Husband accused of neglecting obese wife before her death allowed to see his children

Warren, Michigan (WXYZ) - Thirty-seven-year-old Michael Brooks told a Warren judge he would waive his right to a preliminary exam, a hearing where a judge decides whether there is enough evidence for trial, but he had a request.

He asked to see his kids who were put in his sister’s care after their mom was found in deplorable conditions in the family’s apartment.

The judge said he will allow Brooks supervised visits with his 2-year-old twins, 11 and 13-year-old children.

Brooks’ attorneys say it is the right decision. They know Brooks is accused of leaving his bedridden wife to care for herself for days.  Yolanda Reese-Brooks sat in her own waste until the 400 pound woman  was covered in maggots and developed a deadly infection.

Attorneys acknowledge it ended tragically, but insist Brooks didn’t want this.  They say he loved his wife, but was unequipped to handle the care she required after a car accident.

“She was in tough shape,” said defense attorney David Draper.  “This was a situation that would have been tough for trained professionals. ”

The criminal case against Michael Brooks now moves forward to circuit court, where a hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 19 ^th.