Eaton County woman, son charged in woman's death

DELTA TWP. – An Eaton County woman and her adult son are facing criminal charges in connection with death of the woman's mother early last year.

Robin Sanford, 53, and Tyler Sanford, 23, are charged with involuntary manslaughter and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse in connection with the death of Nancy Belen, 76, of Lansing, authorities said.

Belen shared a room with her daughter and grandson at the Red Roof Inn in Delta Township for several years before dying in January 2014 from medical problems that had gone untreated, Eaton County Sheriff's officials said.

"She was unable to care for herself, and the people she relied on to do that failed to care for her, and it led to her death," Eaton County Sheriff's Capt. Tim Jungel said.

Robin Sanford was formally arraigned on the charges Wednesday in 56A District Court and is being held in the Eaton County Jail. A hearing to determine if she should stand trial on the charges is set for March 16.

Tyler Sanford is set to be arraigned March 4, officials said.

Belen had been neglected for "quite some time" before she was discovered near death in her hotel room, Jungel said.

She died on Jan. 18, 2014, according to a death notice published in the Lansing State Journal. The notice said she was a retired billing specialist at Ingham Regional Medical Center, now know as McLaren Greater Lansing.

Charlotte attorney Lucas Dillon, who is representing Robin Sanford, said his client maintains her innocence.

"The prosecution's theory is that my client was responsible for (Belen's) care, and that my client's neglect was the cause of her death," Dillon said. "Obviously, we are disputing that to the fullest degree."

Dillon said the case is complex and could take a long time to litigate.

"I don't anticipate this will be quick," he said.

It was not clear if Tyler Sanford has legal representation.

Manslaughter and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse are punishable by up to 15 years upon conviction.