Records sealed as prosecutor says investigation in Takoda Collins’ death ongoing

Takoda Collins suspect faces misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charge

“It’s necessary right now, (the reason) will be released and I think it will be soon and I think it will be apparent,” Heck said. “I know that’s not exactly what you want to hear today, but all I can tell you is that we’ve been in constant contact with the family and I think once we are able to complete not only the investigation but the submission and presentation of this case to the Montgomery County grand jury, all this may become clearer for you and the public.”

McLean, Ebert and Amanda Hinze are charged in connection to the abuse of 10-year-old Takoda Collins. Authorities say Takoda was beaten and died with cuts and bruises throughout his body. He also allegedly ate his own feces and either drank a lot of water or was held underwater before his death, authorities say.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.

The news of Takoda outraged many community members and prompted an extensive Dayton Daily News investigation into how Children Services and Dayton police responded before Takoda’s death. An advocacy group, Takaoda’s Call, was formed in response to his death and has called for more transparency in how Montgomery County Children Services handles cases.

McLean was Takoda’s father, Hinze was McLean’s girlfriend and Ebert is Hinze’s sister. All three lived in the home with Takoda on Kensington Drive, authorities said. The documents in both Ebert and McLean’s criminal case cannot be viewed by the public.

EARLIER: Takoda Collins’ death sparks grassroots Dayton advocacy group

However, the Montgomery County Common Pleas Clerk of Court’s website indicates that Ebert has been charged with misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter in the case. That’s a new charge, as she and Hinze were only originally indicted on four counts of endangering children.

McLean was indicted on four counts of endangering children, felonious assault and rape, and Hinze is charged with the endangering children counts, according to the clerk’s website.

McLean and Hinze are due back in court on Sept. 3 for a motion to suppress hearing.