lisa Holland buried the family dog but threw her child. She said it was her privilege to sentence Lisa the Michigan Department of Corrections to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Stuart Dunnings III indicated he was ordering the Department of Human Services to release the report regarding the investigation into Ricky’s murder and his time in foster care. The report is expected to be released to the public by Friday.

Stuart Dunnings did not indicate when Ricky’s remains may be released for burial.

I have many questions regarding what happened to Ricky. Unless Lisa Holland decides to speak one day to someone the secret of what happened to Ricky and why will remain with her for the rest of her life.

I am disappointed that the people responsible for placing Ricky in the Holland home and not taking action when abuse was reported are not going to have to answer to criminal charges. It is my opinion that they are criminally responsible for Ricky’s death and need to be held accountable.

Perhaps if and when reform is accomplished in the state of Michigan part of those reforms will address criminal culpability on the part of social workers who neglect to take action to protect a child being abused in a placement.

I am not sure how much longer I will keep this blog open. I will keep it on the Internet so people can always read Ricky’s story here. Within the next few days I will be writing a closure piece of sorts.

I there is anyone reading this blog who would like their comments included in the closure piece please email me using the contact form at the top of the blog.

View the video of the sentencing here.

I received the email below from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings, III late last week. I emailed him back and asked his permission to post it on my blog, he agreed to the request. I told him that there are many who visit my blog from Michigan and I thought my readers would be interested in what he had to say regarding the conviction of Lisa Holland on first-degree murder and child abuse charges.

I would like to thank you for your interest in the proceedings in the case of The People of the State of Michigan v Lisa Holland.

I know that at times there were doubts as to our trial strategy but that is why I asked people to wait until the entire case was presented to form an opinion.

I would like to thank Sheriff Wrigglesworth and his staff; particularly Lt.
Holliday, Det. Mark Bowser,and Det Paul Nieusma for their work not only in the investigation but with their assistance during the trial. Significant contributions were made by the entire crew of the Sheriff’s department including Dawn Nye, Billy Mitchell, and Steve Sopocy. I would make special note of Det Brian Valentine who skillful interrogation of Lisa Holland was played to the jury with great effect.

The Sheriff and Under-sheriff Myers put together a brilliant investigative strategy once the Holland’s became the focus of the investigation.

I would also commend the Michigan State Police including Det Frank Mraz whose interrogation of Tim caused him to lead us to the body. Det/Tpr Brain Fox for his assistance during the investigation and for many last minute pleas for help on our part during the trial. They were assisted by Dets Jaime Coorona, Tom Declerq, and Bill Eberhardt to name a few.

The MSP crime lab did an outstanding job (which is their norm but we should never take that for granted)particularly Ann Gordon whose blood splatter analysis of Ricky’s shirt provided a key link in this case.

I would also express my profound appreciation to Michael Ferency for the heroic effort put forth in this case. I would point out that several of the lawyers on our staff including Sue LeDuc, Bill Crino, and others provided great assistance, often in an ASAP situations with legal research as well as the entire team of the prosecutor’s office whose efforts and support made this conviction possible.

I would like to thank the People of Ingham County; first those who participated in the search for Ricky in the sweltering July heat. Although Ricky was not found, that was the first significant piece of information that led to today’s conviction.

The People of Ingham County,through the elected Board of Commissioners allowed your Prosecutor’s office and the Sheriff’s department the resources to pursue the investigation and trial and so credit for this outcome belongs to the people of Ingham County.

I would commend the jurors for their patience, intelligence, and the diligence with which they discharged their civic responsibility.

I would thank all of you for your interest in this case but this problem does not begin nor sadly enough does it end with Ricky. On Monday we begin another trial for another child allegedly murdered by his care giver and we have yet another recently bound over for trial.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Stuart J. Dunnings III
Ingham County Prosecutor