Sherry Leak is Accused of Killing Her Adopted Daughter Mialah on Her Birthday After Sitting on Her

On November 23rd, Fruitport Township, Michigan was shaken by a tragedy that has sparked outrage, heartbreak, and ongoing investigation. Eleven-year-old Mialah Leak, who had special medical needs, was found unresponsive in her home on what should have been a day of celebration—her birthday. Instead, the child’s life ended during what authorities describe as a “disciplinary incident” involving her adoptive mother, Sherry Leak.

According to investigators, the fatal event unfolded when Sherry Leak allegedly sat on Mialah as a form of punishment. The pressure caused the child to lose consciousness. Emergency responders arrived at the home, but Mialah was pronounced dead shortly after. The details surrounding the incident have left the community stunned and searching for answers.

Authorities have charged Leak with felony manslaughter, and she is currently prohibited from having any contact with minors. In the aftermath of Mialah’s death, her medically fragile twin sister—who also lived in the home—was immediately placed into protective custody. She has since been hospitalized as a precaution while Child Protective Services moves to terminate Leak’s parental rights entirely.

Reports indicate that the girls had unique medical conditions requiring extra care, raising further concerns about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. Officials have not released many details about the history within the household, but the ongoing investigation will explore whether warning signs were overlooked.

For now, the community mourns an 11-year-old life cut short under horrific circumstances, while the justice system continues piecing together exactly what happened inside that home. As the legal process moves forward, investigators, advocates, and neighbors alike hope the surviving twin receives the safety, care, and support she urgently needs—and that Mialah is honored with accountability and truth.

The investigation into her death remains active.