Man Pleads Guilty to Murder on Isabella Reservation for Saginaw Chippewa Native American Tribe

Anthony Michael Bennett, 21, pleaded guilty today to second- degree murder, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Paul M. Abbate, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Bennett pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington in Bay City, Michigan. During his guilty plea, Bennett informed the court that on three occasions he had assaulted 4-year-old Carnel Chamberlain. The last time, on June 21, 2012, he killed him by punching him in the head. According to the factual basis contained in his plea agreement, Bennett burned the body in an attempt to conceal evidence of his crime.

“This was a horrific crime that is unsettling to anyone who cares about children,” McQuade said. “We are grateful for the diligent work of the investigating agents and prosecutors who were able to obtain this conviction and find some measure of justice for Carnel.”

Special Agent in Charge Abbate stated, “The heinous acts committed by the defendant in this case are simply unspeakable. While today’s guilty plea will never fill the void created by Carnel’s death, it does ensure that the family and the many others who loved him will not have to endure the pain associated with a trial and that justice is served through a lengthy term of imprisonment for the defendant. We hope that this can be a step in some measure towards peace and closure.”

The plea agreement calls for Bennett to be sentenced to no less than 35 years and no more than 40 years. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2014.

The investigation of this case was conducted by officers of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the Bay City branch of the United States Attorney’s Office.