THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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CENTREVILLE, Mich. - Manslaughter and child-abuse charges have been filed against the father and stepmother of a teenager who died in a Michigan house fire while chained to her bed.

Charges were filed Monday in St. Joseph County against Anthony and Marsha Springer.

Authorities say 16-year-old Calista Springer died in the fire in February in her second-floor bedroom in Centreville.

Her father has described her as a special-needs child who was restrained to protect her from unsafe behaviour at night.

Other relatives and friends have said Calista was the victim of long-term abuse by her parents.

The arraignments are scheduled for Dec. 15. The two face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of either charge.