Detroit Man Charged with Abandoning One-Year-Old Son in Car

Published on March 04, 2026

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Orlander Murnell Linson, Jr., 35, of Detroit, in connection with abandoning his one-year-old son in his car.

On February 27, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Defendant Linson abandoned his vehicle in front of a residence in the 20600 block of Damman Street, leaving the child inside. At approximately 3:30 p.m., Harper Woods police officers were dispatched to the residence for reports of an abandoned vehicle. Upon their arrival, officers located the defendant’s vehicle. Officers did not observe anyone inside of the vehicle and subsequently had it impounded.

On February 28, 2026, the child’s mother reported the child missing to the Detroit Police Department. An investigation by the Detroit Police Department led officers to an impound lot in the 22700 block of Lexington Street in Eastpointe, Michigan, where the child was discovered inside the vehicle. The child was then transported by officers to a local hospital for treatment.

Orlander Murnell Linson has been charged with Second-Degree Child Abuse, and Child Abuse - Leaving Child in Vehicle Resulting in Physical Harm. *

“I don’t know what would possess a person to abandon a helpless 13-month-old in a car in winter weather. The alleged actions of this defendant are truly disturbing,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

He was arraigned this afternoon in 32A District Court and received a $100,000 cash/surety bond with a GPS tether. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., before Judge Rebekah Coleman. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Harper Woods Police Department.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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