Competency Exam Denied in 2014 Saginaw Child Abuse and Murder Case

In a 2014 Saginaw County case, a man accused of child abuse and murder was denied a mental competency evaluation, despite his attorney’s claims that he may not have understood the charges or been capable of assisting in his defense.

The defendant, Aki Dillard, was 39 years old at the time and charged in connection with the abuse and death of his legally adopted son, Elijah Dillard.

Charges Involving Child Abuse, Torture, and Murder

Dillard faced multiple felony charges, including:

• First-degree premeditated murder
• First-degree felony murder
• First-degree child abuse
• Torture

Each of the murder charges carried mandatory life sentences without parole, and the abuse and torture charges were also punishable by up to life imprisonment under Michigan law.

Defense Raised Concerns About Dillard’s Mental Competency

At a hearing on May 20, 2014, Dillard’s attorney, William White, requested a competency exam, citing his client’s lifelong learning disability and a history of childhood abuse. White argued that Dillard may not have understood the nature of the charges or been able to participate meaningfully in his defense.

White also filed motions to:

• Suppress criminal history records from Illinois
• Exclude information from Illinois’s child protection agency
• Request a change of venue due to extensive media coverage

Judge Denied the Request for Competency Evaluation

On May 27, 2014, Chief Circuit Judge Fred L. Borchard denied the request for a competency exam, ruling that the defense had not met the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence, as required under Michigan law.

“The court is not convinced that there should be a competency evaluation,” Judge Borchard said. “The burden has not been met in this case, so we will proceed to trial.”

Dispute Over Out-of-State CPS Records

As part of the prosecution’s case, the court also addressed whether Illinois child welfare records could be introduced. Prosecutors argued they were relevant to explain why Dillard and his wife, Mio Campbell, were not living with their two older children after moving to Michigan.

Dillard claimed no children had ever been removed from his care while living in Illinois. After clarification from the prosecutor about the limited purpose of the CPS records, defense counsel withdrew the motion to suppress them.

Both Dillard and Campbell were held in jail pending trial, which was scheduled for July 1, 2014.

Why This Still Matters: Mental Competency and CPS Cases in Michigan

Although this case occurred more than a decade ago, it remains a powerful example of:

• How competency evaluations are handled under Michigan law (see MCL 330.2020 et seq.)
• The impact of interstate CPS involvement in Michigan child welfare and criminal cases
• The devastating consequences of serious abuse charges—particularly when they intersect with parental rights and criminal defense

Accused of Child Abuse or Facing Termination of Parental Rights?

At The Kronzek Firm, we’ve defended Michigan clients for decades against child abuse allegations, CPS investigations, and criminal charges. We understand the legal, emotional, and professional stakes in these high-risk cases—and we’re here to help you protect your rights and your future.

📞 Call us today at (866) 766-5245 for a confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

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