October 21, 2010
Man charged in fire pit death gets lower bond, has immigration issues
CHRISTINE FERRETTI
The Detroit News

New Baltimore— A judge lowered bond Wednesday for a Lenox Township man charged in a fire pit accident that killed his daughter, but immigration issues may prevent him from getting out of jail.

New Baltimore District Judge William Hackel III agreed to release Majd Muhammad Al-Shara from Macomb County Jail if he posts 10 percent of a $10,000 cash or surety bond. But relatives say the self-employed handyman is living here illegally and it's unclear if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will allow him to return home.

With each arm bandaged from hand to elbow, Al-Shara wiped at tears Wednesday during a court appearance for a preliminary examination on second-degree child abuse charges. Al-Shara is accused of tossing an accelerant into a fire pit Sept. 19 and sparking an explosion that severely burned his 6-year-old daughter, Aliaa Al-Shara. The New Haven Elementary School second-grader died of her injuries a few days later.

The hearing was postponed until Nov. 8 to allow attorneys more time to review evidence.

Al-Shara's attorney, Richard Graving, said he plans to contact the family's immigration attorney to find out if his client will be permitted to return home if he posts bond, or if he'll be turned over to federal authorities.

Al-Shara illegally entered the United States from Jordan 10 years ago. His family says he made efforts to become a citizen.

Al-Shara and his daughter suffered burns in the incident that happened behind the family's home in the Quail Run mobile home community. Police say Aliaa was sitting on a blanket a few feet away from the fire when the accelerant was added and became engulfed in flames.

Al-Shara's wife, Cheryl Edgil, said it was a terrible accident. Her husband loves his daughter and is suffering, she said. She wants the charges dismissed.

"My heart hurts for him," said Edgil, 44. "I would hope they drop the charges. How much can he suffer over an accident?"

Assistant Prosecutor Therese Tobin said more charges may be forthcoming.

The Prosecutor's Office is awaiting reports from the medical examiner and police before ruling on possible charges connected to the girl's death, she said.

"We understand the emotion involved, but we can't be swayed by emotion," she said. "We have to deal with the facts in front of us."

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