'48 Hours' Examines Daycare Death And Asks: Was Teacher Wrongly Convicted?
(CBS) – There are new questions about a 2009 tragedy at a suburban daycare center.
Sixteen-month-old Benjamin Kingan died. A jury later convicted a teacher's assistant of killing him.
Now, "48 hours" has uncovered evidence that casts doubts on that verdict.
Police video shows suspect Melissa Calusinski being grilled by Lake County detectives. Seventy-nine times, over the course of several hours, Calusinski denies any involvement in the death of of the toddler.
Finally, after some nine hours, Melissa changes her story.
Defense attorney Kathleen Zellner says that confession is not valid.
"I know her confession doesn't match the medical evidence," Zellner says. "I know this needs to be completely reviewed."
It's not just Calusinski's words in question now. So is the evidence, according to the coroner.
The Lake County State's Attorney stands by the verdict. He says the jury heard and rejected the arguments now being made.
As for Benjamin's parents, they say they are satisfied with the jury's verdict.
The episode of "48 Hours" runs at 9 p.m. Saturday.
