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Detroit mother, boyfriend accused in fatal abuse and torture of 3-year-old boy to be sentenced this month

A jury found Michael Yharbrough, of Detroit, guilty on Monday of all charges related to the torture and death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son.

Detroit residents Michael Yharbrough and Brianna Simmons will be sentenced on June 23 and June 26, respectively, for their alleged role in the torture and murder of Simmons' 3-year-old son. (Courtesy of Detroit Police Department)

DETROIT – A woman and her boyfriend accused in the torture and subsequent death of her 3-year-old son in Detroit last year are expected to be sentenced later this month.

Michael Yharbrough, 25, of Detroit, was convicted by a jury on Monday of first-degree murder, torture, and first-degree child abuse for his role in the death of the child in late February 2025, at their home on Rutherford Street on Detroit’s west side.

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The boy’s mother, Brianna Simmons, 36, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to second-degree child abuse in the case on May 8, 2026. Charges of first-degree murder, first-degree child abuse and torture were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

Simmons will be sentenced at 9 a.m. June 23, and Yharbrough is expected to be sentenced at 9 a.m. June 26 in Detroit’s 3rd Circuit Court, according to court records.


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